Can Liposuction Remove Visceral Fat?

When it comes to body contouring and localised slimming, liposuction is one of the first aesthetic procedures that comes to mind. Especially when diet and exercise fail to shift stubborn fat, liposuction offers an appealing option to those who want to be rid of it. At this point, though, one question comes up again and again: can liposuction also remove internal fat, that is, the visceral fat that builds up around the organs?

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is the removal, by vacuum suction, of excess fat tissue that has built up in particular areas of the body. It is most often applied to areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, back and under the chin. Liposuction is not a weight-loss method; it is an aesthetic surgical procedure aimed at improving body contour and removing localised excess. During the procedure, the fat tissue beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat) is broken up with special cannulas and drawn out of the body by suction.

What Is the Difference Between Internal and External Fat?

There are two main types of fat in the body:
 The first is “subcutaneous fat”, which builds up beneath the skin and can be pinched between the fingers. This is the fat that generally causes aesthetic concern, defines the body’s contours and can be removed with liposuction.
 The second is “visceral fat”, which builds up in the abdominal cavity around the internal organs and is popularly known as “internal fat”. Visceral fat sits around the liver, the intestines and the other internal organs and cannot be felt from the outside. This fat carries greater health risks and is associated with serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Which Fat Does Liposuction Remove?

Liposuction targets only the subcutaneous fat beneath the skin. In other words, the fat that builds up between the skin and the muscle layer in areas such as the abdomen, waist and hips can be removed with liposuction. The visceral fat around the internal organs, however, cannot be removed with liposuction, because this fat lies beneath the abdominal muscles, in among the organs, and cannot be reached surgically. During liposuction the surgeon works only on the fat tissue beneath the skin; reaching the internal fat is both technically impossible and extremely risky in health terms.

How Do You Get Rid of Internal Fat?

The only way to get rid of internal fat is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, enough sleep and stress management are the most effective ways to reduce visceral fat. Aerobic exercise in particular (walking, running, cycling and swimming, for example) and resistance training help burn internal fat. Keeping away from processed foods, sugary drinks and trans fats also plays an important part in reducing internal fat.

 

Who Is Liposuction Suitable For?

Liposuction is suitable for people who are close to their ideal weight but have stubborn fat deposits in particular areas. It is not performed for weight loss; it is chosen for body contouring and contour correction. People with good skin elasticity, a suitable general state of health and realistic expectations are also ideal candidates for liposuction. For people with a large amount of internal fat, whose abdomen is distended and firm, lifestyle changes are recommended first.

What Should You Watch Out For After Liposuction?

After liposuction, building habits of healthy eating and regular exercise is very important so that the fat that was removed does not build up again. Otherwise, the body may start to store fat in other areas. In addition, because liposuction does not affect internal fat, the risk to cardiovascular health and of metabolic disease can remain. For this reason, people who have had liposuction also need to keep to a healthy lifestyle.