Who is it for? How does it work? What does it cost?
Want to eliminate stubborn belly fat quickly and effectively? Abdominal liposuction offers a proven solution to remove localized fat in just a few hours.
Dr. Berdah and Dr. Benjoar, experienced cosmetic surgeons in Paris, specialize in abdominal liposuction and explain this common procedure in more detail below.
What Is Abdominal Liposuction?
Abdominal liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that targets localized fat deposits in the belly area. It is intended for healthy adult men and women with small to moderate excess abdominal fat that has been resistant to diet and exercise.
While highly effective at removing isolated fat pockets, liposuction is not a weight-loss solution. It cannot treat generalized obesity or eliminate large volumes of fat.
Note: Abdominal liposuction is often combined with fat removal from other areas such as the hips, thighs, buttocks, flanks, and arms for more comprehensive results.
Is Belly Liposuction Right for You?
This procedure is best suited for patients who:
- Are in good general health
- Have localized fat in the abdomen (typically up to 3–4 liters or around 5% of body weight)
- Possess good skin elasticity
Skin elasticity is essential for optimal results. Without it, the skin may not retract smoothly, leading to rippling or sagging. Patients with significant skin laxity (due to aging or weight loss) or muscle laxity (especially post-pregnancy) are generally not good candidates unless combined with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
Important: New devices that tighten the skin during liposuction have been introduced in recent years. Thus, when there is a slight associated skin laxity, we can now offer, during the same procedure, a BodyTite radiofrequency treatment, which uses heat to tighten the skin intraoperatively.
The Procedure
Abdominal liposuction is performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of fat removal, your preferences, and the surgeon’s recommendation. It typically lasts 1 to 2 hours.
The surgeon makes small incisions hidden in natural skin folds (near the navel, groin, or pubic area) and inserts thin cannulas to suction out fat. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions, which are typically inconspicuous after healing.
Recovery After Belly Liposuction
Recovery time depends on the volume of fat removed. In general:
- Pain is moderate, though some may experience more discomfort for a few days
- Swelling and bruising are common and subside over 1–3 weeks
- Fatigue is expected in the initial recovery period
- Return to work: usually possible after several days, depending on the case
- Exercise: can typically resume after 3 weeks
- Sun exposure: should be avoided for several weeks to prevent pigmentation issues at incision sites
Cost of Abdominal Liposuction
The price of belly liposuction in Paris ranges between €5,500 and €6,500, depending on:
- The volume of fat to be removed
- The number of areas treated
- Type of anesthesia (local vs. general)
- Clinic and surgeon fees
- Region and clinic stay costs
If you’re considering treating multiple areas (e.g., abdomen + hips), it is more cost-effective to do them together rather than in separate sessions.
By law, your surgeon must provide:
- A detailed, personalized estimate
- A consent form
- A mandatory 15-day cooling-off period before the procedure
Is It Covered by Health Insurance?
No. Abdominal liposuction is considered a purely cosmetic procedure and is not covered by French Social Security.
The only exception is when liposuction is performed as part of a medically necessary abdominoplasty (e.g., after massive weight loss or certain post-pregnancy conditions). In such cases, only the abdominoplasty may be eligible for partial reimbursement, not the liposuction.
For a full consultation and personalized treatment plan, contact Plasticiens Paris.