Information concerning the aspiration of subcutaneous abdominal fat tissue

 

Description

Some subcutaneous fat tissue is aspirated with a needle at both sides of the umbilicus.

 

Preparation

None. However, it should be clear that you are not allergic to lidocaine (a local anesthetic drug, such as used by the dentist).

 

Course of the procedure

The procedure can be performed at the outpatient clinics. You will lie in supine position and the area around the umbilicus should be accessible (undressed). At both sides of the umbilicus the skin will be cleaned, the skin and subcutaneous tissue will be anesthetized with a thin needle (using lidocaine) and then a small quantity of fat tissue will be aspirated with a thick needle slowly moving to and fro in three different directions. It often takes some time before the fat tissue enters the syringe. The small pieces of fat tissue will be investigated microscopically (and sometimes also chemically).

 

Duration of the procedure

The procedure will last about 15 to 20 minutes.

 

After the procedure

Sometimes during anesthesia or the aspiration of tissue a small blood vessel may be hit by the needle, resulting in some bruising around the puncture site. Immediately pressing the puncture site for some minutes helps you to minimize the bruise. A bruise may be a little tender for some days, but will disappear within one or two weeks.