Abdominal & Waist Liposuction

Page Content Authored by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. David Rapaport

Sculpt Your Waistline and Abdomen with Expert Liposuction in NYC

Reduce stubborn fat safely and effectively with Dr. Rapaport’s precision and time-tested liposuction techniques

If you’ve been struggling with stubborn abdominal and waist fat, come to Dr. David Rapaport for expert liposuction. This procedure provides NYC patients with precise and safe midsection sculpting and love handle reduction, restoring a more in-shape appearance under either local anesthesia or IV twilight anesthesia.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Rapaport, contact us at (212) 249-9955 or online using our contact form. Our NYC surgical facility is located at 905 5th Ave., at the corner of 72nd St. In addition, we see patients at our flagship location, Aethos, at 50 E 61st.

View before-and-after abdominal and waist liposuction photos here.

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Abdominal & Waist Liposuction Overview

During abdominal and waist liposuction in NYC, Dr. Rapaport removes excess fatty tissue from the abdomen and waist to create precisely sculpted, natural-looking contours.

Dr. David Rapaport, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York City, has performed abdomen and waist liposuction for over 30 years. Patients trust him for his personalized approach, surgical precision, and consistently natural body-contouring results.

“While the abdomen is one of the most common areas for liposuction—often combined with the waist and thighs—the abdomen is also one of the most challenging areas to perfect,” says Dr. Rapaport.

“What makes the abdomen so difficult is that any laxity becomes very noticeable, especially under bright light, such as when wearing a bikini. One must be acutely aware of what I call impending laxity—the looseness that results when too much fat is removed.”

Dr. Rapaport often compares the abdomen to a pillow: when too much stuffing is taken out, the fabric can appear wrinkled. Similarly, the abdominal skin may appear loose, particularly in patients over 30 or those who have had children.

Because of this, Dr. Rapaport emphasizes a holistic approach to abdominal liposuction—addressing not only fat removal but also the prevention and treatment of impending laxity in both the deep tissues and the skin.

Treating Deep Tissue Laxity with Renuvion

For deep tissue tightening, Dr. Rapaport uses Renuvion, an advanced platform that delivers heat energy via radiofrequency-ignited helium plasma. After fat removal, the remaining tissue has a honeycomb-like structure. The Renuvion handpiece releases short bursts of controlled heat that stimulate collagen production over the following six weeks, helping to contract and strengthen the underlying tissues.

Figure 1: Show the “honeycomb” of connective tissue wrapped around the subcutaneous vascular plexus.

Addressing Skin Laxity with Sofwave

To address skin laxity on the surface, Dr. Rapaport uses Sofwave, a non-invasive ultrasound treatment that thickens and tightens the skin by delivering controlled heat 1.5 mm beneath the surface. Collagen remodeling begins about one month after treatment and continues to improve over the next three months, producing long-lasting firmness and smoother texture.

At Aethos, we don’t just assume our treatments work—we verify them. Using ultrasound imaging, we measure dermal thickness after Sofwave treatments to confirm collagen development. These scientific assessments help determine whether a second treatment is recommended.

(Dr. Rapaport previously preferred BodyTite for skin tightening but now favors Sofwave due to its safety, comfort, and proven results. [Click here to learn why.]).

Abdominal & Waist Liposuction Results

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*Individual results may vary.

A Pioneer In Plastic Surgery

Why Choose Dr. Rapaport in NYC?

Dr. David Rapaport is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in abdominal liposuction. His patients call him the best liposuction surgeon in NYC, and he has numerous five-star reviews. Patients are highly satisfied with his personalized, safe, and natural-looking waist lipo results.

Thanks to Dr. Rapaport’s high level of skill, Castle Connolly has honored him as a Top Doctor since 2016. New York magazine has also recognized him as a Top NYC Plastic Surgeon.

Dr. Rapaport’s liposuction procedures have never resulted in serious complications of any kind. This is due to his years of specialized training and deep knowledge of anatomy.

He performs abdominal and waist liposuction at our fully accredited surgical suite in Manhattan. This suite is located near several upscale hotels, including The Lowell, Affinia Gardens, and The Surrey Hotel.

Meet Dr. Rapaport

Learn More About Abdominal & Waist Liposuction

Abdominal and waist liposuction is the perfect procedure for patients with disproportionate stubborn fat in areas that diet and exercise can’t address. If you’ve been putting in months of hard work at the gym without seeing results, a well-performed abdomen and waist lipo can likely get you the contouring you’ve been looking for.

When you choose Dr. Rapaport for liposuction surgery, you’re choosing a trusted specialist with extensive body-contouring experience. He offers each patient a personalized approach, tailoring the procedure to achieve their specific aesthetic goals.

Dr. Rapaport utilizes minimally invasive abdominal and waist liposuction techniques, creating very small incisions asymmetrically and in well hidden areas. His gentle technique has been a source of gratitude for many patients as it leads to an easy post op recovery. In fact, patients do not need or require narcotic medication after surgery. And most can return to the gym a mere 48 hours after their procedure.

Ideal candidates for abdominal and waist liposuction are in good overall health and have realistic expectations. Candidates typically have fat deposits around their abdomen, love handles, or waist that are resistant to diet and exercise.

The best candidates for abdominal and waist liposuction in NYC are people looking for precise body contouring with natural results. Men and women seeking contouring rather than weight loss are good candidates, since liposuction is specifically a contouring procedure.

Dr. Rapaport may use any of the following techniques during abdominal and waist liposuction:

  • Tumescent Liposuction: Tumescent fluid is injected, causing fat cells to swell for easier removal.
  • VASERlipo: This ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) technique liquifies fat cells for easier removal.
  • Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): This involves an oscillating cannula for advanced fat removal from surrounding tissues.
  • Equalization: Dr. Rapaport uses a basket cannula with no suction in order to move micro-fat cells to other locations. This provides very even and smooth results.

Before the date of the surgery, the patient will meet with Dr. Rapaport for a consultation. The surgeon will ask about the patient’s goals, perform an examination, and discuss the details of the procedure.

During abdominal and waist liposuction, Dr. Rapaport will first create surgical markings. Next, twilight anesthesia will typically be administered. Dr. Rapaport will make tiny incisions in the treatment areas. He will then use a cannula to loosen the fat from the surrounding structures and suction it out of the body.

Dr. Rapaport always strives to make liposuction scars as inconspicuous as possible. Whenever appropriate, he takes advantage of preexisting scars, stretch marks, or even small moles as natural camouflage for incision placement.

In most cases, fine incisions are placed within the umbilicus (belly button), where they are nearly invisible from the very start. Dr. Rapaport also places small incisions in the lower abdomen, carefully choosing locations that fall within natural creases or the hair-bearing mons area to ensure they remain discreet.

Interestingly, almost everyone has a slight natural indentation above the mons. Rather than placing a single incision directly in that area—which could make the dent more noticeable—Dr. Rapaport typically uses two tiny incisions on either side for a more seamless appearance.

Each scar measures approximately 4 to 5 millimeters in length, about half the width of a USB port.

With his full general surgery training completed at Harvard, Dr. Rapaport brings exceptional precision and anatomical understanding to every procedure. You can be fully confident that your abdominal wall will remain intact and that your incisions will heal safely without any risk of hernia formation.

Once patients return home from abdominal and waist liposuction, they’ll need to rest for a time to allow their body to recover. Proper hydration is key for ensuring optimal recovery. Patients are encouraged to avoid salty foods in order to keep swelling at a minimum.

Patients in NYC will need to come in for follow-up appointments with Dr. Rapaport. This is an opportunity for him to evaluate the incision healing process and clear patients to return to certain activities.

Is there swelling and bruising after abdominal & waist liposuction?

Some degree of swelling and bruising is expected in the treated areas after liposuction. These side effects gradually subside as the healing process continues.

Although Dr. Rapaport uses meticulous techniques to minimize blood loss and bruising, the abdomen commonly exhibits bruising following liposuction. Bruising occurs when small amounts of blood escape from blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. Over time, gravity causes this residual blood to migrate downward—meaning that approximately 30% of abdominal bruising may settle into the vulvar area in women or the penile and scrotal area in men.

While the discoloration can appear quite vivid, it is temporary and not cause for concern. Patients may resume normal sexual activity once they feel comfortable, even if bruising is still visible.

How long should I wear compression garments?

For patients undergoing liposuction without energy-based tightening (such as Renuvion or BodyTite), we recommend wearing a compression garment continuously for the first 48 hours after surgery.

During the first 12–16 hours, it is normal for the body to release some of the fluid that was injected during the liposuction procedure. This fluid drains through the tiny incision sites, which are intentionally closed with a single suture to allow for gradual leakage. The compression garment helps direct this fluid into an absorbent pad placed between the incision site and the garment, preventing it from leaking onto clothing, bedding, or the floor.

After approximately 48 hours, the body typically stops producing drainage, and the absorbent pad is usually dry. At that point, patients may remove the garment and take their first shower. If no energy-based tightening technology was used during the procedure, it is not necessary to continue wearing the garment beyond this point.

For patients undergoing liposuction with energy-based tightening Dr. Rapaport recommends that patients wear compression garments continuously for the first two weeks and as much as possible for the next month because collagen formation is a gradual process. After that, patients may discontinue garment use if comfortable. This compression supports tissue healing and optimal tightening results.

Mild swelling is normal and can persist for up to three months in the treated areas, although most swelling resolves within the first month. For those wishing to fit into specific clothing shortly after surgery—for example, within two weeks—wearing compression consistently during that time may help temporarily reduce swelling. However, continued garment use does not affect long-term results, only short-term contour and comfort.

Once all bruising and swelling has ameliorated, patients will be able to enjoy the final results of their waist and tummy fat removal.

How long will I need to take off from work after abdomen & waist liposuction?

Recovery time varies depending on the areas treated and the patient’s individual healing response. Most patients can resume normal daily activities within 48 hours after liposuction. For example, if your procedure is performed on a Friday, you will likely be able to return to work on Monday.

Abdominal and waist liposuction can require a slightly longer recovery period. Some patients prefer to take additional time off to allow swelling and bruising to subside and to ensure maximum comfort. The amount of time needed also depends on your specific job requirements—particularly if your role involves physical activity or being on camera, where temporary bruising or swelling might be visible.

Ultimately, Dr. Rapaport tailors each recovery plan to your lifestyle and comfort level, helping you return to work safely and confidently.

When can I start exercising after abdominal & waist liposuction?

Patients must avoid sports and heavy exercise for four to six weeks. Walking and other light activity is encouraged early on to prevent blot clots.

The price of abdominal and waist liposuction at Rapaport Plastic Surgery varies from patient to patient. Anesthesia fees can play a role, as can the amount of excess fat removed, the total surgical time, and the specific techniques utilized.

Should I Get Upper and/or Lower Abdominal Liposuction?

Most men and women who come in for abdominal liposuction are primarily concerned about the lower abdomen. This area tends to naturally protrude more and typically has a greater amount of “pinchable” fat compared to the upper abdomen.

However, some patients notice more fullness in the upper abdomen and request treatment there as well. The upper abdominal fat layer is denser and more fibrous than the lower abdomen, which means this area may feel slightly more tender after surgery. It also requires more precise technique and effort from the surgeon to achieve smooth, even contouring.

When upper abdominal liposuction is performed, Dr. Rapaport may recommend Renuvion skin tightening to prevent potential skin laxity. This helps maintain a natural, youthful contour and prevents the belly button from appearing downward-turned or “frowning.”

Should I Get Mons Liposuction?

A small number of patients feel that the mons area (the area above the pubic bone) appears too full or projects more than they’d like. Liposuction can be safely performed in this region to reduce excess fullness and create a smoother transition from the lower abdomen.

Dr. Rapaport approaches this area with special care—removing too much fat can negatively affect comfort and sensation during intimacy. The goal is always to achieve a balanced, natural look that complements the surrounding anatomy.

Ready to Transform Your Abdomen and Waist?

Take the first step towards a trimmer midsection—contact the office of Dr. David Rapaport for your personalized abdominal and waist liposuction consultation. Schedule your consultation today by filling out our contact form or calling (212) 249-9955. Our NYC office is near Brasserie Cognac, SummerStage in Central Park, and The Frick Collection art museum.

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