Is the skin different on the upper and lower abdomen?
The skin of the lower abdomen and that of the upper abdomen appear to behave differently following liposuction. In older patients, the lower abdominal skin may appear smoother than the skin of the upper abdomen after liposuction. This difference in appearance after liposuction is attributable to 1) differences between the contractile properties of the subcutaneous fat of the lower and upper abdomen, and 2) differences in flexibility of the spinal column (back bone) at different levels. The subcutaneous fat of the lower abdomen contracts so well because it contains Scarpas facsia, a unique membrane with elastic properties. Scarpss facsia is a single layer that extends through the lower abdominal fat from the umbilicus (belly button) to the pubic area and from hip bone to hip bone. Even if the lower abdomen has an apron of fat that hangs over the pubic area, liposuction of the lower abdomen usually produces dramatic improvements as a result of the excellent contraction of the subcutaneou
