What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, fat suction, or suction lipectomy is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It is the technique to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body.

Liposuction has been used to remove fat from the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, calves, knees, ankles, chin area, jowls, cheeks, neck, chest and the upper arms. It should not be a substitute for weight reduction, but only a method of removing focal fatty tissue that doesn’t respond to dieting and exercise.

Ideal Candidates

The best candidates for liposuction are those of normal to slightly above normal weight who have pockets of excess fat in specific areas of their body that didn’t respond to dieting or exercise.

Liposuction Patient Case Study

This lovely patient is a 52-year-old female who wanted to improve the contour of her abdomen. She was unable to get rid of the abdominal “pooch” with diet and exercise, alone, and was interested in seeking a surgical option to help achieve her goals. Given her excellent skin quality and overall health, we decided that suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction) of her abdomen and flanks would be an appropriate option for her.

She tolerated the procedure very well and was up and walking and feeling well the same day as her surgery. In addition to a short period of limiting her exertional activity, she wore a compression garment to help contour and shape her final results. Her “after” photo shows her at just about three months after her procedure, and she is looking and feeling fantastic.

Before and After Photos

What to Expect From the Procedure

Liposuction is usually done as an outpatient procedure. Depending upon the surgeon’s evaluation of the patient, general or local anesthesia is required.

The tumescent technique is now commonly used and decreases postoperative recovery time. This technique enables the surgeon to remove larger volumes of fat under local anesthesia.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, it may take you few days to 2-3 weeks to recover from surgery.

Liposuction is normally safe, however, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks which should be discussed with your surgeon.

The costs of liposuction will vary depending upon the extent of the surgery and areas treated.

Related Procedures

Body Contouring

Body contouring includes not just liposuction but all body shaping procedures in general, including surgical and non-surgical procedures. Surgical procedures include abdominoplasty, belt lipectomy, thigh lift, breast lift, upper body lift, and lower body lift.

Non-surgical CoolSculpting treatments are usually very effective in both men and women to remove the fatty areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. This includes areas around the neck and chin, around the abdomen and flanks (love handles), and the breast (gynecomastia).

Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck or “Abdominoplasty” removes excess fat, tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall, and trims the waistline. This procedure is especially useful for those who have excessive skin for any reason, including massive weight loss. It also is helpful for men or women who have stretched their skin or abdominal muscles.

This procedure can also accompany a thigh lift or arm lift procedure.