A patient may be interested in liposuction to:

• Remove unwanted fat from areas like the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, and/or neck
• Improve body shape in areas not amenable to weight loss through diet and exercise alone
• Achieve more balanced and harmonious body contours
• Enhance muscle definition
• Boost self-image and self-confidence
• Treat certain medical conditions such as lipedema, lymphedema, and lipoma

Who performs liposuction?

A plastic surgeon is the most common specialist to perform liposuction.

What happens during liposuction?

Liposuction can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Small incisions are made in the skin to enable the surgeon to insert a thin cannula to break up the fat cells. Modern liposuction techniques like laser-assisted liposuction, power-assisted liposuction or ultrasound assisted liposuction liquify fat before removal, allowing for more precise fat removal with better skin tightening and faster recovery times. A suction tube attached to a vacuum machine is used to remove the fat; excess fluid and blood are drained before incisions are closed and bandaged.

In addition to temporary drainage tube(s), compression garments are required to prevent swelling and provide support for healing. Numbness, burning, and swelling may be evident after the procedure. Most patient are able to return to light daily activity within one to two weeks (strenuous activity in four to six weeks) whereas complete results are typically visible within about three to six months as swelling fully subsides.

Things to consider:

• Liposuction is not a weight loss solution but a body contouring procedure. Best results are achieved in patients close to their ideal weight at the time of surgery, and maintaining a stable weight is important for long-lasting While fat cells removed during liposuction do not grow back, remaining fat cells can expand if significant weight gain occurs.
• Multiple areas can often be treated in a single Up to 10% of total body weight in kilograms can be safely removed at one time.
• Skin elasticity plays a role in final contouring
• Liposuction may improve the appearance of cellulite but other treatments may be more effective for this concern.

Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?

Yes, liposuction is often combined with other body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks, breast surgeries, or fat transfer techniques. This can be discussed during your consultation.