Liposuction

Sometimes, diet and exercise just don’t work. It can be exhausting trying to lose stubborn fat and weight over months or years, when sometimes you just wish you could be there already. Liposuction can be a life-changing fat cell removal surgery that can jumpstart a new, healthy lifestyle with a new, contoured body.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a body contouring surgical procedure technique that uses a cannula, or thin, hollow tube, to loosen fat deposits under the skin, which are then vacuumed from the body. This traditional liposuction procedure/tumescent liposuction surgery is often done in conjunction with other surgical cosmetic procedures that benefit from fat transfer, such as breast, buttock, or facial augmentation.

This cosmetic surgery procedure is also done during other fat-reduction procedures, such as face or neck lifts, breast reductions, or abdominoplasty. These procedures use or remove fat in order to improve the body’s proportion and contour.

Liposuction Techniques

There are several different types of liposuction techniques, including laser-assisted liposuction, power-assisted liposuction (PAL), and ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL). At Daniel Richardson, MD, we use the traditional tumescent liposuction technique.

Who Should Consider Liposuction Surgery?

Any individual who is otherwise healthy can consider liposuction to treat stubborn, fatty areas that cannot be removed by diet, exercise, or lifestyle change. Everyone’s body stores fat cells differently or in different places, so liposuction can be helpful to those who feel like they are stuck with localized fat deposits in their stomach, thighs, upper arms, or other areas of the body. A qualified plastic surgeon can determine whether you are at a normal weight and have realistic expectations for this type of aesthetic surgery.

Liposuction is designed to remove unwanted fat, not serve as a weight loss procedure or substitute for a proper diet and exercise. Patients with good skin elasticity often see the smoothest contouring results, while those with significant excess skin or excess weight may require other plastic surgery procedures for ideal results. Liposuction can target subcutaneous fat and stubborn fatty tissue, but it is not a comprehensive weight loss treatment for reducing overall body fat or helping patients who frequently gain weight.

What Happens During Liposuction Plastic Surgery?

After administering general anesthesia at our accredited surgery center, a small incision is made in a location depending on the area being treated. Since the tools being used to remove excess fat are small, the incision is well-concealed and unobtrusive. A small, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through these incisions to suction out excess fat tissue, contour the treatment area, and support precise fat removal. During your consultation, your provider may discuss how much fat can safely be removed based on your anatomy, goals, and overall health. Liposuction is a popular option in aesthetic plastic surgery because it can remove fat deposits from areas resistant to lifestyle efforts.

Results and Recovery After the Liposuction Procedure

Since suction-assisted liposuction techniques are invasive, some downtime can be expected as the incisions heal. A compression garment may be recommended in order to help control swelling and ensure the skin is pressed into the new body contours after treatment. Temporary changes in skin sensation may occur as the tissues heal. Some drains may be placed in order to collect any fluids that might build up during the healing process.

It may take up to a few months before the operation sites are properly healed and have settled into their new, natural contour. However, liposuction results can be long-lasting when paired with healthy lifestyle habits. While this cosmetic procedure can remove unwanted fat and contour the body, it should not be viewed as a standalone weight loss procedure. Instead, it is best suited for addressing stubborn pockets of fat in patients seeking refinement rather than dramatic weight reduction.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are struggling with fat deposits that you want to be rid of, contact our office to ask questions about our Liposuction procedures.