Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in body contouring to remove fat with minimal scarring.
This can create aesthetic contours and address stubborn collections of fat that do not change with weight loss.
Liposuction is a well-studied and established procedure which is safe when performed by an expert who
understands the unique components of the surgery.
Who Are Good Candidates for Liposuction?
Liposuction results are best when the goal is to target specific areas for fat removal. Common areas of liposuction
include the:
abdomen
flanks
inner thighs
outer breast and chest
near the armpit
inner arms
under the chin
The most satisfied patients for the surgery will be at a BMI less than 30, do not smoke cigarettes, and have a stable
weight.
Expectations must be reasonable. Liposuction is not a substitute for healthy weight loss and diet control. Patients
with heart or lung problems, active smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, or have a history of poor wound healing
should not undergo liposuction.
Unwanted fold of stretched skin with stretch marks may occur after weight loss or pregnancy. Liposuction will not
improve these areas, and may actually make it worse. Ask your surgeon about surgical contouring options (tummy
tuck, thigh lift, arm lift etc..) for these changes.
How is The Surgery Performed?
Liposuction is performed safely by removing fat through small skin incisions, less than 0.5 cm (“ports”). Fluid containing
anesthetic and adrenaline is injected into the fat through these ports. This helps reduce bleeding and pain. Once the
fluid has soaked in the fat, hollow tubes are carefully placed to suction fat in the target area. The tubes break down
the compartments under the skin containing fat. The fat is removed until a satisfying contour is achieved.
Is This Minor or Major Surgery?
Although the scars are small, the treatment area is larger than what most people see. The area of the body, the
amount of fat is to be removed, and personal preference, play an important role in your surgical plan. You may
need some tests before surgery as well as an anesthetic assessment.
Minor liposuction, performed awake, can be done safely as long as this is tolerated. Smaller volumes of fat are
removed, and you go home the same day.
Larger volumes or areas are best treated with sedation in an operating room. The surgery requires careful
balancing of your fluids and is performed at a hospital. The care team will monitor your health, and if safe, you may
go home the same day. If needed, you may stay in the hospital overnight to maximize your safety and comfort.
Recovery
The initial recovery time is 1-2 weeks after surgery. During this time you will feel sore, like a heavy body workout.
Most people are able to appear in public, with clothes, after 1 week. The skin may appear bruised for 2 weeks.
However, final results are not truly seen until 1 year after surgery.
You will be provided a special compression garment that keeps the swelling down. For best results, you will need to
wear the garment as much as possible and avoid exercise for 1 month.