Liposuction
Many individuals struggle with stubborn fat that they can’t seem to get rid of, no matter how diligently they adhere to a healthy lifestyle. To achieve a more contoured figure, liposuction is commonly pursued and utilized to reduce excess fat that has collected in localized areas of the body.
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Gene Sloan, MD and his professional team believe patients should feel confident in their skin. A variety of advanced plastic surgery options are capable of helping individuals effectively address concerns they have about their appearance.
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What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a popular plastic surgery procedure designed to contour a patient’s body by removing excess fatty tissue from certain body areas. The surgery is sometimes performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to help patients achieve the best possible results. Common treatment areas targeted with liposuction include:
- Abdomen
- Hips and love handles
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Lower and mid back
- Upper arms
What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?
One of the top benefits of liposuction is that it can remove stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. This versatile procedure can target numerous areas of the body and can be paired with other plastic surgery procedures, offering comprehensive results and an enhanced appearance. Additionally, when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, liposuction can offer long-lasting body contouring outcomes. Beyond physical enhancements, liposuction can help boost self-confidence by helping patients feel more comfortable in their skin.
Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction?
Ideal candidates for liposuction are typically:
- Those close to their desired weight, but struggling with excess and stubborn fat deposits
- Individuals with realistic procedure expectations
- People in good overall health
- Non-smokers
- Individuals committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery
During a consultation, Dr. Sloan will evaluate a patient’s aesthetic needs and goals to help determine liposuction candidacy.
What Can I Expect After Liposuction?
Following liposuction, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and soreness around the treated area(s). Those side effects should subside gradually as the areas heal. Many patients return to their normal routines within a week or two; the precise length of recovery will depend on the amount of fat that is extracted, the number of areas being treated, and other factors associated with the customized treatment plan. Patients will be advised to wear compression garments for several weeks to help promote a safe healing process. It is recommended that patients avoid rigorous activities and workouts for at least four to six weeks after the procedure.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
The cost of liposuction varies depending on a patient’s individualized treatment plan. Anesthesia and surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and other factors contribute to the overall cost, as well as prescribed medication and whether post-operative garments are needed.
Is There a Non-Surgical Alternative to Liposuction?
Patients who are not ready to undergo a surgical procedure, as well as those who may not need surgery to accomplish their goals, may benefit from non-surgical treatment. CoolSculpting® offered at our MedSpa is a popular non-invasive treatment that “freezes” excess fat cells and breaks them down. The fat cells should then be gradually filtered out of the body through natural processes. The FDA-approved treatment can reduce fat in multiple areas of the body by delivering extremely cold temperatures to the fat cells beneath the skin.
Additional Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions
Is liposuction painful?
As liposuction is often performed under general anesthesia, patients should not feel pain during the procedure. During the recovery process, patients might experience bruising and soreness, though those side effects typically subside gradually. Some areas of the body can be more painful than others. Early postop pain usually requires narcotic pain medication. After a couple of days, discomfort is managed with over-the-counter medication.
Discomfort while healing can also be managed with over-the-counter medication.
Will I have loose skin after liposuction?
The level of loose skin following the liposuction procedure may depend on an individual’s skin elasticity and the amount of fat removed. Younger patients typically have skin with higher collagen levels that are more likely to retract and tighten post-procedure, while larger volumes of fat removal or less elastic skin may result in some sagging. Skin tightening treatments might be beneficial if skin laxity is a concern.
Can I lose weight with liposuction?
Liposuction is primarily a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss solution. It is designed to target and remove localized fat deposits to reshape specific areas, thus enhancing a patient’s overall silhouette rather than significantly reducing body weight. While some weight loss may occur as a result of the fat removed, it is generally not substantial.
For more information about liposuction, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sloan, please contact our office today.
