Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery technique for removing excess fat from under the skin by suction. Also known as lipoplasty ("fat modeling"), it is the most popular of all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
When we perform Liposuction at The Plastic Surgery Center, our surgeon makes a small incision in the target area. Next, the surgeon inserts a cannula (narrow tube) through the incision, vacuuming away and discarding unwanted fat.
An alternative procedure is Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL). This technique uses a machine-powered cannula (tube) that produces small, rapid vibrations to break up fat, which facilitates suctioning it out of the body. PAL is particularly effective for treating areas that are hard to sculpt, like the belly-button area and the inner thighs. Our plastic surgeons are highly skilled in this type of liposuction, which offers numerous benefits: smaller incisions, more targeted and thorough fat removal, shorter procedure time, fewer potential complications, faster recovery and smoother results.
Liposuction may be performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the location and extent of the procedure.
The procedure is typically done to take fat from the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. However, The Plastic Surgery Center surgeons can perform liposuction procedures for all the body's problem areas: chin, neck, arms, stomach, bra roll, hips, buttocks, legs, or ankles.
A good candidate for liposuction is defined as any person who has realistic expectations, is in good health and is likely to be happy with the results. Good skin elasticity is also helpful. We find that good candidates are those who maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly but who are still unable to lose the extra pockets of fat that often develop in the body's problem areas: chin, neck, arms, stomach, bra roll, hips, buttocks, legs, or ankles.
We offer a form of liposuction that uses state-of-the-art technology to reduce the amount of bruising and post-operative discomfort; however, recovery varies among patients and also depends on the scope of treatment areas, how much fat is removed and the type of anesthesia used. Immediately following surgery, you can expect to feel some soreness and tenderness, such as experienced from bruising. A return to work or other activities is usually possible after several days to one week.
Liposuction is a reshaping technique that provides pleasing aesthetic results. While some weight may be lost, the focus of this procedure should not be for weight loss.
Be at a stable weight prior to the procedure.
Follow all surgery prep suggestions given to you by our staff.
Follow your doctor’s orders on activity restrictions and the length of time to wear compression garments—which are particularly important to ensure both the success of your procedure as well as reduce the chance of complications.
Get moving—you can start walking as soon as your doctor approves, which also helps to speed recovery, and avoid formation of blood clots and bruising.
Adhere to a good lifestyle: maximize exercise and maintain a careful diet.
