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Browse our collection of before & after photos from real patients who underwent gender-affirming procedures with our caring surgical team.
- Overview
- Why people choose it
- What to expect
- Types of liposuction
- How to prepare
- The recovery process
- Results and effectiveness
- How much does it cost?
- Risks to consider
- Choosing a surgeon
Liposuction is a common procedure that can help with targeted fat removal. There are several types of liposuction, each with its own pros and cons. The procedure carries several risks, so working with a qualified surgeon is key.
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove undesired fat from the body. The procedure involves using a narrow tube, called a “cannula,” to loosen and suction the fat. Nicknamed “lipo,” liposuction is one of the top five most popular plastic surgeries in the world.
Liposuction can be done almost anywhere on the body, including the hips, butt, thighs, stomach, arms, neck, or back.
Here’s what else to know about this common cosmetic procedure.
People opt for liposuction to remove fat from certain areas of the body. The amount of fat liposuction can target is fairly limited, which makes it better suited for targeted fat loss rather than all-over weight loss.
Keep in mind that liposuction won’t remove dimples, stretch marks, or cellulite.
Most of the time, liposuction is done for cosmetic reasons rather than health reasons. Sometimes, though, it may help with certain health concerns such as:
•gynecomastia
•lymphedema
•lipomas
Generally, liposuction involves the following steps, though there may be variations depending on the type you choose:
1.A surgeon will use local anesthesia to reduce pain or discomfort. For some people, an anesthesiologist may use general anesthesia.
2.The surgeon will make small incisions, using a scalpel, to the treatment area.
3.The cannula, a narrow tube, will be woven through these ports in order to loosen the targeted fat. The surgeon will use a side-to-side or back-and-forth motion to get it moving.
4.They’ll suction the loosened fat from the body with a vacuum-like tool or a syringe.
5.The treatment region will be stitched back up.
There are four main varieties of liposuction:
•Tumescent liposuction (fluid injection): Tumescent liposuction is the most popular type of liposuction, though it tends to take longer than other approaches.
•The procedure involves injecting a medicated solution into targeted areas.
•The solution contains an anesthetic, epinephrine, to contract blood vessels and an IV salt solution that’s suctioned up with the fat.
•Super-wet technique: The super-wet technique is similar to tumescent liposuction but uses less fluid.
•This method takes less time but also may require more sedatives to reduce pain.
Before the procedure, plan to do the following:
•Talk with a surgeon about your goals and expectations. Together, you can decide on a plan that works for you.
•Discuss your health, lifestyle, dietary patterns, and any medications or supplements you may be taking.
•Ask a surgeon any questions you may have about the procedure.
•With support from a surgeon, determine the right type of anesthesia for you. The type you choose will influence how to best prepare for the procedure.
•Follow the care team’s instructions carefully for what to do on the day of the surgery. If you smoke, you’ll likely be asked to stop for 1 to 2 weeks before the procedure.
Here’s what to expect as you recover from liposuction:
•First 3 days: You’ll experience quite a bit of pain and discomfort, but you’ll be instructed to take over-the-counter or prescription pain-relieving medication. Additionally, you may want to do the following:
•Plan to rest up and wear your compression garment or bandages as directed. This regimen will help soothe pain and swelling and help your body heal in the correct position.
•Drink plenty of fluid and avoid excess salt to reduce swelling.
•Plan to enlist help with even basic tasks like cleaning, cooking, or caring for children.
•First 1 to 2 weeks: You’ll need to continue taking it easy. Many people can return to work by the 2-week mark, but it depends on the person. If your work requires intensive physical activity, you may need to wait longer.
Liposuction is considered a permanent procedure, and you typically only need one treatment to see results.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that you only undergo liposuction if you’re already within 30% of your desired body weight. If you’re looking to achieve goals of more significant weight loss, liposuction may not be the best option.
For the best results, your skin should also be fairly firm and elastic, and your muscles should be reasonably healthy. As your body heals, your skin will mold to the treatment areas. If your skin has poor elasticity or your muscles are untoned, your skin may heal in a loose or uneven way.
In a small 2020 study, researchers found that about 86% of 32 people who got liposuction between 2002 and 2014 said that they’d recommend the procedure to a friend or family member.
The average cost of liposuction in the United States in 2020 was $3,637. This figure doesn’t include costs related to the operation room or anesthesia.
Since liposuction is typically considered cosmetic, insurance usually won’t cover it. If it’s needed for medical reasons, such as to reduce pain and swelling associated with lymphedema, it may be covered.
Like any procedure, liposuction carries risks, some of which can be serious.
Potential risks include:
•a negative reaction to the anesthetic
•infection
•numbness
•bruising
Since liposuction may come with serious risks, take time to find a qualified expert. It’s best to choose a plastic surgeon who:
•is board certified by a reputable organization, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery
•has completed at least 6 years of surgical training after medical school (required for U.S. board certification)
•has graduated from an accredited medical school (required for U.S. board certification)
•completes continuing education each year
•specializes in liposuction
Here you can view actual before and after plastic surgery photographs submitted by ASPS member surgeons.
- Garden City, NY
She underwent a body lift to remove the excess skin around her middle, as well as lift and tighten the skin around her legs and buttocks. She is shown before and 6 months after the body lift. Click on the patient photos to view a close up of each set of body lift before and after photos.
- (303) 783-1000
Click below to view close ups of this liposuction patient’s before and after photos. If you are considering liposuction to improve the appearance and definition in your arms, contact us to schedule a consultation with our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Nick Slenkovich.
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Apr 11, 2023 · Liposuction is a type of surgery. It uses suction to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. Liposuction also shapes these areas. That process is called contouring. Other names for liposuction include lipoplasty and body contouring.
