Liposuction, which is a body contouring treatment, is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn fat from areas of the body such as the hips, abdomen, butt and thighs. The fat that is removed has proven to be stubborn to eliminate using traditional diet and exercise. Once the fat is removed, the treated area gains a better shape and contour. Patients need to know that liposuction is not a weight loss method or any type of alternative to weight loss techniques. Liposuction reduces the amount of fat cells in a targeted area of the body. The fat cells are removed permanently and will not return to the treated area of the body. After the procedure, the skin molds itself to fit the new contour of the treated area provided by liposuction. Patients with good skin elasticity will enjoy a smooth appearance to the skin.
In a traditional liposuction procedure, small incisions are created in the targeted section of the body. A cannula, which is a tube that is inserted into the body, is placed through the incisions in order to suction out the fat cells. Traditional liposuction removes stubborn fat in areas such as the thighs, abdomen, and arms. It is traditionally not used on small areas of the body because it is not a very precise type of liposuction.
In this liposuction technique, a solution that contains a local anesthetic (lidocaine and epinephrine) is injected into the targeted area below the skin. The solution causes this area to become tumescent (swollen and firm) so the surgeon will have better control when it is time to contour the area. The surgeon makes incisions in the skin so the cannula can be placed in the fatty layer. Using movements that go back and forth, the fat is removed through the cannula.
This liposuction technique is similar to tumescent liposuction except for the fact that less fluid is used by the surgeon. The amount of fluid that is injected into the patient is generally equal to the amount of fat that the doctor plans to remove.
The total cost of liposuction depends on the type of liposuction performed by the surgeon, the amount of fat scheduled to be removed during the surgery, additional fees charged by the doctor or the facility and the section of the country where the liposuction is performed.
Even though there are multiple liposuction techniques available to patients, the cost does not vary that much per technique. In general, the cost of liposuction is:
The amount of downtime and recovery needed after liposuction depends on the individual patient, the liposuction treatment performed by the surgeon and the amount of fat cells removed by the doctor.
During the first few days after the procedure, there will be some pain, swelling and bruising present in the treated area. There might be some drains attached to the body to help get rid of excess fluid for a week to ten days. In addition, patients will need to wear a compression garment to help reduce the amount of bruising and swelling.
After four weeks, most patients can resume light exercise. Regular activities can often be resumed after five or six weeks.
There will still be some swelling for up to twelve weeks after the surgery, but all regular activities should be resumed by that point in the recovery process.
The amount of downtime and recovery needed after liposuction depends on the individual patient, the liposuction treatment performed by the surgeon and the amount of fat cells removed by the doctor.
During the first few days after the procedure, there will be some pain, swelling and bruising present in the treated area. There might be some drains attached to the body to help get rid of excess fluid for a week to ten days. In addition, patients will need to wear a compression garment to help reduce the amount of bruising and swelling.
After four weeks, most patients can resume light exercise. Regular activities can often be resumed after five or six weeks.
There will still be some swelling for up to twelve weeks after the surgery, but all regular activities should be resumed by that point in the recovery process.
Anesthesia risks
Infection
Skin discoloration
Contour irregularities (bumpy skin, wavy skin)
Scarring
Numbness
Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
Seroma (collection of fluid under the skin)
There will be some results of liposuction that are visible right after the surgery. Patients should know that swelling and bruising after the procedure means the results might not be completely visible. It can take up to six months for the skin to tighten enough that the final results can be viewed.
The fat that is removed cannot return but fat cells can still accumulate in other areas of the body so liposuction in another area of the body might be an option in the future.
There will be some results of liposuction that are visible right after the surgery. Patients should know that swelling and bruising after the procedure means the results might not be completely visible. It can take up to six months for the skin to tighten enough that the final results can be viewed.
The fat that is removed cannot return but fat cells can still accumulate in other areas of the body so liposuction in another area of the body might be an option in the future.
CoolSculpting
This is a nonsurgical fat reduction treatment that reduces excess body fat that has proven to be resistant to diet and exercise. The procedure works by cooling the subcutaneous fat to the point that the fat cells are destroyed and then the body absorbs them. A handheld device, that contains applicators, along with a gel pad are placed on the targeted area. The applicator woks to cool the targeted fat and then a suction device removes the fat as the device is moved over the skin. CoolSculpting often targets the abdomen, the flanks and fat under the chin or on the back and arms.
TruScuplt
A treatment that uses controlled radiofrequency energy to eliminate fat on areas sicu as the hips, butt, and abdomen. A handpiece emits radiofrequency energy into the targeted area. The pulses of energy cause the fat cells to heat, and then shrink, so the targeted area enjoys a slimmer look.
BodyTite
This is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces unwanted fat and tightens the skin through the use of radiofrequency energy. An internal probe delivers the energy that helps to melt the fat and strengthen the collage that is below the skin. An external application also delivers radiofrequency energy to the area, so the skin enjoys additional tightening.
If you are interested in having liposuction, you need to perform proper research and find the right surgeon in your area that is experienced in providing natural liposuction results. In order to help you find the best cosmetic doctor for your liposuction procedure of choice, please use our “Find a Doctor” search page.
