Liposuction Procedure

What You Should Know

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to remove stubborn fat deposits from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and neck. It is ideal for individuals who are close to their ideal weight but struggle with localized fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction helps contour and reshape targeted areas, resulting in a slimmer and more proportionate body appearance.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that breaks up and sucks out excess fat deposits from a specific area of the body. It is not a method for losing weight, but a contouring process used to treat resistant fat that defies diet and exercise.

What Areas Can Be Treated with Liposuction?

  • Abdomen and flanks (“love handles”)
  • Thighs (inner and outer)
  • Hips and buttocks
  • Back and bra rolls
  • Upper arms
  • Chin and neck
  • Chest (especially for gynecomastia in men)
  • Knees and calves

One or more areas can be treated with liposuction at one time.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Liposuction?

  • Are near your ideal weight
  • Have localized fat deposits resistant to diet/exercise
  • Have good skin elasticity
  • Are healthy, non-smoking, and have realistic expectations
  • Want better body contours, rather than weight loss

It is not ideal for weight reduction, removal of cellulite, or tightening loose skin.

How is Liposuction Done?

Liposuction is generally done under general or local anaesthesia, based on the location and quantity of fat sucked out. Important steps are:

  1. Incisions are made close to the area to be treated
  2. A tumescent solution (saline + anaesthesia + adrenaline) is injected in order to reduce bleeding and pain
  3. A cannula (small tube) is used to loosen and vacuum out the fat
  4. Cuts are closed, and compression clothing is worn

The procedure will take 1 to 3 hours, depending on how extensive.

What Are the Various Types of Liposuction?

  • Tumescent Liposuction: Most prevalent; utilizes fluid infusion for security and comfort
  • Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): Utilizes vibrating cannula for reduced pressure and ease of fat removal
  • Laser-Assisted Liposuction (SmartLipo): Uses laser energy to melt fat
  • Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (VASER): Targets fat selectively, preserving surrounding tissue

Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your goals and body type.

What is Recovery Like?

  • Mild swelling, bruising, and soreness are common
  • Wear a compression garment for 4–6 weeks
  • Return to work in 3–7 days, depending on the treated areas
  • Light activity is encouraged; avoid heavy exercise for 2–3 weeks
  • Swelling improves slowly over weeks to months

When Will I Notice Results?

Early results are noticeable in a few weeks, but overall results take 3–6 months, once swelling completely resolves and the body adapts.

Are Results Long-Lasting?

Yes—fat cells lost via liposuction do not return. But if you gain weight afterwards, existing fat cells will increase in size and new fat may accumulate elsewhere. To maintain results, a stable weight and healthy lifestyle are essential.

Will I Have Loose Skin After Liposuction?

Liposuction eliminates fat, not skin. If your skin is loose or stretched, it might not retract completely after fat removal. In these cases, combining liposuction with a skin-tightening procedure (e.g., tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift) may be recommended.

What Are the Risks of Liposuction?

  • Bruising, swelling, or contour irregularities
  • Temporary numbness or skin sensitivity
  • Fluid accumulation (seromas)
  • Infection or bleeding (rare)
  • Loose skin or unevenness
  • Rarely, blood clots or fat embolism

Selecting a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon greatly reduces the likelihood of complications.

Is Liposuction Painful?

Discomfort is typically described as mild to moderate soreness, like aching muscles. Pain is easily controlled with medication, and most people are back to light activity within a few days.

How Much Fat Can Be Removed?

Typically, 2 to 5 liters (about 4.5 to 11 pounds) of fat can be safely removed in one session. For larger volumes, multiple sessions or staged procedures may be needed. Your surgeon will advise what’s safe for your body.

Can Liposuction Help Me Lose Weight?

No. Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution. It’s best for patients who are already close to their ideal weight but want to improve body proportions and shape.

Is Liposuction Right for Me?

If you’re frustrated with localized fat pockets and want to sculpt your body into a more refined shape, liposuction could be a highly effective option. A personal consultation is the best way to determine your ideal treatment plan.

Sculpt Your Confidence

Liposuction is not so much about fat removal as it is about contouring. It assists you in uncovering the shape that you’ve struggled for by attacking resistant areas and achieving balance for your body. When it is done effectively, the outcome is natural, becoming, and confidence-enhancing.

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