Often, having the body we desire can’t be achieved through regular exercise and eating well. If stubborn fat is preventing your body from being the shape you want, liposuction can be an effective body contouring solution.
Our experienced surgeons at Elite Plastic Surgery – all board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery – offer liposuction to help patients get rid of stubborn fat and feel confident with how their bodies look.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. The areas include the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks, and neck.
During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as “lipoplasty” or “suction lipectomy,” has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including the tumescent technique and the super-wet technique, are helping many plastic surgeons provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times.
Treated areas look slimmer, more contoured, and in better overall proportion to the rest of the body.
Candidates for Liposuction
The ideal candidates for liposuction are patients who are within 30% of their ideal weight. They should be healthy and do not have any medical conditions that would prolong the healing process. They should be a non-smoker and have realistic expectations of the results. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. The purpose is to remove stubborn pockets of fat that will not respond to a proper diet and exercise.
Liposuction Treatment Areas
Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to traditional weight-loss methods. These areas include:
- Thighs
- Hips and buttocks
- Abdomen and waist
- Upper arms
- Back
- Inner knee
- Chest area
- Cheeks, chin, and neck
- Calves and ankles
Liposuction Procedure
The liposuction procedure is minimally invasive, using a hollow tube called a cannula to remove localized areas of body fat. The surgeon inserts the cannula through extremely small incisions and then moves it back and forth to loosen excess fat. They then suction the fat out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. One of the most common liposuction techniques is tumescent liposuction, which may be assisted by ultrasound or laser.
During tumescent liposuction, the surgeon injects a saline solution, an anesthetic, and epinephrine (a blood vessel contractor) into the treatment area. The saline solution causes the targeted tissue to swell and become firm, making it easier to remove. The advantages of this technique are that it includes an anesthetic, so there is no need for general or IV sedation. There is also minimal blood loss because the epinephrine constricts blood vessels.
In laser-assisted tumescent liposuction, the surgeon uses a laser to liquefy the fat, which makes removing it easier. The laser can also help tighten treatment-area skin after we remove the fat. Similarly, ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat.
Results of Liposuction
Results from liposuction are long-lasting. To maintain your body’s new contour, we recommend general fitness and a healthy lifestyle. First, improvements will be seen in 1 to 2 weeks, and optimal results will generally be seen within 6 to 9 months of the procedure. Your improved body contour will appear when the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subsides.
As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent. Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure, and another surgery may be necessary. It is also not possible to improve lax skin tone with liposuction.
Liposuction Before & After Photos
*Individual results may vary
Liposuction Recovery
After the procedure, we wrap the patient in a compression garment to cover treatment areas. This will help control swelling and will compress their body to its new shape and contours. The surgeon will place small temporary drains to help remove any problematic post-operative fluids. Patients may experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area.
When Can I Return to Normal Activities After Liposuction?
Patients can return to work and regular activities once they are comfortable, which is usually only a few days after the procedure. We recommend that patients avoid exercise and other strenuous activities for a few weeks.
Liposuction Post-Operative Instructions
It’s important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Following our post-operative instructions closely is key to seeing optimal results.
Can Liposuction Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Liposuction can be combined with other plastic surgery procedures, such as facelifts, breast reduction, or tummy tucks.
Risks of Liposuction
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection
- Asymmetries
- Fluid accumulation
- Rippling or loose skin
When you have your consultation, the potential risks will be fully discussed.
How Much Fat Can I Have Removed During a Liposuction Procedure?
Liposuction is an effective option for removing unwanted fat. However, there are limits to how much a surgeon can safely remove in a single procedure.
Generally, they should remove no more than 5 liters (about 11 pounds) of fat at once. Removing more can increase the risk of complications.
Your surgeon will assess your health and body type to determine your appropriate amount.
Can Liposuction Treat Cellulite or Stretch Marks?
Liposuction can improve body contours by removing fat. However, it is not a treatment for cellulite or stretch marks.
Cellulite occurs when fibrous bands pull on the skin and create a dimpled appearance. Stretch marks result from the skin stretching too quickly.
Liposuction targets fat beneath the skin but does not address these skin concerns. Other treatments, such as skin tightening or laser therapy, may address cellulite or stretch marks better.
Is There an Age Limit for Liposuction?
Liposuction does not come with a specific age limit. However, candidates should be in good health, have realistic expectations, and have good skin elasticity.
Younger patients may experience better skin retraction after the procedure. Meanwhile, older patients may have looser skin, which could affect the final results. Ultimately, eligibility depends on individual health factors rather than age alone.
Will the Fat Return After Liposuction If I Gain Weight?
The fat may not return to the treated areas if you gain weight after liposuction. It can accumulate in other parts of your body, though.
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells but does not prevent future weight gain. A healthy lifestyle is essential for sustaining your results long-term.
Is Liposuction Effective for Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring?
Liposuction is particularly effective for post-pregnancy body contouring. Many women find that despite weight loss and exercise, stubborn pockets of fat remain, especially around the abdomen, hips, and thighs.
Liposuction can help refine these areas and restore a more toned, pre-pregnancy figure. However, it’s important to wait until after you’ve finished having children and reached a stable weight before undergoing the procedure to ensure the best and most lasting results.
Can I Undergo Liposuction on Several Body Areas at the Same Time?
Yes, you can undergo liposuction on multiple body areas during the same procedure. Many patients target areas like the abdomen, thighs, and hips in one session. This helps them achieve a more balanced, comprehensive result.
Remember that the safety and feasibility of treating more than one area depends on factors like:
- Your general health
- The amount of fat removed
- Your surgeon’s recommendations
It’s important to discuss your goals with your surgeon to determine the best and safest approach for your body.
Why Choose Elite Plastic Surgery?
At Elite Plastic Surgery, you are in expert hands with board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Shannon Armstrong, Dr. Matthew Martin, Dr. William Cullen, and Dr. Matthew Fahrenkopf. With several years of combined experience, our team strives to deliver outstanding results while prioritizing your safety and satisfaction.
We emphasize thorough patient education and open communication to ensure your expectations align perfectly with our services. From the initial consultation to post-procedure care, we work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re considering liposuction, call {tel} to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at Elite Plastic Surgery. You can also fill out the appointment request form below. Our practice serves Grand Rapids and surrounding areas in Michigan!
