Liposuction

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed and is designed to remove unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. Unlike weight loss surgery, liposuction focuses on body contouring by targeting stubborn pockets of fat that may not respond to diet and exercise.

Liposuction removes underlying fat through small incisions, called port sites, placed in the treatment area. During the procedure, a special solution is injected to help remove fat and reduce blood loss. Because the body temporarily retains some of this fluid, swelling is common after surgery and final results develop gradually as healing progresses.

Results typically continue to improve over the weeks and months following surgery as swelling decreases.

Who may benefit from liposuction??

Liposuction may be a good option for people who:

• Have localized areas of unwanted fat
• Are close to their goal weight
• Want improved body contour and definition
• Have good skin elasticity

It's important to understand that liposuction removes fat, but it does not remove excess skin. Patients with significant loose skin, skin laxity or stretch marks may be better candidates for procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or other skin-removal procedures.

What Liposuction Can & Cannot Do

Liposuction can:

• Remove pockets of unwanted fat
• Improve body contours
• Enhance the appearance of certain areas
• Complement other body contouring procedures

Liposuction cannot:

• Tighten loose skin
• Eliminate stretch marks
• Serve as a weight loss procedure
• Prevent future weight gain

The quality of the skin after fat removal plays an important role in the final outcome. In some cases, additional procedures may be needed if the skin does not tighten appropriately after surgery.

What to Expect During Surgery

The Procedure

Liposuction may be performed:

• In the operating room with general anesthesia
• In a procedure room while awake for smaller treatment areas

The procedure is typically outpatient surgery, meaning you go home the same day. Surgical time varies based on the treatment area and volume of fat being removed but generally takes one to two hours.

Incisions & Scarring

Small incisions are used to access the treatment area. These incisions typically require only small absorbable sutures and generally leave minimal scarring.

Recovery & Healing

Right After Surgery

Swelling is expected after liposuction because of the fluid used during the procedure. Compression is an important part of recovery and helps:

• Support body contouring
• Reduce swelling
• Minimize excess skin concerns during healing

Many patients will wear a compression garment or binder for most of the day during the first six weeks after surgery.

Returning to Daily Life

• Dressings are generally removed after two days
• Showering is typically permitted after dressings are removed
• Some drainage from incision sites is normal for several days
• Walking is encouraged during recovery 

Most patients take approximately one to two weeks away from work if their job requires minimal physical labor. More physically demanding work may require additional recovery time. Heavy lifting restrictions generally remain in place for about six weeks.

Risks & Safety Considerations

All surgery carries some risk. Risks associated with liposuction may include:

• Irregular contours or asymmetry
• Excess or loose skin
• Small scars at incision sites
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Injury related to an unrecognized hernia
• Risks associated with anesthesia, including blood clots 

Your surgeon will review your individual risk factors during your consultation and discuss ways to support a safe recovery.

Preparing for Surgery

Smoking & Nicotine Use

Nicotine reduces blood flow and can interfere with healing. Patients must stop smoking and using all nicotine products at least four weeks before surgery and continue to avoid them for four weeks after surgery. Being honest about nicotine use is critical to protecting your safety and surgical results. We have resources available to help you stop.

Your care team will review additional pre-surgical instructions to help you prepare.

Follow-Up & Ongoing Care

Follow-up visits help ensure you are healing appropriately and progressing toward your desired outcome. Your care team will provide detailed instructions about incision care, compression garments and activity restrictions. 

Contact your care team if you experience:

• Fever
• Significant swelling
• Increased redness around the treatment area
• Drainage that concerns you
• Other unexpected symptoms