Liposuction
Liposuction
Liposuction, sometimes referred to as "lipo" by patients, slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and improving your body contours and proportion.
What liposuction can treat
Thighs
Hips and buttocks
Abdomen and waist
Upper arms
Back
Chest area
Cheeks, chin and neck
Liposuction can be performed alone or along with other plastic surgery procedures, such as a facelift, breast reduction or a tummy tuck.
What liposuction can't do
Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise.
It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite—the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks—or loose saggy skin.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia that is used for liposuction depends on the individual patient. However, most liposuction can be done comfortably with local anesthesia and light sedation.
Cost
The total cost of liposuction depends on the individual patient, but can range from $3000 to $6500.
Recovery
There is usually a several week period of significant bruising and swelling after liposuction. Most patients can return to work within a week to two weeks. Sutures are usually removed within 14 days.
During your liposuction recovery, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas once your procedure is completed. These help to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours. Compression wraps need to be worn for up to 6 weeks.
You will be given specific instructions that will include:
Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.
Risks
The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of liposuction are acceptable.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
Liposuction risks include:
Anesthesia risks
Bruising
Change in skin sensation that may persist
Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Fluid accumulation
Infection
Irregular contours or asymmetries
Irregular pigmentation
Need for revision surgery
Persistent swelling
Poor wound healing
Rippling or loose skin, worsening of cellulite
Swelling
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
Secondary procedures may sometimes be recommended to reduce excess skin. Special considerations are needed when large amounts—usually more than five liters of fat—are suctioned.