LIPOSUCTION BENEFITS
Liposuction delivers dramatic results in just one session. Aside from an instant confidence boost, the procedure’s results are permanent; once fat cells are removed, your body does not grow them back. Liposuction is minimally invasive and can be performed under local anesthesia, making it safer than most other cosmetic surgeries. With so many benefits, there is no wonder why liposuction is one of Body Aesthetic Center's most highly requested cosmetic procedures.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR LIPO
The best candidates for liposuction are over 18 and in good general health. Those with diabetes, circulation problems, weakened immune systems, or coronary artery disease, should disclose their full medical history during the initial consultation with their surgeon to ensure liposuction can be safely performed. Patients should also be at or within their ideal weight in order to avoid repeat sessions on other body areas. Liposuction is best suited for individuals with ample skin elasticity. Patients seeking to eliminate excess or hanging skin might benefit from a tummy tuck instead. It is best to consult with the board-certified plastic surgeon of your choice at Body Aesthetic Center to receive personalized guidance as to whether or not liposuction is right for you.
LIPO TREATMENT AREAS
Liposuction successfully removes fat cells from nearly any body area, including the following:
- Waistline & Abdomen
- Breast & Bra Rolls
- Face, Chin, & Neck
- Hips, Thighs, & Buttocks
- Upper & Lower Arms
- Knees, Ankles, & Calves
- Mid Back & Flanks
LIPOSUCTION TECHNIQUES
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is a form of suction-assisted lipo that is far less invasive than traditional methods under general anesthesia. During a tumescent liposuction procedure, the surgeon creates tiny openings in the skin, only 1 to 3 millimeters in length, and directly applies a local tumescent anesthetic solution to numb the area. Not only does this tumescent solution numb the region, but it also binds the fat cells, making them swell and stiffen. Once firm, the fat is suctioned with a microcannula, an even thinner suction tube than the traditional cannula. Tumescent liposuction safely and smoothly removes fat from nearly all parts of the body.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
Power-assisted liposuction is characterized by its vibrating cannula. The cannula's vibrations make liposuction gentler on the body because they loosen the fat cells, allowing them to be more comfortably suctioned out. Aside from a smoother fat-removal process, the power-assisted liposuction technique offers less bruising and increased precision since it does not require the surgeon to make as many movements. Power-assisted lipo is ideal for sculpting delicate body areas like the chest, thighs, and navel since it is softer on the body tissue.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction or SmartLipo
SmartLipo is a laser-assisted liposuction method that uses concentrated laser light to soften and liquefy the fat, making it easier for the cannula to suction it out. In addition to melting the fat, the laser alleviates bleeding, swelling, and bruising by tightening the skin and sealing blood vessels. Since laser-assisted liposuction is powerful yet mild enough to be performed under local anesthesia, this versatile technique is preferred for extensive body areas like the abdomen, arms, hips, thighs, and buttocks.
Ultrasonic Liposuction or VASER lipo
VASER liposuction is a form of ultrasonic liposuction initiated by pressured ultrasound waves. Ultrasonic lipo is similar in that it liquefies fat, but instead of laser light, it uses ultrasonic energy to do so. The special cannula vibrates rapidly, giving off ultrasound energy that melts the fat so the surgeon can easily vacuum it. This liposuction method allows for heightened precision that works best on intricate body areas such as the face, neck, chin, arm and thigh bends, or delicate parts of the back.
LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY
Every patient recovers at a different rate according to the elected liposuction technique and the size, number, and placement of their treatment areas. On average, it takes patients only one week to return to routine tasks after a liposuction procedure. Swelling typically subsides between 4 to 6 weeks, and final results reflect after 8 to 12 weeks.
IMMEDIATE & PERMANENT RESULTS
Once removed, fat does not grow back. Your body has a set number of adipocytes, or fat cells, that grow and shrink in response to weight fluctuations. Fat cells change in size but not in number. Therefore, once they are liposuctioned out, they are gone forever; your body will not regenerate these cells. Nonetheless, it is essential to maintain your body with diet and exercise because liposuction alters how your body stores fat. If you were to gain considerable weight, the body areas treated with liposuction remain the same but the fat cells in the nearby areas would grow even larger, creating entirely new problem areas. Patients should commit to a healthy lifestyle to preserve their beautiful new physique!
LIPOSUCTION PROS AND CONS
PROS
- Delivers immediate results in a single session, resulting in an instant confidence boost!
- Permanently eliminates fat cells from the body
- Minimally invasive and can be performed under local anesthesia
- Safer than other fat-loss cosmetic surgeries
CONS
- Risk of adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Not entirely efficient in removing cellulite
- Patients must commit to a healthy lifestyle to avoid fat cells in other body areas
- Although temporary, swelling and discomfort are common during recovery
SHOULD I UNDERGO LIPO OR A TUMMY TUCK?
When deciding between a tummy tuck or liposuction procedure, it is best to learn the differences between them.
Liposuction, or lipo, is a procedure where fat is suctioned from target body areas with an ultrathin tube called a cannula. Liposuction can be bundled with a tummy tuck but cannot correct the same issues that a tummy tuck can. Aside from eliminating unwanted fat, a tummy tuck removes excess skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and pulls the remaining skin down for a taut tummy.
Liposuction will deliver your dream results if you have adequate skin elasticity and solely wish to sculpt your midsection. A tummy tuck is required to achieve a sculpted waistline if you have sagging skin due to pregnancy, weight loss, or natural aging.
LIPOSUCTION COST
AT Body Aesthetic Center
The average cost of liposuction varies depending on the size of the treated areas and the methods utilized. On average, a liposuction procedure at Body Aesthetic Center costs between $2,000 to $6,000USD. You will receive individualized pricing at your initial consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
YOUR BEAUTY TRANSFORMATION AWAITS
Body Aesthetic Center caters entirely to your needs as you commence your beauty transformation. Whether you are a local or out-of-town patient, our team delivers premier care so you can focus exclusively on the creation of your new, vibrant self! Schedule a private consultation with the Body by Unique surgeon of your choice. Once your contact information is submitted, we will contact you to arrange an appointment and escort you through the path to your newfound confidence.
LIPOSUCTION FAQS
Lipo 360, also known as circumferential liposuction, describes a liposuction procedure that transforms the entire midsection, both front and back. This liposuction method is best suited for patients seeking to eliminate fat in their abdominals, obliques, and full back. Since lipo 360 creates visible results in just a single session, it is one of the most highly requested liposuction techniques at Body Aesthetic Center. Speak to the surgeon of your choice to know if you are an adequate candidate for the procedure.
Since liposuction is a minimally invasive same-day procedure, it does not require much preparation. However, there are some steps you can take to ensure a smoother surgery and recovery period:
- Fill your pain medication prescription before the liposuction procedure.
- Stock up on foods high in protein and low in sodium, including fish, chicken breast, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and leafy greens.
- Precook some meals in advance and store them in easy-to-reach places.
- Avoid smoking at least 4 weeks prior
- Do not take aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory drug 4 weeks before.
- Do not drink alcohol for at least 48 hours before.
Absolutely! Liposuction is commonly performed in conjunction with other face and body procedures. In fact, lipo is necessary for some surgeries. For example, the Brazilian butt lift requires fat to be liposuctioned and transferred to the buttocks. Although liposuction is incredibly versatile and can be bundled with other procedures, an individual must complete substantial medical evaluations to undergo two procedures at one time. Body Aesthetic Center takes the proper precautions to ensure your maximum safety before, during, and after surgery.
Since the cannula that suctions fat during a lipo procedure is such a thin tool, liposuctions scars will appear as reddish freckles on the skin and will begin to fade after 6 months. Hyperpigmentation will coincide with how many openings were created during the procedure, the skin's elasticity, and the patient’s skin type. However, Body Aesthetic Center provides patients with an adequate scar-care routine to help fade the scars to near invisibility.
Since liposuction is not a weight-loss surgery, patients will only lose approximately 2 to 5 pounds during their procedure. The ideal candidates for liposuction are individuals who are already within their ideal weight range and seek to remove any lingering fat deposits that diet and exercise have not eradicated.
Liposuction may slightly improve the appearance of cellulite on the skin but is not altogether effective in eliminating it. Cellulite is a cellular breakdown that leads to damage in the skin's connective tissue. It becomes visible when strings of fibrous tissue pull down, causing fat to lump and appear dimpled beneath the skin. Cellulite resides in the layer directly beneath the skin and cannot be liposuctioned. Since lipo only addresses fat in the deepest layer of the skin, it is an impractical solution for cellulite. Cellulite is better treated with laser treatments, a tummy tuck, or a leg lift.
Liposuction may slightly improve the appearance of cellulite on the skin but is not altogether effective in eliminating it. Cellulite is a cellular breakdown that leads to damage in the skin's connective tissue. It becomes visible when strings of fibrous tissue pull down, causing fat to lump and appear dimpled beneath the skin. Cellulite resides in the layer directly beneath the skin and cannot be liposuctioned. Since lipo only addresses fat in the deepest layer of the skin, it is an impractical solution for cellulite. Cellulite is better treated with laser treatments, a tummy tuck, or a leg lift.
Liposuction is primarily a cosmetic procedure, but it also treats conditions like lymphedema, gynecomastia, and lipodystrophy syndrome. These health conditions cause fluid accumulation, swelling, or excessive fat production in body areas that are often alleviated with liposuction. Liposuction not only improves a patient's fat distribution but helps manage swelling and discomfort.
Liposuction is considered a low-risk procedure, and it poses one of the lowest risks of complications compared to most cosmetic surgeries. However, as with any surgery, liposuction poses the risk of complications.
Risks associated with liposuction include:
- Infections
- Bruising
- Persistent swelling
- Heart and kidney problems
- Fluid accumulation
- Poor wound healing
This is not a comprehensive list of risks since they may vary depending on your current health status. Therefore, you should discuss your entire medical history with your surgeon at your initial consultation. Your surgeon will inform you of certain liposuction risks and provide you with specialized counsel to help avoid complications.