There’s no doubt that liposuction is among the most requested cosmetic surgeries in the world. Patients with excess fat in trouble areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, often turn to liposuction when conventional methods of weight loss have failed.

In this article, we’ll explore what liposuction is, the types of liposuction techniques available, what to expect during recovery, FAQs, and more!

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or lipo, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes fat from parts of the body where it’s unwanted.

Liposuction can be used to treat the following areas:

• Abdomen
• Back
• Buttocks
• Hips
• Thighs

Types of Liposuction Surgeries

There are several different types of liposuction surgeries. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types include:

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is the most common type of liposuction procedure. It’s a minimally invasive surgery that involves injecting a solution containing anesthetic and other drugs into the area where fat is to be removed. This solution causes the area to swell, which helps to increase blood flow to the area allowing for more effective removal of fat as well as an easier recovery period.

Power-Assisted Liposuction

Power-assisted liposuction is another way to perform liposuction, but this method uses energy waves (like ultrasound waves). These waves create tiny bubbles in your fat deposits so that they can be released through suctioning or another method like tumescent liposuction described above.

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic liposuction uses high-frequency sound waves to break up fat cells and liquefy them, which then drain out through small incisions in the skin. It’s considered less invasive than laser-assisted liposuction because it doesn’t require any incisions or lasers.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction

Laser-assisted liposuction is another popular method of removing unwanted fat from problem areas. During this procedure, a laser is used to break up fatty tissue before suction is applied via a cannula (thin tube). Patients who are candidates for laser-assisted liposuction should have good skin elasticity and stable weight before undergoing treatment.

What Happens After a Liposuction Procedure?

After liposuction, you will be given a unique compression garment to wear for the next two to three days. The compression garment will help with swelling and bruising. You must follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding wearing this garment as it can help prevent complications such as fluid build-up, infections, and bruising.

You will also receive instructions about how to care for your incisions at home. These instructions may include:

• Wearing loose clothing
• Avoiding strenuous activities and exercise for at least four weeks
• Bathing in warm water (no hot tubs or swimming pools)
• Using an antibiotic ointment on the incision site
• Taking pain medications as directed by your doctor

Candidacy for Liposuction

If you’re looking for liposuction, the best thing to do is start by asking yourself: “Am I a candidate?”

Liposuction is most often performed on people who are in good health and have realistic expectations about the results. If you are obese or have diabetes and heart disease, liposuction may not be for you.

So who is a candidate for liposuction? Here are some of the most common scenarios:

• You have excess fat on your upper back, neck, or abdomen
• You have loose skin after losing weight or having children
• You want to improve your shape without having to exercise regularly or change your diet

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat from various areas of the body. The procedure is designed to improve the shape and contours of the body, as well as reduce excess fat.

Where on My Body Can I Get Liposuction?

The most common areas of the body treated with liposuction are:

• Abdomen (the area from the hips to the ribs)
• Upper arms
• Inner and outer thighs
• Buttocks (gluteal fold)
• Chest (pectoral area)

Liposuction is not an easy fix for obesity or weight problems. It’s important to understand that liposuction by itself will not make you thin or keep you thin over time. You still have to eat right, exercise regularly, and maintain your weight loss with other forms of exercise if needed.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The average cost of liposuction is $3,637. However, this fee can vary based on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the type of procedure used, and the geographic office location.

Insurance plans do not cover liposuction or any plastic surgery procedure done for cosmetic purposes. However, some surgeons offer patient financing plans to help patients afford their procedures.

The cost for liposuction can vary depending on the type of procedure and location. For example, top liposuction surgery costs in Beverly Hills, CA, may cost $11,000 for abdomen liposuction, whereas it could cost as much as $20,000 for upper arm liposuction.

What Are the Benefits of a Liposuction Procedure?

Liposuction is a safe, effective way to remove fat from specific areas of the body. Here are some of the benefits:

• Liposuction can help improve your body contours and give you a more youthful appearance.
• The procedure is relatively quick and painless, with minimal recovery time.
• Liposuction can remove fat from anywhere on your body, including the chin, neck, arms, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or knees.
• Liposuction can tighten skin that has been stretched by weight gain or pregnancy.
• The scars from liposuction are usually small and well hidden in natural creases of the body.

What Is the Recovery Time for Liposuction?

While it’s true that liposuction is a quick procedure, the recovery time varies from person to person. Your doctor will be able to give you more specific details about your recovery after the surgery. In general, though, you should expect some discomfort in the days following your procedure.

Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction?

A person is a candidate for liposuction if they are willing to commit to the process and follow their surgeon’s instructions.

You might be a candidate for liposuction if you:

• Are healthy, physically active, and in good shape
• Have realistic expectations about what liposuction can achieve
• Aren’t a smoker
• Are within a normal weight range for your height and build