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Liposuction Procedures

Liposuction is plastic surgery that can be performed on almost every part of the body and face, but usually removes fat from the abdomen, arms, hips, thighs and the back. Typically liposuction procedures are performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia in an operating room.

There are many different types of liposuction procedures: tumescent liposuction, ultra-sound assisted and power-assisted. With all liposuction, a vacuum-type instrument called a cannula is used to remove unwanted fat.

  1. Is Liposuction for You?

    • Liposuction is the surgical removal of fat. A cannula, or vacuum device, is utilized to remove unwanted fat from parts of the face and body. A small incision is made where the fat is to be removed, then the cannula is inserted into the incision and the fat is vacuumed out through the cannula.

      A good candidate for liposuction is a person in good health, has healthy skin and who is not obese, but has accumulations of fat in certain problem areas of the body.

    Liposuction & Skin Removal

    • Liposuction can be used to remove fat from such facial areas as the cheeks, chin, neck and jowls, or jaw line. If the skin is not in good condition after the fat has been removed, the skin will have a saggy appearance. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures that involve removing excess or sagging skin.

      Frequently liposuction in the abdomen is combined with a tummy tuck, where the excessive skin is also removed to prevent the skin from sagging.

    Liposuction Removes Stubborn Fat

    • Fat deposits can become very stubborn and resistant to most weight-loss efforts. Flank areas, the upper and lower abdomen, inner and outer thighs, upper arms and breasts are all areas of the body that respond very well to liposuction procedures.

      When liposuction is used as part of breast reduction, there is less scarring than traditional breast reduction surgery.

      Liposuction procedures can be performed on multiple parts of the body during one session, instead of performing multiple sessions.

    Find a Qualified Professional

    • If you are considering having liposuction, make sure you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also certified in liposuction. Insist on viewing photos of procedures she has performed that include photos of patients taken before and after the procedure.

    Maintaining Your Results

    • Liposuction should be used in conjunction with a well-balanced diet as well as five hours of exercise each week. Find a diet and exercise regiment that you can stick with to maintain your results after the procedure is performed.

    Cost

    • Liposuction procedures for the face and body are relatively standardized. Expect to pay more for an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. The average cost for a single liposuction procedure is $3,500. The surgeon's fee is $2,000; the anesthesiologist is $700; and the facility costs $800.

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