While there are many ways to lose body fat, sometimes proper diet and exercise alone aren’t enough. Body fat can be difficult to get rid of, and this can stand in the way of you looking and feeling great about your appearance. Our liposuction surgery targets the removal of stubborn body fat, leading our clients to become happier and more comfortable in their skin. If you’re interested in liposuction and looking to learn more, take a look at our FAQ:

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as “lipo,” is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that removes areas of fat from the body through a small thin tube called a cannula. The fat from the targeted area is suctioned from the body through this tube to help a patient achieve a slim and balanced appearance. This procedure may be performed alone or can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift, breast reduction, or tummy tuck, to achieve maximum results.

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who is in good overall health and maintains a healthy lifestyle but has one or more problem areas with unresponsive fat deposits.

It is also important for patients to have realistic expectations, as the procedure cannot be used as a means for major weight loss, and instead removes only localized areas of stubborn fat after the patient has attempted other natural weight-loss methods.

What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated With Liposuction?

Liposuction can be used to treat localized fat deposits within the:

• Thighs
• Abdomen
• Arms
• Back
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Chest
• Face
• Calves
• Ankles

How Is Liposuction Surgery Performed?

While the traditional liposuction surgery was effective in removing excessive fat deposits, it remained a painful process that involved suctioning out large areas of solid fat, leaving patients uncomfortable and in pain post-operation. Now, new technology has allowed for liposuction to be performed using more efficient techniques that have improved the accuracy of the surgery’s results and reduced pain.

Today, liposuction is performed using the tumescent technique, and may also include with the help of ultrasound imaging or a laser. This Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction (RFAL) technology – which is the same technology used for liposuction procedures at The MedSpa – can contour the body by using thermal energy to simultaneously melt fat and tighten the skin in a single treatment. This procedure is safe, controlled, and aimed at helping patients to feel their best.

Our procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Our surgeons will make several tiny incisions and inject a local anesthetic into the area to help expand and firm the fat, making it easier to remove. The cannula is then inserted through the incisions to suction out the fat. No stitches are needed after the procedure because the incisions are small enough to heal on their own. In laser-assisted tumescent liposuction, a laser is used to liquefy the targeted fat before it is removed, allowing for easier and less painful removal. The laser may also be used to tighten the skin in the treated area after the fat is removed. Similarly, ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat before it is removed for a smoother removal process.

How Do I Prepare for Liposuction Surgery?

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Jennifer Walden, and her team take great care in communicating with patients how they can best prepare for the day of their surgery, often providing a unique preparation plan tailored to each individual. Generally, however, it is recommended to enlist a supportive friend or family member who can help drive you to and from The MedSpa on the day of your surgery. If needed, Dr. Walden and team may recommend having blood work done to properly ensure the patient is a good candidate for liposuction. Medications such as blood thinners may need to be paused ahead of the procedure, and a fasting period with no food or drink is typically recommended about 12 hours before surgery.

How Long Will Recovery Take?

After the liposuction procedure, patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. Compression garments or elastic bandages may be used to help reduce these symptoms while the area heals. Patients can return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which is usually after a few days. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks. Dr. Walden will give you special instructions on how to care for your treated area and reduce any complications after the procedure.

Will There Be Any Scarring After My Liposuction Surgery?

Every patient’s post-surgery results will differ, and while Dr. Walden and team will strategize ways unique to each patient to minimize scarring, there is a possibility some scarring may occur based on your skin quality and how much fat has been removed.

What Are The Risks of Liposuction?

Although liposuction is considered safe, there are certain risks associated with any type of procedure. Some of these risks may include infection, scarring, allergic reactions, hematoma, or unsatisfactory results. Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures and rarely has serious complications. You can minimize potential risks by following our instructions before and after your procedure.

Are Liposuction Results Permanent?

The results of liposuction can be permanent, as long as patients maintain a healthy and active life. While the fat cells removed during surgery are removed permanently, if substantial weight is gained after this procedure, the results of liposuction may be altered. It’s important to keep in mind that the procedure’s results may not be visible until any swelling and bruising subsides. This may take several months, and results will appear gradually throughout this time. Following a healthy diet and regular exercise plan often helps patients maintain their goal weight and prevent new fat gain.

Are There Any Non-Surgical Alternatives to Liposuction?

If you are interested in liposuction but don’t want to undergo surgery, there are two non-surgical options patients can utilize to remove stubborn body fat:

BodyTite:
BodyTite is an FDA-approved device that uses patented radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL™) technology to provide internal and external lipolysis. The handpiece device is successful in supplying a precise, unique three-dimensional contraction of the skin, focusing RFAL energy into unwanted fatty areas.

EMSCULPT:

EMSCULPT is a new technology that addresses both fat and muscle to help contour the body without surgery! Different from most non-surgial treatments that only reduce fat in the targetted area, this technology also helps to tone and shape the body in addition to fat removal.