Liposuction: Compare practices from our network.

Liposuction targets specific areas where fat tends to accumulate: the stomach, thighs, hips, arms, neck, and buttocks. It contours the body by removing stubborn fat that has not responded to diet or exercise.

It is not a weight-loss method. It shapes areas that diet and exercise don't reach, and it does not remove stretch marks, cellulite, or excess skin.

Removing stubborn fat can have both physical and emotional benefits, including:

– A more defined body shape

– Increased confidence and improved body image

– Balanced proportions

– Easier to find well-fitting clothes

– Minimally invasive, with little to no visible scarring

Liposuction suits people near their ideal weight who are struggling with stubborn fat that has not responded to diet or exercise. You should also:

– Have realistic expectations

– Be in good overall health

– Have no conditions that could impair healing

– Be a non-smoker, or be willing to quit

01 Consultation. A surgeon evaluates your concerns, explains what liposuction can realistically achieve, and builds a personalized plan based on your body type and goals, alongside your medical history and preferences.

02 Preparations. You may be asked to stop certain medications such as aspirin or other blood thinners several weeks before surgery, arrange a ride home afterward, avoid smoking for several weeks before and after, and follow specific dietary guidelines.

03 Anesthesia. Liposuction is usually performed under general anesthesia. For smaller treatments, local anesthesia or sedation may be an option.

04 Surgery. The surgeon makes small, strategic incisions in the targeted areas. A thin tube loosens the excess fat, which is then suctioned out using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.

Wet technique. A solution containing saline, anesthetic, and a drug that constricts blood vessels is injected into the fat before removal. This reduces blood loss, provides pain relief, and makes fat easier to remove while minimizing discomfort and bruising.

Dry technique. This method skips fluid injection before fat removal. It carries a higher risk of bruising and blood loss, so it is rarely used today, though it may still suit small areas or precise adjustments. Your surgeon will discuss the right approach for you.

Following aftercare instructions closely supports healing and a smoother recovery. After surgery, you will typically be advised to:

– Wear compression garments to reduce swelling and support healing

– Limit physical activity for the first few weeks

– Attend scheduled follow-up visits to monitor progress

– Watch for signs of infection or complications

Results start to become visible within a few weeks as swelling decreases, with continued improvement over the following months. The final outcome is typically seen after three to six months, once the body has fully healed. Maintaining results over time depends on regular exercise, a balanced diet, and following post-operative care instructions.

Liposuction is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries risks. Discuss how they apply to you, and how to minimize them, with your surgeon during consultation. Possible risks include:

– Infection at the incision sites

– Excessive bleeding

– Uneven body contours

– Seromas, or fluid buildups

– Temporary numbness in the treated area

– Adverse reaction to anesthesia

– Permanent changes in skin sensation

Side effects are a normal part of healing and usually fade within weeks or months.

Bruising, caused by the cannula's movement under the skin, typically fades within a few weeks.

Swelling, a normal reaction that can last several weeks and gradually decreases over time.

Pain and discomfort, most noticeable in the first few days and usually managed with prescribed pain relief.

Temporary numbness, from nerve irritation or minor damage during surgery, typically resolving over a few months.

Soreness and tenderness, similar to muscle soreness after intense exercise.

Limited mobility, depending on the areas treated.

Small scars, varying based on individual healing and how closely aftercare is followed.