How Does Liposuction Work?

Do you exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet but still have pockets of stubborn fat that won’t go away? If so, you may be a good candidate for liposuction. Liposuction is a safe and effective way to reduce unwanted fat and enhance your body contours. 

At Cornerstone Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine, our Aesthetic and Reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Fred Coville will review your areas of concern to determine if liposuction would be right for you. But what exactly is liposuction, and how does it work? 

What Is Liposuction? 

Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) is a surgical technique that sculpts the body by removing specific areas of stubborn fat. The areas frequently targeted for liposuction include the outer thighs, hips, abdomen, and back. 

How Does Liposuction Work? 

Removing unwanted fat with liposuction can be performed using different techniques. Modern methods like tumescent liposuction are safer and more effective than traditional liposuction. Tumescent liposuction results in less postoperative swelling and bruising and has a quicker recovery time. 

With the tumescent technique, a sterile solution containing an anesthetic is injected into the fatty deposits in the targeted area at the start of treatment. The solution shrinks the blood vessels, and this helps to minimize blood loss during surgery. 

Small incisions are made in the treatment area through which a small thin tube known as a cannula is inserted. The cannula is moved back and forth to dislodge the unwanted fat, and then a surgical vacuum is used to suction the fat from the body. 

Dr. Coville uses a syringe to extract fat when doing liposuction on small areas of the body. 

Dr. Coville uses a syringe to extract fat when doing liposuction on small areas of the body. 

Liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation. The choice will depend on the amount of fat being removed.

The length of liposuction surgery varies based on the size of the treatment area and the extent of the procedure.

There is typically some bruising and swelling in the treatment area after liposuction. Consequently, the results will not be visible until all the swelling has resolved. This can take up to 6 months. 

How Long do the Results Last?

As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should enjoy the enhanced body contours achieved with liposuction for many years.

Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Ideal candidates for liposuction are men and women near their goal weight but have stubborn bulges of fat in specific areas, which don’t respond to diet and exercise.  Liposuction is not a weight loss solution, as it focuses on removing localized areas of fat. As a result, it is not a substitute for regular exercise and a healthy diet.  

Candidates for liposuction should also have firm, elastic skin. This will ensure the best results as the skin in the treatment area will retract easily after surgery.

If you are frustrated by stubborn pockets of fat, liposuction is a proven solution that delivers consistent results. 

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