Liposuction Surgery

This section of LiposuctionGuide.com describes what you can expect from the fastest growing, most popular cosmetic procedure in the world. Read a general overview of how the procedure is performed, and keep in mind that every procedure is unique to the individual seeking to remove unwanted fat from different body areas.

Liposuction Surgery is Safe

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure performed using localized anesthetic, which reduces risks. Because the procedure requires tiny incisions, patients experience very few side effects, less pain, less swelling, less bruising and minimal downtime.

Liposuction surgery is most successful when the patient commits to a healthy lifestyle and diet after the surgery, to ensure long-lasting results. It is not recommended for people who are severely obese.

Surgery Overview

Liposuction surgery removes and suctions fat from the body. The goal is to sculpt and shape targeted areas of the body and eliminate fat accumulation. Liposuction is performed while the patient is in a numb and painless state, under the influence of mild sedation and a local anesthetic. The patient might be awake throughout the procedure, or the sedative might allow them to sleep.

Although liposuction surgery can be performed in one area multiple times, it is not recommended as a means of staying slim. In some cases, a surgeon may divide the treatment between two or more surgeries to achieve optimum results and give the body time to heal after each surgery. For example, a liposuction surgeon might treat the hip, thighs and back area first, and treat arms, neck and chin in a second surgery.

Liposuction Consultation

After doing research and using our Surgeon Locator to schedule a consultation, prepare yourself for your consultation by gathering your medical history, listing your medications and noting questions to ask your cosmetic surgeon. Some doctors use computer programs that simulate the results that can be obtain on your body. Some surgeons charge a small fee for the consultation, but it is generally waived if the surgery is scheduled with that surgeon.

Although it is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal side effects, liposuction is a surgery that carries minor risks. Share your medical conditions and concerns with your surgeon prior to the surgery. If you are taking medications, let your surgeon know. You will need to follow a list of surgery guidelines to ensure you heal properly and quickly. Physical ailments and an unhealthy lifestyle can greatly impact the outcomes of liposuction surgery.

Your surgeon will assess your health and determine your eligibility for the liposuction procedure. He or she will ask you to identify your expectations to determine if they are realistic and match your anatomy and body proportions. If you move forward, your surgeon will provide you with before and after instructions, surgery guidelines and a list of medications to take after your procedure.

Liposuction Surgery Fees

LiposuctionGuide.com will give you a general idea of the prices associated with this surgery, but you'll get the most accurate price at your consultation. Ask your surgeon to itemize costs for his or her time, surgical equipment, anesthesia, facility use, medications and compression garments. If cost is a concern, many plastic surgery specialists and centers offer payment plans and financing options.

Before Liposuction Surgery

Your doctor will give you instructions to prep yourself two weeks to a month before your surgery. Follow them as ordered by your surgeon. He or she might suggest the following:

Eliminating smoking
Eliminating the use of aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Motrin and Advil
Using only vitamins and other natural remedies that he or she has approved
Filling your prescription for pain medication before the procedure so you have it ready when the anesthesia wears off.

Liposuction Surgery Procedure

The differences between traditional and modern liposuction procedures are:

General anesthesia vs. local anesthesia
Lipo-assisted technologies
The size and use of instruments and cannulas

Here is what will happen on the big day:

You will arrive at your surgeon's office or the facility 15 minutes early.
The medical staff will prep you for the procedure in the operating room.
You might be given a mild sedative, and then your surgeon will numb the areas being treated.
Your surgeon will make one or two tiny incisions per region to inject a medicated fluid and local anesthetic (in many cases using the wet or tumescent technique to firm the body area making it easier to remove fat).
Once you are completely numb (yet awake and alert if local anesthetic was used), the surgeon will begin the procedure. This is when the surgeon might incorporate a lipo-assisted device such as a laser, ultrasonic or water-jet or other systems to melt, disrupt or dislodge the fat cells before removing. Many of these treatments also enhance outcomes and tighten the skin. Use the menu items to the left to learn more about these devices.
Your liposuction surgeon will perform the surgery using back and forth movement, and he or she will gently maneuver the instrument to terminate the fat, contour the area and prepare the fat for extraction.
Your surgeon will use the cannula device to suction the fat through the small hollow tube.
After your surgery, your surgeon and his staff will wrap your treated areas in gauze bandages and compression garments to protect the tiny incisions and add support to the healing areas.
You will remain at the facility until you feel well enough to leave, but you must have a designated driver to return you home safely to begin the post surgery recovery process.

Liposuction Surgery Length

The time required to perform liposuction depends on the number of areas being treated and the amount of fat being removed from each area. Most surgeries take 40 minutes to three hours. The time also depends upon the type of anesthetic used.

After Surgery - Liposuction Recovery

Because liposuction is an outpatient procedure, you are not required to stay in a hospital after the surgery. The patient is always required to arrange for transportation after the procedure. It is also recommended that someone stays with you or is on-call for the first night.

Patients lose fluid along with the fat during liposuction. To prevent shock, patients are carefully monitored and given intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery.

After your surgery, you will feel minor discomfort for a few days. Your physician will prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter medication to manage pain. Your incisions will be covered with a large dressing for at least the first 24 hours. Rest during the first day and allow your body to heal, to minimize discomfort. On the second day, this dressing will be replaced with an elastic wrap or compression garment, which should be worn for at least one week.

Many patients experience bruising and swelling in the first 24 hours after surgery, but side effects will subside within a few days. There might be drainage from the small incision sites for a day or two.

Generally, patients can resume bathing and hygiene routines within 48 hours after liposuction surgery. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for one to six weeks, until the swelling is gone. Most patients can resume office work and other light activities within one to two days after procedures.

You will notice results almost immediately, but the full healing process and results from the surgery will be revealed over the next few months.

The most important consideration after liposuction surgery is you and your health. Now is the time to change your eating habits and lifestyle and treat your body with the love and respect it deserves - for the rest of your life.

Post Liposuction Surgery Risks and Considerations

Studies have concluded that liposuction surgery comes with few complications, especially if the patient follows the surgeon's orders and instructions. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, liposuction has some risks, which include:

Blood clotting
Excess fluid and blood accumulation
Increased risk of infection
Possible shock (if too much fat is removed)
Swelling
Bruising
Perforation (rare)
Damage to superficial nerves
Temporary numbness around surgical areas

Choosing an experienced liposuction surgeon increases your chances of success. Browse our Surgeon Locator to find a liposuction doctor near you!