Liposuction

Goal of Liposuction

The goal of liposuction is to remove stubborn fat deposits, most commonly on the stomach, hips, back, and thighs. The procedure is a potential solution for those wishing to reshape their body contours to enhance their overall attractiveness. It is often performed along with other “mommy makeover” procedures like breast augmentation or a tummy tuck. Liposuction can also be used for breast reduction in women with large, heavy breasts; and for removing excess fat tissue in men with feminized breasts, a medical condition called gynecomastia.

Pros & Cons of the Procedure

Liposuction has been one of the most popular body contouring procedures for decades. Most patients feel that there are few downsides associated with it.

As with all elective cosmetic surgeries, one primary limiting factor is cost. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the average cost of liposuction in 2017 was $3,374. Note that this fee is a national average that varies widely depending on various patient-dependent factors, like the size of the treatment area, cost of anesthesia, and the surgical facility where it is performed, for instance.

Some other “cons” of liposuction are:

• Surgical results can be negatively affected by weight gain, pregnancy, poor diet, and the aging process
• While it can be helpful, it is not intended to improve the appearance of cellulite, which is fat tissue that has “pushed” up through the connective tissues of the skin
• Candidates may need to lose weight before the procedure can be performed

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reports that 90.8% of patients report being satisfied with the results they achieve with liposuction. Some notable pros of this procedure are:

• Often increases the patient’s self-confidence
• Minimally invasive incisions that leave only small scars
• Can typically be performed without using general anesthesia
• Makes the treatment area appear slimmer and clothing fit better
• Shorter operating time and less risky than similar body contouring surgeries

Discuss the unique benefits liposuction may have for you with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this safe, outpatient procedure.

Cost of Liposuction

The average cost of a liposuction procedure according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) was $3,548 in 2019. Liposuction cost will vary significantly due to numerous variables. When considering booking a procedure, these other possible expenses can start to add up. To learn more, check out our complete guide to liposuction costs.

Before and Aftercare

If you decide that liposuction is for you, then you will need to schedule an initial consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in the procedure. If you are a good candidate for having liposuction, the doctor may ask you to do the following before the surgery date:

• Lose weight
• Stop using tobacco products
• Adjust the dosages of medications you are using
• Avoid using blood thinners like aspirin and ibuprofen

Remember to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility or hospital where your surgery will be performed. You might also need to schedule time off work, depending on the severity of the treatment you have.

You will likely come out of the surgery room with bandages and compression garments over your incisions sites and surrounding areas. Temporary surgical drains are also used commonly to evacuate any remaining tumescent fluid and to keep blood from building up under the skin. The doctor will tell you how and when to clean or change these drains, dressings, and garments.

You will also be prescribed pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics as needed to help you manage the normal signs of healing like bleeding, bruising, pain, swelling, and tightness. You will return to see the surgeon in follow-up visits to have stitches removed and make sure you are healing properly. It can take several months to recover completely and see the full results in treated areas.

Ideal Candidate

Liposuction continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. It is considered safe for good candidates and is well-tolerated by most patients. You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you are not more than twenty pounds overweight, do not smoke tobacco products, are mentally stable, have good skin elasticity, and have a positive mental attitude and realistic expectations about the procedure and its risks.

Liposuction is not recommended as a remedy for being overweight or obese. It is also not meant for cellulite removal. Your surgeon may advise against this procedure if you have a medical condition that could inhibit your ability to heal.