Understanding Liposuction: A Comprehensive Guide
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to create a more contoured appearance by removing excess fat from the body.
It is the most popular plastic surgery procedure worldwide. 1.9 million procedures were performed in 2021 according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
A thin tube called a cannula is used, attached to a vacuum, performed by a plastic or dermatologic surgeon on hips, outer thighs, upper arms, stomach, waist, flanks, back, under the chin, and other areas.
How Liposuction Works
During liposuction, a surgeon makes small incisions to the treatment area, inserts the cannula and suctions out excess fat. Results are visible immediately.
Note: Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure. It’s intended to remove small areas of stubborn fat from specific areas.
Although it is possible to lose up to three pounds with surgical lipo, results depend on the patient, the size of the treated areas, and fat removed.
It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results you can expect.
Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction has a number of benefits, including:
- Dramatic results from one session.
- Results are more predictable than those from non-surgical fat reduction treatments, which require multiple sessions over several months to get significant body contouring benefits.
- Fat removed during liposuction can be transferred to other areas of the body to restore lost volume or create fullness.
- Liposuction is frequently combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as a tummy tuck, as part of a mommy makeover.
- Treats medical conditions, such as lipomas, benign fatty tumors removed through surgical excision. Lymphedema, a condition causing swelling and inflammation in the arms or legs.
- Remove enlarged male breasts (Gynecomastia) used in combination with surgical excision.
The Art and Science of Liposuction
Liposuction is both an art and a science, as it requires a surgeon to have both an artistic eye and an intimate knowledge of anatomy. The sculpted nature of liposuction demands the surgeon predict which bodies will and won’t respond favorably to a change in the relationship between skin and fat.
As liposuction techniques have evolved since the 1980s, the procedure has become more sophisticated, yet it is still often perceived as simplistic. Liposuction is one of the more challenging procedures in plastic surgery.
Type of Liposuction:
There are several methods of performing liposuction available today, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common type of liposuction include:
- Traditional Tumescent Liposuction
- Power-assisted Liposuction (PAL)
- Laser-assisted Liposuction (LAL)
- Tickle Lipo (Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture)
- Radiofrequency-assisted Lipolysis (RFAL)
- Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (UAL)
- VASER Liposuction
- Strawberry Laser Lipo
There are several different liposuction techniques available, each with its own set of pros and cons. We review in detail the most popular types below. Understanding the different type of liposuction is essential to making an informed decision about which method is right for you.
Tumescent liposuction is a standard liposuction technique using a combination of lidocaine (prevent pain) and epinephrine (minimize blood loss and bruising) in a saline solution to remove pockets of unwanted fat. The term “tumescent” refers to the anesthetic solution used and means “swollen and firm.”
The surgeon manually breaks up the fat. It causes more trauma to the surrounding tissues than energy-assisted techniques like power-assisted lipo or VASER lipo and leads to more bruising, swelling, and longer recovery time.
Tumescent liposuction is intended for healthy adults, close to their ideal weight and can be performed on several body parts, including the abdomen, hips, love handles, thighs, chin, upper arms, and underarms.
VASER liposuction is a surgical fat-removal procedure using ultrasonic vibration to break up unwanted fat and free it from the surrounding tissue. This method is less invasive than tumescent liposuction and is gentler on the surrounding tissue.
VASER lipo results in less swelling, less bruising, less pain, and less downtime compared to traditional liposuction techniques.
Plastic surgeons who prefer VASER lipo say it’s a faster procedure, easier on the surgeon, with ultrasound energy loosening the fat to allow for more removal in a shorter time period.
VASER liposuction is designed to treat thighs, calves, and ankles, buttocks and hips, abdomen, back, and flanks (aka love handles), upper arms, neck and under the chin, and male breast reduction.
Tickle Lipo, also known as Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture (NIL), is a body sculpting method using a vibrating and rotating cannula to loosen and remove fat while blocking pain.
This FDA-approved fat removal procedure creates a tickling sensation in the surrounding tissue, tricking nerves from signaling pain, while unwanted fat is removed and liquified.
Less painful than traditional liposuction, the smaller cannula makes it more comfortable for patients. Tickle Lipo can be performed on a numb treatment area with local anesthesia, making it a more accessible option for people who are hesitant about undergoing general anesthesia.
The procedure is performed on inner and outer thighs, back, abdomen, love handles, hips, saddlebags, buttocks, and underneath the chin.
The very thin sizes of cannula makes Tickle Lipo an especially good option for areas where conventional liposuction is difficult or impossible.
While still surgery, Tickle Lipo’s small, vibrating cannula makes it minimally invasive. Not requiring general anesthesia, reduces both cost and risk.
Because it extracts fat cells without damaging them, the fat may be used for fat transfer breast augmentation or a Brazilian butt lift.
Because it doesn’t damage surrounding tissue, there’s less bruising and swelling than with conventional lipo. This means less discomfort and shorter recovery time.
Your surgeon will help you decide which type of liposuction is right for you based on your specific goals and the area you want treated.
Safety: Potential Risks and Complications of Liposuction
While liposuction is considered safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologic surgeon, there are still potential risks and complications to consider.
The most common risks associated with liposuction include:
- Hematoma: A temporary pooling of blood under the skin, which can cause swelling and bruising.
- Seroma: Fluid under the skin requiring draining by your doctor.
- Thrombophlebitis: The formation of blood clots in the deep veins, which can be painful and dangerous.
- Skin color change or sensation: Some patients may experience this in the target area after liposuction.
- Thermal burning: Only an issue with laser- and ultrasound-assisted lipo, if skin ports aren’t used.
- Fat embolisms: A rare but serious risk of liposuction, which occurs when a piece of fat separates and becomes trapped in a blood vessel.
If you experience any concerning symptoms or side effects after your liposuction procedure, it is important to contact your doctor right away.
Pros and Cons of Liposuction
Before deciding to undergo liposuction, weigh the pros and cons of the procedure.
Pros
- Long-lasting results: Permanently removes stubborn pockets of fat.
- Larger fat volumes: than what’s possible with non-surgical procedures.
- Inconspicuous scars: Incisions are short, leaving small scars.
- Body Reshaping: Creates a more aesthetically pleasing body shape, an hourglass figure in females and a chiseled, muscular look in males.
- Boosts confidence: Patients report feeling more confident and younger.
Cons
- Healing time: Expect swelling, bruising, numbness, and potentially some nerve pain, lasting up to two weeks.
- Sagging skin: For those lacking skin elasticity, skin may sag. Patients may follow liposuction with a skin tightening procedure to address this issue.
- Contour irregularities: Asymmetry, dimpling result if the surgeon is inexperienced. A skilled, experienced surgeon who respects the underlying muscle and bony anatomy to create a natural and aesthetically look is key.
- New fat cell growth or the expansion of remaining ones may occur. Weight gain may result.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons of liposuction and discuss any concerns with a qualified plastic or dermatologic surgeon before making a decision.
Costs
Liposuction cost depends on surgeon’s experience, surgery center location, anesthesia used and number of lipo treatment areas involved.
Liposuction is priced based on the number of areas treated. The first area is more expensive, because price includes operating room cost, equipment, and anesthetic.
In the U.S. costs range from $1,000 to more than $20,000, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery’s cosmetic surgery pricing tool.
During your consultation, always ask for a total cost quote. All-in estimate include:
- Surgeon’s fee.
- Anesthesiologist fees.
- Facility fees, surgery center.
- Lab work and medical tests.
- Prescription pain medications and recovery supplies.
- Follow-up appointments.
If these costs aren’t included in your quote, factor them into your budget.
Ask up-front how your surgeon handles revisions, if you aren’t happy with your initial results and want to correct issues like asymmetry, bumps, dimples, or other contour irregularities.
Traveling Abroad Benefits
In the U.S., liposuction is expensive, making it difficult for most to afford.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to undergo liposuction, traveling abroad may be the perfect solution.
Let’s explore the benefits of undergoing liposuction abroad and why it might be the right choice for you.
Why Turkey is an Attractive Destination for Liposuction
Turkey is becoming an increasingly popular destination for liposuction, as it offers high-quality procedures at a significantly lower cost than in other countries, such as the United States.
Liposuction costs $1,850-$3,300 in Istanbul whereas in Los Angeles these same treatments cost $6,000- $12,000.
Why plastic surgery is so much cheaper in Istanbul:
- Lower Operating Costs: Rent, utilities, and supplies, are much lower in Istanbul.
- Lower Labor Costs: Salaries for medical professionals and operating room staff.
- Lower Marketing and Advertising Costs: Lower spend results in lower prices.
- Lower Malpractice Insurance Costs: Insurance costs are significantly lower and this keeps the cost of plastic surgery down.
- Competition: A high level of competition among plastic surgeons in Istanbul, results in lower prices as they compete for patients.
Safety and Quality of Care
Reputable Surgeons
Regardless of where you undergo liposuction, make sure you have an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellent results.
Liposuction is just as safe as undergoing the same procedure back home, if you choose a reputable surgeon.
At HebeDoc, we work with board-certified plastic surgeons who have a proven track record of delivering high-quality care and excellent results.
Liposuction Candidates
Healthy, non-smokers, with a BMI of 30 or below with strong skin elasticity, make the best candidates and play a crucial role in ensuring good results from liposuction.
It’s best suited for individuals who are near their ideal weight and simply need help getting rid of stubborn fat.
One of the major benefits of liposuction is its ability to target specific areas of the body that have stubborn pockets of fat. Whether it’s the hips, thighs, belly, or chin, liposuction can help you achieve a more toned and contoured appearance.
How Liposuction is Performed
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure taking anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and the number of areas treated.
Beforehand, a local anesthetic, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia is administered, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Liposuction, involves making small incisions (less than one-quarter inch) in the targeted area.
The surgeon then inserts a cannula through the same incision and passes it back and forth under the skin to break up the fat before suctioning it out.
Advanced liposuction technologies, such as VASER, use ultrasound energy to break up the fat, making it easier to remove and minimizing swelling, downtime, and loose skin compared to traditional liposuction.
Pain: Does liposuction hurt?
With anesthesia, a lipo procedure should not hurt.
Liposuction recovery, however, can be painful. Expect to feel sore, especially during the first few days post-op. You’ll be swollen and bruised, and you’ll need time to recover before you head back to work.
Recovery: Understanding process and timeline
While liposuction can be a highly effective way to achieve your desired body shape, the procedure does come with a recovery period.
Let’s explore the recovery process after liposuction, including what you can expect, how long it takes, and tips for a smoother recovery.
The first few days after liposuction are typically the most uncomfortable. Expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and pain in the treated area.
Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort, but over-the-counter pain relievers may also suffice.
You’ll also need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and promote healing.
While the initial recovery period can be challenging, most people start to feel better after about a week. Swelling should start to subside, and you’ll be able to resume some light activities.
It’s important to take it easy during this time, as overexerting yourself delays healing and increases complication risk.
The length of recovery time from liposuction varies depending on the extent of the procedure. For minor liposuction procedures, such as chin lipo, only a few days. For more extensive procedures, such as a full 360 lipo, anticipate 2 weeks or more.
On average, most people take 3-4 weeks to return to regular activities, and up to six weeks to heal completely. Every person is different, and some may experience a longer or shorter recovery period.
Compression garments are an essential part of the recovery process after liposuction. These garments help to minimize swelling, promote healing, and ensure that the skin smoothly adheres to the underlying tissue.
Doctors typically recommend wearing a compression garment 24/7 (with a break for showering) for two weeks, gradually reducing time worn over three or more weeks.
In addition to compression garments, some liposuction surgeons also recommend lymphatic massage to help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
Note: Avoid self-massage, as it may counteract the surgery.
Visiting a massage therapist who specializes in post-surgical massage to help speed the healing process and prevent irregularities.
- Follow all doctor’s instructions: pain management, compression garment use, and post-operative care.
- Avoid overexertion: listen to your body when it comes to physical activity.
- Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet. Supports healing and promote optimal recovery.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, these slow down the healing process.
- Lymphatic massage: (No self-administered) Reduces swelling and speed healing.
Talk with your doctor about pain medication options, both prescription and over-the-counter, to help keep you comfortable while you heal.
Results: Achieving your ideal body
Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed worldwide. It offers patients the ability to sculpt their bodies, eliminating stubborn fat deposits, and creating a smooth and natural-looking figure.
While the initial results of liposuction can be dramatic, the full benefits take time.
After your liposuction procedure, you’ll notice an improvement in your body contour immediately.
This initial result will be somewhat masked by swelling. This swelling can last for up to six weeks, but as it subsides, you’ll see better and better results, continuing to improve over the next six months.
The best plastic surgeons understand the importance of discretion and strive to make their surgical scars as unobtrusive as possible.
Liposuction requires the insertion of a stainless-steel cannula in multiple locations, which can leave small marks on the skin.
The goal is to place these incisions in natural lines of skin tension, shadows, or areas that are typically concealed by clothing.
Particular body regions, such as the belly button and buttocks creases, provide good hiding spots for incisions. Other areas, like the back, are more challenging to conceal. In these cases, the surgeon will aim for areas covered by undergarments, such as the bra or bikini line.
The key benefits of liposuction is creating smooth and natural-looking contours. This involves avoiding lumps and bumps, and ensuring one treatment zone flows seamlessly into the next.
Contour irregularities are among the most common complications of liposuction, and occur if the surgeon removes too much fat or if the wrong plane is targeted.
To minimize risks, the surgeon will use a fat equalization technique, using a special cannula to distribute loose fat particles, acting like small fat grafts, filling in gaps and creating a smoothed effect.
Tight, springy skin is ideal. Pinch tests gauge skin quality. Adhering to the postoperative compression garment instructions given by your surgeon, aids skin retraction following your liposuction procedure.
Hanging skin folds of abdominal tissue or stretch marks, indicate your skin will struggle in retracting sufficiently, and a tummy tuck may be a better option for you.
Are Liposuction Results Permanent?
The Truth Behind Fat Cell Removal
One of the most popular questions asked: are liposuction results permanent?
Liposuction Permanently Removes Fat Cells
Liposuction does permanently remove fat cells. This means that once the fat cells are suctioned out, they will not grow back.
Note: Remaining fat cells grow larger if you gain weight.
Gaining weight after liposuction, diminishes results or create contour irregularities. In cases of significant weight gain, new fat cells may even develop in the treated areas, although the area will still look better than if you hadn’t had liposuction.
Maintaining Liposuction Results Through Healthy Lifestyle Choices
To maintain the benefits of liposuction, adopting a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential.
To prevent weight gain, it is crucial to get back into the habit of regular exercise following recovery.
To maintain and enhance the results of liposuction, leading an active lifestyle and adopting healthier eating habits need to be a top priority. Maintaining a stable weight is key to preserving liposuction results.
The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Surgeon
An experienced surgeon will have the knowledge and expertise to perform the procedure minimizing complication risk and maximizes results.
Liposuction Revision
Liposuction revision involves correcting irregularities, possibly including asymmetry, dimpling, or bumps. If your initial liposuction results are not what you hoped for, a revision procedure may help you achieve the natural-looking figure you desire.
Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction: Key Differences
A toned and flat tummy is desirable, but the path to achieving it can be tricky. With the plethora of cosmetic procedures available, two of the most popular options are tummy tucks and liposuction.
Both procedures aim to contour the abdomen and improve appearances, but they differ significantly in their approach and outcomes.
Key Differences Between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck
- Targeted Areas: Liposuction is performed on specific body regions, while tummy tucks are limited to the abdomen.
- Procedure: Liposuction is minimally invasive suctioning out unwanted fat cells. Tummy tucks require a larger incision, remove excess skin and fat and repair muscle separation or fascial laxity.
- Recovery Time: Liposuction recovery time is shorter. Patients return to normal activities relatively quickly. Tummy tuck recovery time is typically several weeks, and patients may experience discomfort and swelling for an extended period.
- Results: Liposuction results are often immediately noticeable, with the full results becoming apparent after several weeks. Tummy tuck results take several weeks, but the results are generally more dramatic and long-lasting.
- Cost: Liposuction is less expensive than a tummy tuck, as it is less invasive. However, cost vary depending on the extent of the procedure, location and the surgeon’s fees.
Which Procedure is Right for You?
The choice between liposuction and tummy tuck ultimately depends on your individual needs and goals.
Liposuction is ideal for individuals who have pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise and want a more contoured body shape.
Tummy tucks are ideal for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or have been pregnant and unable to restore pre-pregnancy shape.
Liposuction vs CoolSculpting
Two of the most popular options to rid stubborn pockets of fat, are liposuction and CoolSculpting. Both are effective, but which one is right for you? Let’s compare liposuction and CoolSculpting to help you decide which one is the better option.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure removing excess body fat. Small incisions are made and a cannula is used to suction out unwanted fat cells. The procedure is performed on body parts where excess fat accumulates—abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, and neck.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, FDA-approved fat reduction procedure, using controlled cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells.
During a CoolSculpting session, a vacuum-like device is applied to the treatment area, which cools the fat cells to a temperature causing them to break down.
Over time, the body naturally eliminates the dead fat cells, resulting in a reduction of fat in the treated area. CoolSculpting is most commonly used on the abdomen, love handles, thighs, and arms.
Pros and Cons of Liposuction
Liposuction’s distinct advantages over CoolSculpting:
- It is better for removing large amounts of fat.
- Results may be seen immediately.
Downsides to liposuction:
- Surgical procedure and carries risks associated with surgery.
- Downtime required for recovery.
- Complication risk (infection, bleeding and nerve damage).
- It can be expensive.
Pros and Cons of CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting has some key advantages over liposuction:
- Non-surgical procedure, incisions or stitches are not required.
- No recovery downtime.
- Less expensive than liposuction.
Downsides to CoolSculpting:
- Results take months to develop.
- More sessions are required for desired results.
- Results are not as dramatic as with liposuction.
- More expensive than liposuction for larger areas.
- Unsuitable for individuals with large amounts of fat.
- Temporary numbness, redness, or swelling in treatment area.
- Itching, tingling, or skin sensitivity in treatment area.
- Risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH).
Which is Right for You?
The choice between liposuction and CoolSculpting depends on individual goals and the amount of fat you want to remove. If you have larger pockets of fat that you’d like to remove, liposuction may be the better option.
Conclusion
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. It is used for body contouring and in achieving an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Patients should consider all aspects of the procedure, including the benefits, risks, and recovery time, before making a decision.
It’s important to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in liposuction to ensure optimal results.
On your quest for the perfect lipo surgeon, be discerning, particularly when scrolling through before- and after-photo galleries. Surgeons claim it’s the details that lead to the most amazing outcomes.
By educating oneself on the procedure and preparing for the recovery, patients can feel confident and excited about the transformation they will undergo.