Overview
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or liposculpture, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes localized fat deposits to improve body contour.
What Areas Can Be Treated with Liposuction?
Liposuction can treat multiple areas of the body including:
- Abdomen
- Waist and flanks
- Thighs
- Hips
- Back
- Arms
- Chin and neck
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
You may be a suitable candidate if you:
- Have localized fat deposits
- Are close to your ideal body weight
- Have firm and elastic skin
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Have realistic expectations
How Is Liposuction Surgery Performed?
During liposuction surgery, small incisions are made and a thin tube called a cannula is inserted to loosen and remove fat using suction.
What Types of Liposuction Techniques Exist?
Modern liposuction techniques include:
- Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL)
- Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
- VASER Liposuction
- Water-Assisted Liposuction (WAL)
What Is WAL Liposuction?
Water-Assisted Liposuction (WAL liposuction) uses a controlled water jet to gently loosen fat cells before removal. This technique may reduce trauma to surrounding tissues and allow smoother fat extraction.
What Is VASER Liposuction?
VASER liposuction uses ultrasound energy to break down fat cells before suction removal, allowing more precise body sculpting.
What Is 360 Liposuction (Lipo360)?
360 liposuction, also known as Lipo360, removes fat from the entire midsection including the abdomen, waist, flanks, and lower back to create balanced body contour from all angles.
What Is Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck?
Liposuction removes localized fat deposits, while tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. In many cases, both procedures may be combined for optimal body contouring.
Can Liposuction Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Liposuction is frequently combined with tummy tuck surgery, body lift procedures, breast surgery, or fat transfer procedures such as BBL.
What Is Recovery Like After Liposuction?
Typical recovery timeline:
- Few days: return to light activities
- About 1 week: return to work
- Several weeks: swelling gradually decreases
Are Liposuction Results Permanent?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from treated areas, although maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to preserve results.
Does Liposuction Leave Scars?
Liposuction involves very small incisions that typically leave minimal scars.