Liposuction

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a highly effective cosmetic procedure designed to eliminate unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of your body. This popular treatment targets localized fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise. Using advanced techniques, liposuction can help you achieve a more harmonious body shape and enhance your self-confidence.

Where Can Liposuction Be Performed?

Liposuction can effectively eliminate stubborn fat no matter where it’s located, helping you achieve the body shape you desire. The most common treatment areas include the thighs, abdomen and buttocks, but it can also be used in more delicate places like the chin or arms. Liposuction can be performed on its own or with a body lift, tummy tuck or nearly any other kind of plastic surgery to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Liposuction treatment areas include the following:

• Abdomen & waist to sculpt the midsection
• Thighs to shape the legs and reduce chafing
• Hips & buttocks to enhance your curves 
• Arms for a more toned appearance
• Back & bra line to eliminate rolls and bulges
• Sides to get rid of love handles 
• Chin & neck for a more defined jawline

We’ve also used liposuction to remove excess fat from behind the knees and around the ankles. Depending on your needs, our surgeons will create a personalized treatment plan to target your exact areas of concern and sculpt the curves and body you want.  

Ideal Candidates for Liposuction

Liposuction is a highly versatile procedure that’s able to remove stubborn fat from almost anywhere on the body. However, it is not considered a shortcut to reach your weight loss goals. The ideal candidates for liposuction should meet the following criteria: 

• Stable Weight: Candidates should be at or near a stable and ideal weight. Liposuction is considered a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss solution.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Liposuction is most effective when combined with a healthy routine. It isn’t a substitute for a healthy diet or regular exercise. 
• Localized Fat Deposits: Liposuction targets specific areas of fat that resist diet and exercise, but it won’t change your overall body type. 
• Good Overall Health: Candidates should be in good overall health without any medical conditions that could interfere with the surgery or recovery process.

During your initial consultation, our plastic surgeons will thoroughly assess your needs, goals and expectations to determine if liposuction is right for you. If you’re a good candidate for this procedure, our team will begin developing a personalized treatment plan and help you prepare for your upcoming surgery with pre-operative instructions and guidelines. 

What to Expect During Your Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction removes excess fat cells by inserting a thin, tube-like tool called a cannula beneath the skin through small, inconspicuous incisions. The cannula is used to target, dislodge and suction unwanted fat from the body. By combining their expertise with an artistic eye, our surgeons carefully eliminate these fat cells to sculpt your desired contours.

There are a few different types of liposuction procedures, but one of the most common is tumescent liposuction. This technique involves first injecting a solution containing a local anesthetic, epinephrine and saline into the treatment area, which saturates the fat tissue and makes it easier to remove. It also numbs the area and constricts the blood vessels to help reduce discomfort, bleeding and swelling during the procedure.

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under general or local anesthesia depending on your needs, preferences and the amount of fat being removed. Surgery typically lasts between one to three hours, but this also varies. Smaller areas, such as the chin or arms, can be treated quickly, while larger areas, like the abdomen, legs or back, require more time. Combining liposuction with other cosmetic surgeries will increase the overall length of the procedure but provide the benefit of a single recovery period. 

Once a sufficient amount of fat has been removed to sculpt your desired contours, the incisions will be closed. You may also be fitted with compression garments or bandages to reduce swelling. You’ll then be taken into the recovery room and monitored closely before being released to return home.

Liposuction Recovery

Immediately After Surgery

Immediately after your liposuction procedure, you may experience some soreness, bruising and swelling in the treated area. This is a normal part of the healing process and should subside gradually over time. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort you may experience during the initial stages of recovery. 

First Few Days

During the first few days, it’s important to allow your body to rest and heal. Take the time to relax and give yourself permission to focus on your recovery. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding physical activity and restrictions — engaging in strenuous exercise that puts excessive strain on the treated areas should be avoided during this phase. As you progress through your recovery, you may gradually return to your regular activities based on our guidance, but listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard too soon.

Next Couple of Weeks

To better support the healing process and optimize your results, our surgeons recommend wearing compression garments for at least four weeks after your surgery. These garments exert gentle pressure on the treated areas, helping to reduce swelling, promote blood circulation and aid in the retraction of your skin. It’s crucial to wear these garments as directed by your surgeon.

Follow-Up Appointments

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to carefully monitor your progress and ensure that your heling is on track. These appointments allow us to assess the results of your liposuction and provide any necessary recommendations or adjustments to your recovery plan. If you have any questions or concerns, you can also call our office to address them. We’re dedicated to supporting you throughout each stage of the treatment process to ensure that you have a positive experience and achieve the best surgical outcome possible.

Liposuction Results

Liposuction can be a truly transformative procedure that greatly enhances your body contours. However, it might take some time for your final results to develop. While you’ll notice an immediate reduction in unwanted fat in treated areas, more dramatic improvements might be obscured by swelling and bruising. As these side effects decrease, a firm and toned physique will be revealed, along with balanced curves that enhance your overall silhouette.

Your liposuction results will be permanent as long as they’re maintained with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Once fat cells are removed, they’re gone for good, but significant weight gain can still impact the outcome of your procedure. By following a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can enjoy your new contours for many years. 

Schedule Your Consultation With Georgia’s Premier Liposuction & Body Sculpting Experts at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery

Liposuction has a long history of success when it comes to removing stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. If you want to sculpt and reshape your body contours, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery to learn how liposuction can help you reach your fitness goals. To get started, click here to contact us today or call our office at 706-494-7700. Our board-certified plastic surgeons proudly serve the residents of Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding cities of Alabama.