Liposuction (Lipo) Information
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The Condition(s) Liposuction Treats
Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Common areas include the abdomen (belly), flanks (love handles / muffin tops), thighs (saddle bags), arms, back (back fat / bra rolls), buttocks (banana roll), chin, and knees.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction
Candidates for liposuction are men and women who are reasonably close to their ideal body weight but have stubborn areas of fat. While diet and exercise remove fat from the entire body – making results slow and subtle – liposuction offers dramatic results by enabling patients to “spot reduce” troublesome areas of fat deposits.
Patients with fair to good skin elasticity are the best candidates – but liposuction can also be combined with other surgical or non-surgical skin tightening treatments to ensure that lax skin does not remain after fat removal. Liposuction patients should be in overall good health, have realistic expectations, and be willing to commit to a healthy diet and lifestyle after their liposuction.
Dr. Ali evaluates each patient’s unique body type, fat distribution, and appearance goals to determine suitability. Liposuction refines body contours and improves proportion but is not per-se a weight-loss method and is not recommended for obese individuals. In general, candidates should have a BMI under 30 – 34 for optimal safety and results, but Dr. Ali will evaluate each patient individually based on overall health, body composition, and treatment goals.
The Procedure or Technique(s) Used by Dr. Ali for Liposuction
Dr. Ali uses very small incisions to insert a thin cannula (tube), which loosens and then removes fat with suction. Techniques may include tumescent liposuction (fluid infiltration to minimize bleeding), ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), or power-assisted liposuction (PAL). Dr. Ali selects the most advanced, least invasive technique appropriate for each patient.
Does Liposuction Hurt – Anesthetic Used for Liposuction
Liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or local anesthesia. A tumescent solution is also often included which inserts a “numbing” agent under the skin during the procedure.
In most cases sedation (“sleepy medication”) is enough for patient comfort – without the need to be “put under” – depending on the extent of treatment. Dr. Ali ensures that patients always remain comfortable during and after liposuction.
After liposuction, soreness is typical but is well-managed with medication that we will prescribe. Because the incisions are so small, many patients transition to over-the-counter pain relievers within a few days.
How Long Liposuction Takes
Liposuction typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size and number of areas treated and the amount of fat that is removed. Larger or multiple areas may take longer. Small area, like chin liposuction, may take significantly less time.
How Long Recovery from Liposuction Takes
After liposuction, driving resumes when prescription medications are no longer needed. Gentle walking is encouraged almost immediately. Desk work can usually resume in 3 to 5 days, while strenuous activity, exercise and heavy lifting are postponed for 4 to 6 weeks. Compression garments will be provided that are worn to control swelling and support healing.
Will There Be Scarring After Liposuction
Liposuction scars are very minimal, as incisions are very small and placed discreetly. With proper care, scars fade to near invisibility over time.
Liposuction Results Are Permanent
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated areas. The human body is born with a fixed number of fat cells, and once these cells are removed, they do not grow back or regenerate. This means the fat eliminated during liposuction is gone for good. However, the remaining fat cells in untreated areas can still enlarge if a patient gains weight. For this reason, maintaining a stable weight with healthy lifestyle habits helps ensure long-lasting, permanent results from liposuction.
Cost of Liposuction
Each patient’s liposuction needs are unique – depending upon the technique used, areas treated, amount of fat removed, and other considerations. Therefore, the cost of liposuction will vary. During consultation, Dr. Ali will recommend the best liposuction plan for your unique needs and provide exact cost. Financing options are available.
Combining Liposuction with Other Procedures
Liposuction is frequently combined with other surgeries:
– Tummy tuck surgery: Removes excess skin while tightening muscles.
– BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift): Fat removed during liposuction is purified and injected into the buttocks.
– Arm lift surgery: Removes excess skin of the arms, complemented by liposuction for contour.
– Autologous fat transfer: The removed fat is used to enhance breasts, buttocks, or face.
– Profound skin tightening: Liposuction can be paired with skin tightening for optimal results.
Liposuction Combined with Autologous Fat Transfer
Liposuction is often combined with autologous fat transfer to achieve the ultimate in body sculpting and natural facial rejuvenation. During this approach, fat is first removed from areas where it is unwanted — such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs — through liposuction. Instead of discarding the fat, Dr. Ali purifies and re-injects it into areas where the fat is used for added volume to enhance body contours or restore youthful fullness.
Common autologous fat transfer areas include the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), breasts, face, or hands. This technique not only slims and shapes the donor areas but also uses your own natural tissue to smooth wrinkles, restore volume loss, and create harmonious, balanced results. The outcome of liposuction combined with autologous fat transfer is both sculpting and anti-aging, with permanent improvements that look and feel completely natural – because the patient’s own tissue is used.
Liposuction vs CoolSculpting
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically removes fat and provides immediate, dramatic results. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat-reduction procedure that uses controlled cooling to freeze fat cells and requires no downtime. Liposuction is ideal for larger volumes or when combined with other procedures, while CoolSculpting is better suited for patients with smaller, localized areas of fat who prefer non-surgical options.
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The information contained on this website is intended as general educational information only, and is not to be taken as medical advice. Plastic surgery and aesthetic procedure techniques and technologies are subject to change, and this information may or may not apply to your specific situation or unique condition. To understand what surgeries or cosmetic treatments are right for you, please schedule an in person consultation at AMAE Plastic Surgery & Med Spa by calling: 248-335-7200.
