Liposuction/Liposculpture

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is sometimes called lipoplasty or even liposculpture. This body contouring procedure is intended for both men and women and improves various shapes and proportions by removing undesirable fat deposits. For optimal results, treated areas should blend with adjacent tissues. While liposuction can dramatically enhance contours in areas that do not respond to diet and exercise, it is not a treatment for obesity. In fact, liposuction is most successful in patients with good skin tone who are at or near their ideal body weight.

Common treatment areas include the hips, thighs, abdomen, waist, arms, neck, back, chest, calves, and even knees. Because of this wide application, liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed. Various liposuction technologies exist today, and board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins are most qualified to examine these options and deliver the safest treatment.

Is Liposuction Safe?

In general, liposuction is considered to be a safe and effective procedure. This particular type of cosmetic surgery is actually one of the most widely researched options available, and the technology and techniques used to perform liposuction continue to advance. As with any surgery, complications may occur, and liposuction is no exception. Possible risks include asymmetrical body contours, hematoma, infection, and excessive bleeding; however, the risk of complications can be lowered when the surgery is skillfully and carefully performed by an experienced, highly qualified, and preferably board-certified plastic surgeon. This can help ensure the appropriate measures are taken before, during, and after the surgery. For example, the patient should receive a full evaluation to assess they are in good health for the procedure, as well as a good candidate for liposuction. Dr. Braithwaite and Dr. Cobbins adhere to every precaution to provide excellent care and the highest standards of safety for each and every patient.

Other Common Questions About Liposuction

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

To determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction, we will review your health history and perform an examination during your consultation. Our doctors will assess skin laxity, fat deposits, and existing contours. We will also take preoperative photos during your visit. During the consultation, Dr. Braithwaite and Dr. Cobbins will understand your goals and desires and they will review available options and techniques.

Can Liposuction Be Performed with Local Anesthetic?

Liposuction in small areas with stubborn pockets of fatty tissue often can be performed with local anesthesia. This allows patients to avoid the downtime associated with general anesthesia. Some of the locations where this can be achieved include the chin, upper arms, abdomen, flanks (“love handles”), inner thighs, outer thighs, knees, and calves. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for this approach, but our experienced plastic surgeons will discuss this option with you during your initial meeting if it can benefit your treatment.

What Happens If I Gain Weight After Liposuction?

We encourage patients to wait until they have reached a stable weight close to their ideal weight before considering liposuction. That said, we understand life can be unpredictable. Most minor fluctuations in weight should not have an effect on your results. If you gain significant weight, the outcome could alter your body contour. The fat may develop in an area that was treated by liposuction, or the fat may develop in areas that were untreated. Every person’s body and experience is different. If you’re dissatisfied with the way weight gain alters your results, you can speak with our plastic surgeons about your options for addressing these concerns.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Liposuction?

While the fat removed using liposuction can be measured in pounds, liposuction itself is not a weight loss procedure. Furthermore, the amount of fat removed will vary on an individual basis, and the risk of potential complications increases when greater volumes of fat are targeted for removal. In general, liposuction candidates should actually be at or near their desired weight, and the procedure should only be performed with the intention of improving body contours, not losing excess pounds.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Liposuction?

In general, patients must be at least 18 years old and in overall good health in order to qualify for liposuction. From there, your candidacy for the procedure will be determined during a consultation with your surgeon.

How Does Liposuction Differ for Men vs. Women?

Although gender does not present a difference for how the fat-suctioning technique is performed, the preferences for how to target the unwanted fat may vary. Both men and women seeking slimmer, sculpted body contours often choose targeted areas that hold stubborn fat pockets based on anatomy. For male liposuction, this typically includes the chest, abdomen, love handles, and neck. Women may seek treatment in those areas as well as the thighs, hips, knees, and back. Another difference can be found in the aesthetic preference in which men often request masculine, lean lines whereas women may pursue softer contours.

Is Liposuction Painful?

Liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. If performed under general anesthesia, patients will not feel any discomfort during the procedure itself. When done under local anesthesia, there can be a moderate amount of discomfort at the beginning of the procedure while we are injecting the local anesthetic. This generally only lasts for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the local anesthetic takes effect, you should only feel touch and light pressure.

Similar to most surgical procedures, patients will likely experience some post-operative pain and swelling following treatment. This pain should be temporary, and is typically quite manageable with oral pain medication. You should generally expect to take 2-3 days of downtime following your procedure, after which you should be able to resume light activity.

Will I Have Loose Skin After Liposuction?

The amount of excess or sagging skin after a liposuction procedure varies for each patient. Some individuals have more of a chance that their skin will tighten naturally after surgery, while others may have less of a chance that the skin will firm up following the procedure. Wearing compression garments properly and for the recommended amount of time after the procedure can lend proper support for the skin to heal; however, it ultimately all depends on individual skin elasticity. Many factors contribute to this, including genetics, age, sun damage, stress, and significant or rapid weight loss or gain that has occurred over time.

The goal of liposuction is to target and remove unwanted fat cells. With that in mind, it is not a procedure designed to address excess, sagging tissue. For tightening loose skin, there are other cosmetic surgery options that may be appropriate. Our plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Institute of Chicago also offer treatments such as the lower body lift, tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, and others to improve areas of the body affected by loose skin.

How Can I Reduce Swelling after Liposuction?

The best way to optimize both your results and your recovery is by carefully following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. We advise all of our patients to wear specialized compression garments following surgery, which help reduce swelling in the treated area(s). These garments only need to be worn for the prescribed period of time, which your surgeon will determine based on your unique circumstances.

Contact The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago

For more information about liposuction/liposculpture or to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons, please contact our practice online or call (312) 361-8108 today.