Liposuction

Persistent fat that just won’t go away, even with healthy eating and frequent exercise, can be greatly improved with liposuction, a minimally invasive treatment that delivers big results.

About liposuction

Liposuction remains one of the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures for men and women because of its exceptional results. It’s ideal for those who are pretty much at their goal weight but still struggle with certain problem areas of stubborn fat, as it’s actually more of a body contouring procedure — not a weight loss treatment. Liposuction is often combined with surgeries such as a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or a breast procedure to achieve an even more dramatic improvement.

Most commonly treated areas with liposuction

Love handles
Muffin top
Stomach
Bra rolls
Male breasts
Back
Arms
Thighs
Knees
Calves
Hips
Waist
Buttocks
Neck
Chin

Alabama Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

What happens during liposuction?

Liposuction isn’t surgical, but it is minimally invasive, and incisions are involved. Before treatment, you will be given anesthetic injections to numb the area. Or, if multiple areas are being treated, you may be put under general anesthesia. (About 3 to 4 areas can safely be addressed in one appointment.)

Next, tiny incisions will be made as an access point for the cannula (the liposuction instrument). The cannula is able to both break up the fat and vacuum it out of the body. When the fat removal has been completed, the incisions will be closed, the area will be dressed, and a compression garment will be placed.

The incisions will be made very carefully in order to leave the most minimal scarring possible. The realistic amount of visible scarring will be determined by your skin quality and how many access points are made. During your consultation, more information will be discussed about the incisions.

Recovery

Because every patient will have a different number of areas treated and fat removed, as well as different areas of the body addressed, recovery time will vary for each individual case. Whether or not your liposuction was in conjunction with a surgery will also factor into your recovery time.

Expect some swelling and bruising during recovery
Discomfort typically lasts a few days
Compression garment must be worn for about two weeks
Beginning the day after liposuction, begin to walk around several times a day to increase circulation
More specific details will be provided during your consultation

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Results

Patients begin seeing results a few weeks after liposuction, but final results may take up to six months to become visible. The incisions typically fade into almost-invisible scars. Once the fat cells have been removed, they won’t return — so technically, liposuction results can last forever. However, if you gain weight, your results won’t look as good. Be sure to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to keep your outcome looking great.

Candidates for liposuction

Have stubborn pockets of fat that won’t respond to diet and exercise
Have been at a stable weight for six months or longer
Are non-smokers in overall good health
Have firm, elastic skin
Have realistic expectations for the procedure’s outcome
Understand the procedure, including its risks and benefits
Have realistic expectations for results

What is the right age for liposuction?

Because liposuction candidates need to have good skin tone (not sagging skin), there is a misconception that only younger patients can undergo this procedure. However, if an individual is in overall good health and understands what liposuction can accomplish, it may be a great option for their needs. While older patients will need to meet certain medical requirements before getting liposuction, there is no set answer for what “too old” is regarding this procedure. The best way to know if liposuction is right for you is to consult with a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon.

Why choose ALPRS for liposuction?

At Alabama Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we provide extraordinary care and service from every touchpoint — before, during, and after surgery — to deliver results that are natural-looking, attractive, and durable. Dr. John Bauer is board-certified in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, and will take the time to fully educate you on the procedure and recovery process of liposuction. When you choose to work with ALPRS, you are choosing personalized care and customized treatment to ensure optimal results and boosted confidence.