Liposuction, or lipo, is a surgical procedure to remove excess body fat using gentle suction. Plastic surgeons consider liposuction to be the gold standard in fat removal. Franciscan Health’s plastic surgeons offer reconstructive and cosmetic body contouring surgery. They have particular expertise in liposuction for people of any gender.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction eliminates small fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Afterward, you can enjoy slimmer, more defined body contours and greater confidence. Liposuction can:

Remove unwanted fat and enhance muscle definition
Remove fat cells, which your body can’t regenerate, providing permanent results
Deliver more even fat distribution if you gain minimal weight in the future
Achieve a smoother, better-toned body
Correct imbalanced or damaged areas of your body

If you have fat bulges on your stomach, back, thighs, hips, buttocks or another body area, lipo may be right for you. Talk to the plastic surgeons at Franciscan Health to learn more about the procedure.

About the liposuction procedure

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure (you go home the same day). It can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the type of liposuction, the area(s) treated and the amount of fat being removed.

During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will:

Numb the area: You’ll have anesthesia to numb the treatment area and reduce discomfort.
Make incisions: Your surgeon makes one or more small incisions in the treatment area and inserts the appropriate instrument. The surgeon may use a cannula, ultrasound or laser probe, depending on the technique.
Remove fat: Your surgeon uses the instruments to break up or liquefy fat cells and suction the fat through a thin tube called a cannula.
Suture the incisions: When your procedure is complete, your surgeon closes the incisions with sutures.

Types of liposuction

Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you the most appropriate type of liposuction for your anatomy and goals. Your procedure may involve one or multiple types of liposuction, including:

Tumescent liposuction: Before the procedure, your surgeon infuses targeted fat cells with a saline solution that contains a local anesthetic. The solution numbs the area and causes it to swell. Your surgeon can remove the fat easily and precisely using a cannula, a thin tube inserted into the body. Tumescent liposuction may produce less bruising and swelling after the procedure.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL): For larger volumes of fat or fibrous body areas, your surgeon may use UAL to liquefy fat. Your surgeon uses a handheld device to deliver ultrasound energy to the target area. The fat melts, and the surgeon removes it by gentle suction. Surgeons often use UAL to assist in body sculpting.
Power-assisted liposuction: Your surgeon uses a mechanically powered cannula to break up and remove unwanted fat. Compared to other liposuction methods, this technique typically results in smoother body contours, free of lumps under the skin.
Laser-assisted liposuction: This method involves inserting a thin laser fiber into the incision site to deliver bursts of energy to break up and liquefy fat. The surgeon then removes the fat through a narrow tube. The laser energy stimulates collagen production, resulting in tighter-looking skin.

Recovery from liposuction

After liposuction, your initial recovery can take one to two weeks. The time depends on several factors, including your personal healing progress. Your doctor will monitor your recovery and make recommendations to help you heal.

Temporary side effects include swelling, bruising and soreness. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to reduce your discomfort. You may have drainage tubes in the treatment area for the first few days of recovery. These tubes remove excess fluids. You will need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your body as it heals.

It’s important to get plenty of rest during the initial recovery. Follow your doctor’s recommendations about when it is safe to resume normal activities, including exercise, and return to work.

The results of liposuction should be visible within three months. To maintain your results, you’ll want to keep your weight stable after surgery.

Who is a candidate for liposuction?

Ideal candidates for liposuction:

Are within 30% of their ideal weight
Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
Have excess fat on their stomach, back, thighs, hips, buttocks, legs, chest, face, neck and upper arms
Are in good overall health and have no serious medical conditions
Do not smoke
Have realistic expectations of surgery

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