Liposuction
Treatment Duration
1-4 hours
Liposuction
Do you feel that certain areas of your body don’t improve despite your efforts? If you have fat deposits in specific spots that don’t respond to your attempts, liposuction may offer the solution.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes localized fat and helps improve body contour. It is not a weight-loss method or an alternative to a healthy lifestyle, but a specialized procedure that targets specific areas to enhance the silhouette.
What is liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses suction to remove fat cells from specific areas of the body. Through a thin tube (cannula) connected to a vacuum device, the plastic surgeon can remove unwanted fat and sculpt the body’s shape.
The key is to understand that liposuction is intended for people who are close to their ideal weight but want to address areas with stubborn localized fat that doesn’t disappear with diet and exercise.
Areas where liposuction can be performed
Liposuction can be performed on almost any area of the body where stubborn fat is present.
Abdominal liposuction
The abdomen is one of the most common areas where fat accumulates, especially in the lower belly. Liposuction can remove the fat deposits that create bulges and enhance the area. It is often combined with a tummy tuck for a complete result, especially when there is loose skin.
Thigh liposuction
The thighs—both inner and outer—can have stubborn fat that creates contour irregularities. Liposuction in this area helps create more harmonious lines and reduces friction that may occur while walking.
Hip and buttock liposuction
The hip and buttock areas often have fat deposits that affect body proportions. By removing excess fat from these regions, the silhouette becomes more balanced and well-shaped. Additionally, the removed fat can be used for fat grafting to the buttocks, offering volume and lift.
Arm liposuction
The arms are an area where fat can accumulate and create a less toned appearance. Arm liposuction helps achieve a firmer contour, giving a more athletic look.
Chin and neck liposuction
A “double chin” and fat accumulation in the neck can affect the appearance of the face. Liposuction in the double-chin area removes excess fat, defining the jawline and offering a cleaner profile.
Other areas
Liposuction can also be performed on areas such as the back, chest (in men with gynecomastia), knees, and calves, providing a more complete improvement in body proportions.
How liposuction works
The procedure begins with the injection of a special solution into the area that will undergo suction. This solution contains saline, local anesthetic (lidocaine), and epinephrine, which helps shrink blood vessels to reduce bleeding and bruising.
The surgeon then makes small incisions in the skin and inserts a thin tube (cannula) connected to a suction device. With careful back-and-forth movements, the fat is suctioned and removed from the body. The incisions are closed with sutures, and the patient wears a compression garment to support healing and improve the final results.
Types of anesthesia
Depending on the extent of the procedure, liposuction can be performed with local anesthesia, sedation (twilight anesthesia), or general anesthesia. Smaller areas usually require only local anesthesia, while larger procedures or combinations with other surgeries require general anesthesia.
Liposuction and fat transfer: The ideal combination
One of the major advantages of liposuction is that the removed fat doesn’t necessarily have to be discarded. Through fat transfer, the purified fat can be used to add volume and contour to other areas of the body.
This technique is especially popular for:
- Buttock augmentation (Brazilian Butt Lift)
- The face, to address age-related volume loss
- Natural breast enhancement
- Improving the appearance of the hands
Fat transfer uses your own fat, so there is no risk of allergic reaction. The results are natural, and when the fat cells survive (usually 40–70% of the transferred cells), the results can last for many years.
Liposuction Before and After photos
Who is an ideal candidate
Liposuction is not for everyone. Ideal candidates are people who:
- Have a normal or slightly elevated body weight
- Present localized fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise
- Have good skin elasticity so the skin can adjust to the new contours
- Are in overall good health
- Have realistic expectations about the results
If you have significantly more weight than the normal range, liposuction is not the right solution. In this case, weight loss through nutrition, exercise, or bariatric surgery will be more effective.
Liposuction before and after: What to expect
Liposuction results become visible within a few weeks, as swelling and bruising subside. The skin needs time to adjust to the new contours, and the final results usually appear within 3–6 months.
The results are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight. Fat cells that are removed do not regenerate. However, if you gain weight after the procedure, the remaining fat cells can expand, affecting the results. Additionally, fat may be stored in different areas than before since there are fewer cells in the treated regions.
Recovery period
Immediately after the procedure, you will feel pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness in the treated areas. The pain usually lasts a few days to weeks and can be managed with pain relievers.
You will wear a compression garment for several weeks, which helps reduce swelling and supports healing.
Liposuction risks and side effects
Like any surgical procedure, liposuction involves risks you should be aware of:
- Bruising and swelling: Expected and resolve within weeks
- Infection: Rare, but requires immediate treatment
- Contour irregularities: Sometimes the skin may show unevenness, dimpling, or asymmetry
- Hematoma or seroma: Collection of blood or fluid under the skin
- Sensation changes: Temporary numbness or reduced sensation in the area
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: Rare but serious complications
- Fat embolism: Very rare, occurs when fat enters the bloodstream
Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and following all pre- and postoperative instructions significantly minimizes these risks.
PDO yarns
It is a treatment with anti-aging action, based on the creation of an internal support grid under the skin of the face or body.
VASER Lipo: Advanced Technology for a Sculpted Body
A specialized method, in which fat is removed accurately, while at the same time there is the ability of fat grafting, where the body is literally sculpted to obtain the coveted line.
BodyTite: The most effective way to treat loose skin
BodyTite offers skin tightening, sculpting and treatment of local fat!
FaceTite: Tightening and contouring of the face and neck
The best and most innovative method for tightening the face and contouring the neck!
Frequently asked questions
How much does liposuction cost?
The cost of liposuction ranges from €3500 to €6000 and depends on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, the number of areas treated, the type of anesthesia, and the complexity of the process. Smaller areas like the double chin cost less than larger ones like the abdomen or thighs. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will provide an estimate tailored to your needs.
Is the procedure painful?
During the surgery, you won’t feel pain due to the anesthesia. After the procedure, it is normal to feel pain, tenderness, and discomfort for a few days to weeks. The pain is manageable with pain medication and gradually improves.
How long do the results last?
The results are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight. Fat cells that are removed do not regenerate. However, if you gain weight, the remaining fat cells can enlarge.
Can it help with cellulite?
Liposuction is not designed to treat cellulite or loose skin. In some cases, it may even worsen the appearance of skin irregularities. If you have cellulite or skin laxity, discuss alternative options with your surgeon.
How many areas can be treated at once?
This depends on the extent of the procedure and your overall health. Many areas can be treated in one session, but your surgeon will consider safety and recovery time.
When can I return to work?
Most people return to work within 1–2 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure and the nature of their job. Intense exercise is usually allowed after 4–6 weeks.
Conclusion
Liposuction is a proven surgical method for removing stubborn localized fat and improving body proportions. From abdominal and thigh liposuction to the chin and arms, the procedure offers personalized solutions for individuals who want to enhance their natural silhouette.
Book your appointment at Facemed Clinic and discover how liposuction can help you achieve the contour you desire.