Say Goodbye to Stubborn Fat: What You Need to Know About Liposuction Procedure

Posted December 08, 2023 in Body Procedures

The quest for a perfect body shape leads millions each year to explore cosmetic procedures, with liposuction standing out as one of the most sought-after surgeries. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reports that over 1.9 million liposuction surgeries are performed each year.

Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Doja Cat, and Kanye West have openly talked about getting liposuction to fine-tune their body. This has made the procedure more accepted as a practical way to make significant changes to your body, especially in areas that are difficult to shape through traditional methods.

The popularity of liposuction points to a common struggle: stubborn fat that doesn’t go away, no matter who you are and how much you diet and exercise. This type of fat typically sticks to areas like the belly, hips, thighs, breasts, neck, back, and arms, and it is a problem for people in various age groups. Liposuction offers a proven and effective solution to this issue as it precisely targets and removes these hard-to-lose fat deposits.

In this post, we will look at how liposuction exactly works and why it might be the key to achieving your body goals.

👉Also read: Natural-Looking Results: The Secret to Successful Plastic Surgery

How Does Liposuction Work?

Liposuction is often misunderstood as a way to lose weight, but it is not about dropping pounds. Instead, think of it as a sculpting tool. It shapes and defines areas of your body that don’t change much with altering your lifestyle. The idea is to remove those unrelenting fat pockets to give you a more contoured look.

When it comes to how much fat is taken out, there is a safety limit. Good cosmetic surgeons are careful not to remove too much at once. The maximum is usually around 5 liters of fat per session, which is just a bit more than what fits in a standard gallon jug. This is important because taking out too much fat at once can cause complications.

Here is how the surgical procedure goes:

Numbing the Area or Going to Sleep: Before starting, the surgeon makes sure you won’t feel pain during the procedure. They will either numb just the area where they are working (i.e., local anesthesia), or they might put you completely to sleep with general anesthesia. Being asleep is common if the area being worked on is large or if you are having several spots treated at once.
Making the Cut: Next, a small cut is made in the skin; this is usually very tiny, just big enough for the tools that need to be used.
Inserting the Cannula: A slim tube – cannula – is inserted into the cut.
Suctioning Out the Fat: The cannula is attached to a vacuum-like machine. When the surgeon moves the cannula back and forth under your skin, it breaks up the fat cells and suction them out through the thin tube. Imagine it like a tiny vacuum cleaner specifically designed to remove fat.

The surgeon’s skill is critical here, as they need to remove the right amount of fat and shape the area in a way that looks natural. Too little, and you might not see the change you hoped for. Too much, and it could look unnatural or cause problems.

They also have to be careful about how they do this. It’s not just about taking fat out; it’s about doing it in a way that looks good. A board-certified cosmetic surgeon will pay attention to the contours and natural lines of your body to make sure everything looks balanced and smooth.

And again, remember that while liposuction can make a big difference in how you look, it is NOT a quick fix for weight loss. It’s more about fine-tuning specific areas of your body for a more defined appearance. To keep those results looking good, a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet and regular exercise is key.

Different Types of Liposuction Techniques

There are several different ways in which liposuction can be performed:

Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

This technique uses laser energy to help break down the fat. The surgeon uses a laser to liquefy the fat cells, to make them easier to remove. Then, they suction out the melted fat. The heat from the laser can also help tighten the skin, which is a nice bonus. This method is commonly used for smaller, more delicate areas like the chin or neck.

Tumescent Liposuction

In this method, the surgeon injects a solution into the fat area before removing it. This solution is a mix of saline (which is essentially saltwater), a medication that shrinks blood vessels (vasoconstrictor), and a local anesthetic to numb the area. This concoction makes the fat swell and firm up, making it more convenient to extract. It also reduces bleeding and provides pain relief during and after surgery.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

UAL uses ultrasound vibrations to break up fat cells. The surgeon inserts a special cannula that emits ultrasound waves, which liquefy the fat so it can easily vacuumed out. This technique is particularly viable for fibrous areas, like the upper back or the enlarged male breast tissue.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

In PAL, a mechanized cannula is used to move back and forth at extremely fast speeds. This rapid movement produces vibration which breaks up the fat pockets in areas with denser fat before eliminating it. Because the cannula is doing most of the work, it can be less physically demanding for the surgeon, which is especially helpful in longer procedures or when dealing with larger volumes of fat.

Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL)

This is the traditional liposuction, where the cannula is moved back and forth manually. The physical movement by the surgeon is what breaks up the fat before it’s suctioned out. This method requires more physical effort and precision from the surgeon compared to PAL.

Which Type of Liposuction is Best for You?

Different techniques can be better for different parts of the body. For example, if you are looking to remove fat from a small or delicate area like your chin or neck, Laser-Assisted Liposuction might be a good choice because it’s exact and can help tighten the skin. For larger areas or those with dense fat, something like Power-Assisted Liposuction might work better.

If there is a lot of fat to be removed, techniques like Tumescent or Suction-Assisted Liposuction might be more effective as they can handle larger volumes of fat more efficiently.

For those who specifically want skin tightening, Laser-Assisted Liposuction might be recommended. If you have certain medical conditions, your plastic surgeon might suggest avoiding methods that require general anesthesia.

Also, keep in mind that different surgeons tend to specialize in different liposuction procedures. It’s important to choose a surgeon who is experienced in the method that’s right for you. Make sure they consider your age, skin tone, and the elasticity of your skin to determine which method will give you the best results.

This is why at Hadeed Plastic Surgery, Dr. Josef Hadeed starts with a detailed consultation first. He looks at the areas you want to be treated, how much fat you want to be removed, and your current health – and then recommends the best liposuction types for you. He will explain the pros and cons of each option and help you make an informed decision. Remember, each person’s body and goals are unique, so what works best for someone else might not be the best for you.

Body Areas You Can Reshape with Liposuction

Here are some common areas where liposuction can be done:

Abdomen: Most people choose liposuction for their stomach and mid-section area. It helps to flatten the belly and sculpt the waist, especially when you haven’t been able to get rid of that extra fat in the gym.
Thighs: Liposuction on the thighs can slim them down, both on the inner and outer sides. This is helpful for those frustrating fat areas on the thighs that just don’t seem to go away, even with lots of squats or running.
Hips and Buttocks: Here, liposuction can shape the hips and make the buttocks smaller if they are disproportionately large. It can create a more symmetrical look between your upper and lower body.
Arms: The upper arms can sometimes accumulate fat that’s hard to lose. Liposuction can make these areas look more toned and firm, reducing the appearance of “flabby” arms.
Back: For the back, especially around the bra area in women, liposuction can remove the rolls of fat. It helps in achieving an even shape under clothes.
Face and Neck: On the face, liposuction can target the chin, cheeks, and neck. It’s used to refine the face’s shape, like reducing a double chin, to create a more defined facial profile.
Chest Area: In men, enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia) can be an issue. Liposuction can help by removing this excess fat, for a flatter, more traditionally masculine chest.
Calves and Ankles: While it’s less common, liposuction can also be done on the calves and ankles. This can help if your lower legs are out of proportion with the rest of your body.

In each of these areas, liposuction can improve the contour and give you an aesthetically pleasing shape that aligns with your body image goals.

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is not for everyone, despite what the popular media would have you believe. To determine if you are ready for it, here is what your surgeon would consider:

You should be in good health without conditions that could complicate surgery, like heart disease, a weak immune system, or diabetes that is not well-controlled.
You should have good skin tone and elasticity to help your skin conform to new contours post-liposuction. If you have too much sagging skin, liposuction alone might not achieve the desired results.
You shouldn’t be expecting liposuction to fix cellulite or loose skin; it’s strictly for removing localized fat deposits.
You should be a non-smoker, or willing to quit before and after surgery. Smoking can slow down the healing process.
You should be at or near your ideal weight. Massive weight fluctuations after the procedure can affect the results.
There is no specific age limit, but older patients may have less skin elasticity, which could impact the outcome.

If you are thinking about getting liposuction, the best step is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can assess your situation and help determine if it’s the right option for you.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Liposuction Surgery?

Generally speaking, recovery time after liposuction depends on how much fat was removed, the number of areas treated, and your body’s natural healing process. Here is a general timeline to give you an idea:

First Few Days: You will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Many patients take a few days off work, especially if their job is physically demanding.

First Week: Most people start to feel better and can do light activities. You will probably need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the treated areas.

Two to Four Weeks: By this time, a lot of the swelling and bruising should have gone down. You might be able to start more vigorous activities, but it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice.

Six Weeks: Most people are back to their normal routine. The swelling continues to go down, and you will start to see more of the final results.

Three to Six Months: This is when you will start to see the outcome of the surgery. Your body shape will have adjusted to the fat removal, and any residual swelling should have subsided.

One Year: Full healing and the final results are usually seen by this time.

That said, everyone’s body is different, so your recovery after plastic surgery liposuction may be faster or slower than someone else’s. Make sure to strictly adhere to the surgeon’s post-operative instructions and go to follow-up appointments. Eating healthy, staying hydrated, and gentle walking can also help speed up the healing process.

👉Also read: What Is Fat Grafting?

Ready for a Sculpted Appearance? Choose Liposuction with Dr. Hadeed

As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Josef G. Hadeed at Hadeed Plastic Surgery is one of the highly credentialed experts in cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery procedures. He performs liposuction as a standalone procedure, but may also combine it with other body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover for a total body revamp. Want to see how Dr. Hadeed can make this happen for you? Give us a call at (310) 970-2940 or drop us a message online.