overview
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. Liposuction also shapes (contours) these areas. Other names for liposuction are lipoplasty and body contouring.
Liposuction is not usually viewed as a general method of weight loss or as an alternative to weight loss. If you're overweight, you're likely to lose more weight through diet and exercise, or through bariatric procedures — like gastric bypass surgery — than you do with liposuction.
You may be a candidate for liposuction if you have excess body fat in certain areas but otherwise have a stable body weight.
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Why it's done
Liposuction under the chin
Liposuction under the chin
The blue shading shows the area under the chin that can be treated with liposuction.
Treatment areas liposuction
Treatment areas liposuction
Blue shading indicates areas on the body—including the stomach, chest, back, legs, and arms—that can be treated with liposuction.
Liposuction is used to remove fat from areas of the body that have not responded to diet and exercise, such as the e.g.:
- Abdomen
- upper arms
- buttocks
- calves and ankles
- chest and back
- hips and thighs
- chin and neck
In addition, liposuction can sometimes be used for breast reduction or the treatment of gynecomastia.
As you gain weight, fat cells increase in size and volume. Liposuction, in turn, reduces the number of fat cells in a specific area. The amount of fat removed depends on the appearance of the area and the amount of fat. The resulting contour changes are usually permanent—as long as your weight remains stable.
After liposuction, the skin adapts to the new contours of the treated areas. If you have good skin tone and elasticity, the skin is likely to appear smooth. However, if your skin is thin and lacks elasticity, the skin in the treated areas may appear loose.
Liposuction does not improve cellulite bumps or other skin surface irregularities. Likewise, liposuction does not remove stretch marks.
To be eligible for liposuction, you must be in good health and have no conditions that could complicate the surgery – such as: B. restricted blood flow, coronary artery disease, diabetes or a weak immune system.
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risks
As with any major surgery, liposuction carries risks such as bleeding and a reaction to anesthesia. Potential complications of liposuction include:
- contour irregularities.Your skin may appear bumpy, wavy, or wilted due to uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity, and abnormal healing. These changes may be permanent. Damage under the skin from the thin tube (cannula) used during liposuction can leave the skin with a permanent patchy appearance.
- fluid accumulation.Fluid accumulations (seromas) can temporarily form under the skin. This fluid may need to be drained with a needle.
- Deafness.You may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the affected area. Temporary nerve irritation is also possible.
- Infection.Skin infections are rare but possible. A severe skin infection can be life-threatening.
- Internal puncture.Rarely, a cannula that penetrates too deeply can puncture an internal organ. This may require emergency surgical repair.
- fat embolism.Dissolved pieces of fat can break loose and become trapped in a blood vessel and accumulate in the lungs or travel to the brain. A fat embolism is a medical emergency.
- kidney and heart problems.Fluid level fluctuations when injecting and aspirating fluids can cause potentially life-threatening kidney, heart, and lung problems.
- Toxicity of lidocaine.Lidocaine is an anesthetic that is often given with fluids injected during liposuction to reduce pain. Although generally safe, under rare circumstances, lidocaine toxicity can occur, causing serious cardiac and central nervous system problems.
The risk of complications increases when the surgeon is working on larger surfaces of your body or performing multiple procedures during the same operation. Talk to your surgeon about how these risks apply to you.
How to prepare
food and medicines
Before the procedure, discuss with your surgeon what to expect from the surgery. Your surgeon will review your medical history and ask about your medical conditions and any medications, supplements, or herbs you may be taking.
Your surgeon will recommend that you stop certain medications, such as blood thinners or NSAIDs, at least three weeks before surgery. You may also need to have certain laboratory tests before your procedure.
Other Precautions
If your procedure only requires a small amount of fat to be removed, the surgery can be performed in an office setting. If there is a large amount of fat to be removed - or if you plan to have other procedures done at the same time - the surgery can be done in a hospital followed by an overnight stay. In any case, make sure that someone drives you home and stays with you for at least the first night after the procedure.
What you can expect
Before the intervention
Puffy liposuction
Puffy liposuction
In tumescent liposuction, the most common type of liposuction, the surgeon uses a thin tube (cannula) attached to a vacuum to remove fat from under the skin. In some cases, the surgeon can insert the cannula through multiple points to treat an area from different angles.
Before your liposuction, the surgeon may mark circles and lines on the body areas to be treated. Photos can also be taken to compare before and after images.
How your liposuction procedure is performed depends on the specific technique that is used. Your surgeon will choose the appropriate technique based on your treatment goals, the body area to be treated, and whether you have had other liposuction procedures in the past.
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Tumescent liposuction.This is the most common type of liposuction. The surgeon injects a sterile solution — a mixture of salt water, which helps remove fat, an anesthetic (lidocaine) to relieve pain, and a drug (epinephrine) that constricts blood vessels — into the area to be treated. The liquid mixture causes the affected area to swell and stiffen.
The surgeon then makes small incisions in your skin and inserts a thin tube called a cannula under your skin. The cannula is connected to a vacuum that sucks fat and fluids from your body. Your body fluid can be replenished via an intravenous (IV) line.
(Video) Can Liposuction Make You Healthier? - Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL).This type of liposuction is sometimes used in conjunction with traditional liposuction. DuringUAL, the surgeon inserts a metal rod that emits ultrasound energy under your skin. This breaks down the fat cell walls and breaks down the fat for easier removal. A new generation ofUALCalled VASER-assisted liposuction, it uses a device that can improve skin contour and reduce the risk of skin injury.
- Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL).This technique uses high-intensity laser light to break down fat for removal. DuringLALthe surgeon inserts a laser fiber through a small skin incision and emulsifies fat deposits. The fat is then removed via a cannula.
- Power-assisted liposuction (PAL).This type of liposuction uses a cannula that moves in a rapid reciprocating motion. This vibration allows the surgeon to pull out tough fat more easily and quickly.DUDEcan sometimes cause less pain and swelling and allow the surgeon to remove fat with greater precision. Your surgeon may choose this technique if large amounts of fat need to be removed or if you have had liposuction before.
During the procedure
Some liposuction procedures may only require local or regional anesthesia — anesthesia confined to a specific area of your body. Other procedures may require general anesthesia, resulting in a temporary state of unconsciousness. You may be given a sedative, usually by aIVinjection to keep you calm and relaxed.
The surgical team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels throughout the procedure. If you are given a local anesthetic and feel pain during the procedure, let your surgeon know. The medication or movements may need to be adjusted.
Depending on the extent of fat removal, the procedure can take up to several hours.
If you've had general anesthesia, you'll wake up in a recovery room. You'll typically spend at least a few hours in the hospital or clinic so medical staff can monitor your recovery. If you're in a hospital, you can stay overnight to make sure you're not dehydrated or going into shock from dehydration.
After the procedure
Expect pain, swelling, and bruising after the procedure. Your surgeon may prescribe medication to control pain and antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
After the procedure, the surgeon may leave your incisions open and place temporary drains to encourage fluid drainage. Typically, you'll need to wear tight-fitting compression garments that reduce swelling for a few weeks.
You may have to wait a few days before returning to work and a few weeks before returning to normal activities - including exercising.
Expect some contour irregularities during this time as the remaining fat settles into place.
Results
After liposuction, the swelling typically subsides within a few weeks. At this point, the treated area should appear less bulky. Within a few months, expect the treated area to look slimmer.
It's natural for skin to lose firmness with age, but the results of liposuction generally last a long time as long as you maintain your weight. If you gain weight after liposuction, your fat distribution may change. For example, you can accumulate fat around your abdomen, regardless of which areas were originally treated.
By Mayo Clinic staff
FAQs
What are the 3 types of liposuction? ›
There are currently four different types of liposuction procedures you can get: tumescent liposuction, the super-wet technique, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and laser-assisted liposuction. The super-wet liposuction technique injects small volumes of fluid into the body.
How much does liposuction cost? ›Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat beneath your skin. The cost of liposuction ranges from $1,000 to $20,000 for one treatment area, with an average cost of $3,600 per treatment area. Liposuction is not typically covered by most insurance plans.
How much weight will liposuction remove? ›Generally speaking, the maximum amount of fat that can be removed with liposuction is 5000 ml. That's roughly 11 pounds on the scale.
Does fat grow back after lipo? ›The results will be permanent since liposuction permanently removes fat cells from an area, and fat cells do not grow back or duplicate in the area where liposuction has been done.
What are the disadvantages of liposuction? ›As with any major surgery, liposuction carries risks, such as bleeding and a reaction to anesthesia. Possible complications specific to liposuction include: Contour irregularities. Your skin may appear bumpy, wavy or withered due to uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity and unusual healing.
What is the best safest liposuction? ›The most popular form of liposuction as well as the most common cosmetic procedure in the U.S. is tumescent liposuction, which is more effective, safer and less painful than traditional liposuction, and has a quicker recovery time. It is performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require general anesthesia.
Is getting liposuction worth it? ›Some people wonder whether liposuction is worth the price, but numbers indicate that the majority of those who have liposuction are very happy with the results. In fact, lipo has a 91% “worth it” rating on RealSelf.com.
How long do liposuction results last? ›Liposuction is a safe, effective body sculpting procedure that can provide results that last for a lifetime. However, you must be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle if you want to get the most out of the procedure.
What is the average age for liposuction? ›Hips and thighs – Liposuction – optimum age is 30-35. Before 30, diet and exercise are the best option. Under 35, skin elasticity is better, producing better results since the skin snaps back over the new, slimmer shape. Skin – Laser skin resurfacing – optimum age 50.
How many sizes do you go down after liposuction? ›Ultimately, the most you can lose with liposuction is likely to be about two dress sizes, which is a significant change. This is why so many patients in The Woodlands choose liposuction to help enhance their body shape.
What is the ideal BMI for liposuction? ›
But generally, a BMI under 30 is good news. In addition, it is especially well suited for minimally-invasive procedures such as liposuction and skin tightening. With your BMI, you are likely to see good results from both procedures.
Is liposuction painful? ›Treatment Details
Liposuction surgery itself is not painful. As long as anesthesia medications are used and the operation is performed in an accredited surgical facility by a board certified plastic surgeon, liposuction should be a relatively pain-free experience.
No. Liposuction does not cause sagging skin. What liposuction does is remove the volume beneath skin by eliminating excess fatty tissue. When this is done, though, skin that does not have good laxity doe not bounce back and retract the way one might like.
Is 60 too old for liposuction? ›There is no upper age limit on liposuction
As we age, our body goes through a number of changes, but skin laxity is the most important consideration with older patients investigating liposuction.
If anything, for a short while you may feel as if you have gained weight or are looking larger in the area treated. While liposuction can remove up to 10 pounds of fat cells during a procedure, fluid retention and swelling can cause you to look bloated. As the swelling goes down, you can begin to see results.
What is the best procedure to remove belly fat? ›Liposuction is particularly effective at removing fat in the legs, abdomen, back, arms, face, and neck. It provides more dramatic results than other noninvasive fat reduction procedures, however, it has a longer recovery period (up to six weeks) and typically costs more than its nonsurgical counterparts.
What not to do after liposuction? ›It is essential that after liposuction you do not take off your compression garments other than to shower or for other necessary activities, unless your surgeon advises otherwise. Vigorous exercise should also not be performed straight after liposuction and you should not smoke for 3-6 weeks after the surgery.
What is the success rate of liposuction? ›Most patients will see 90% of their ultimate liposuction results with in one to three months after surgery. For the first few weeks after surgery there is postoperative swelling. The rate at which this swelling subsides depends on the surgeon's surgical technique and method for postoperative care.
Is there a better alternative to liposuction? ›Kybella. This is an FDA approved injectable that is designed to fix a double chin. Kybella is considered to be one of the best alternatives to liposuction because it uses deoxycholic acid, a main ingredient that synthesizes very well in the body.
What is the newest liposuction procedure? ›Smart lipo is a laser treatment performed under local anaesthetic. An optic fibre cable is inserted into the area of fat via a small 1mm cannula. This optic fibre then melts the fat cells and suctions them out, causing no damage to the surrounding cells.
What type of lipo removes the most fat? ›
UAL, laser-assisted lipo, and SmartLipo liquefy the fat, so they often work to remove the most tissue. Tumescent lipo also eliminates a lot of fat but isn't as precise as the other methods.
Will liposuction reduce belly? ›The short answer is yes, liposuction can generally get rid of belly fat! Now, having said that, there are some caveats and of course a consultation is needed to determine your candidacy for this body contouring procedure. But overall, liposuction is well-suited to removing isolated, excess fat on the belly area.
Should I lose weight before liposuction? ›Therefore, patients who are about to undergo liposuction surgery should be close to their desired body weight. In other words, while gaining or losing a few pounds before liposuction is fine, it is best if you go into the liposuction procedure at a stable weight that you feel you can maintain after having liposuction.
What are the pros and cons of liposuction? ›- Pros: Not only is liposuction a simple procedure to undergo, it has been proven safe, and also requires less down time than other invasive surgeries. ...
- Cons: If a healthy lifestyle is not followed after the surgery, results will not be maintained. ...
- Who is a good candidate?
The amount of fat removed is dependent on the area treated; however, skin laxity after body treatments can be a concern. Skin will naturally retract to hold its contents, and this typically occurs without effort after liposuction.
Is 65 too old for liposuction? ›You must be at least 18 years old to undergo elective plastic surgery. After that point, so long as you are physically and emotionally prepared for a procedure, there is no upper age limit for plastic surgery.
Will my skin shrink back after liposuction? ›Skin After Liposuction
As individuals grow larger, the skin stretches to accommodate the changes in their bodies. Removing fat with liposuction will not cause the skin to shrink.
- Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone.
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing.
- Nonsmokers.
If you do have scarring from liposuction it will most likely appear as a small dot about the size of a freckle. In most cases, a scar this size will fade slowly over the next six months until it is no longer noticeable. In some cases, you may have hyperpigmentation at the incision site.
How long does it take to recover from liposuction on stomach? ›The area will probably be bruised and swollen for at least 10 to 14 days. You will be able to return to your normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable. This may take several days to a few weeks. Most people can return to light work within a few days.
How many inches can lipo Remove from waist? ›
Most people can expect to lose between one and two inches from their waist with this lipo treatment, and if you're treating your upper arms or thighs, you can expect to lose around an inch from these areas, too. However, some people do lose more. The more body mass you have, the more inches you're likely to lose.
What happens if you don't wear compression after liposuction? ›By not wearing a compression garment, the risk of noticeable scarring and bruising is greatly increased. Even pressure from a compression garment can also ease pain from the surgery. Without wearing a properly fitted garment, discomfort is likely.
How big is the incision for liposuction? ›How Big Are the Incisions During Liposuction? Typically the incisions for a liposuction range from one-eighth of an inch to a half inch.
Should obese people get liposuction? ›Unfortunately, if you are significantly overweight or obese, liposuction may not be appropriate to provide you with the results that you want. Ideal liposuction candidates must be in good overall health with no medical conditions that can impair their ability to heal.
How many pounds is 5 liters of fat? ›“High-volume” liposuction is generally considered to be a maximum of five liters of fat, which equates to about 10 pounds.
What BMI is too high for tummy tuck? ›That noted that a good surgery candidate will have a BMI of 30 or below. Some surgeons will operate on patients as high as BMI 35-39 but most will NOT operate on a patient of BMI 40 or above. If you are overweight or in the obesity BMI range of 30 or above, you're less likely to be a suitable candidate for surgery.
What area is most painful for lipo? ›Pain varies depending on the extent of liposuction and each person has and individual tolerance to pain the upper arm and hip area tend to be more painful to most patients, whereas the abdomen and thighs are less painful. There is very little pain in the neck area.
Can lipo damage organs? ›The nerves that reside between the internal oblique, organs, and abdominal muscles are prone to puncture damage during the fat removal process, such as the liver, and kidneys.
How hard is liposuction recovery? ›During the first few days of recovery, you can expect moderate pain and soreness. Your surgeon will have given you pain medication to make this discomfort manageable, so follow your medication schedule closely. You should plan to limit your activity during this time as well.
Why is my stomach wrinkly after lipo? ›It is common for patients who do not have the ideal skin type to undergo liposuction and experience wrinkling and laxity of skin post operation. The appearance of these excess fat deposits can make you feel conscious about your appearance and also cause general discomfort.
Should I get lipo or tummy tuck? ›
If you're looking to get rid of sagging skin and fat, while making your abdominal wall stronger, a tummy tuck is right for you. If you just want fat removal and a flatter tummy, liposuction is the answer.
How much fat can lipo 360 remove? ›The safe limit for out-patient liposuction is 5 liters which is 10 lbs of fat.
Is liposuction a low risk surgery? ›Complications are relatively uncommon in liposuction and of low risk relative to other procedures. In one study, the overall complication rate was 2.4%.
Why is liposuction ineffective? ›Liposuction is designed as a treatment only for fat removal in specific areas and does not rid the body of the type of body fat that is not only more health threatening but also more metabolically active. This is the visceral fat not subcutaneous (fat that liposuction removes).
Can my stomach get fat again after lipo? ›The results will be permanent since liposuction permanently removes fat cells from an area, and fat cells do not grow back or duplicate in the area where liposuction has been done.
Why do I look bigger 3 weeks after lipo? ›Swelling: Some patients find they look bigger after liposuction than they did before. If this happens to you, don't worry. Liposuction can remove pounds of fat, but right after the procedure, fluid retention and swelling are typical. These post-surgical effects are temporary and usually resolve within a few weeks.
Where does fat go after lipo? ›Since liposuction destroys fat cells, any areas that have been treated with liposuction will not readily hold onto more fat. Instead, the subcutaneous fat in other areas will start storing more fat, or your visceral fat will store more.
Which liposuction removes the most fat? ›UAL, laser-assisted lipo, and SmartLipo liquefy the fat, so they often work to remove the most tissue. Tumescent lipo also eliminates a lot of fat but isn't as precise as the other methods.
What is the best fat removal procedure? ›Liposuction is particularly effective at removing fat in the legs, abdomen, back, arms, face, and neck. It provides more dramatic results than other noninvasive fat reduction procedures, however, it has a longer recovery period (up to six weeks) and typically costs more than its nonsurgical counterparts.
What type of liposuction has the highest complication rate? ›As described, gluteal fat transfer is the only procedure with a higher risk of fatal fat embolism, and is still considered to have the highest mortality rate of any aesthetic procedure.
What is the best liposuction technique for abdomen? ›
Tumescent liposuction works well for most areas of the body, including areas like the stomach, thighs, and flanks that tend to carry a lot of fat.
How many sizes can liposuction remove? ›If you are already close to your next size down, it's likely that after the surgery you will be in that size range. Ultimately, the most you can lose with liposuction is likely to be about two dress sizes, which is a significant change.
How is Sono Bello different from liposuction? ›Sono Bello's minimally invasive approach gives patients the benefits of traditional liposuction without the need for and risks of general anesthesia. Instead, patients remain awake throughout the procedure and receive local anesthesia in the areas of treatment.
Why is my back killing me after tummy tuck? ›Low back pain is a frequent complaint after a tummy tuck. It is usually from being bent over, sleeping flat on your back and from the muscle tightening. Check with your surgeon, but non-steroidal medications will usually help with this. The pain will improve with time as you begin to stand straighter.
Is there a risk of blood clots with liposuction? ›Blood clots: There is a possibility of patients developing blood clots after liposuction. Cardiac issues: Even rarer is the possibility of cardiac problems such as cardiac arrest or cardiac arrhythmia.
Can liposuction damage organs? ›The nerves that reside between the internal oblique, organs, and abdominal muscles are prone to puncture damage during the fat removal process, such as the liver, and kidneys.
Is 70 too old for liposuction? ›You must be at least 18 years old to undergo elective plastic surgery. After that point, so long as you are physically and emotionally prepared for a procedure, there is no upper age limit for plastic surgery.
Does liposuction reduce waist size? ›Liposuction is arguably the number one body contouring procedure for people who are looking for a slim and narrow waistline. Through this cosmetic treatment, plastic surgeons are able to remove stubborn pockets of fat from different parts of the body including the flanks, abdomen, thighs, and back.
Who does liposuction work best for? ›Who is a good candidate for liposuction? In general, good candidates for a liposuction include: Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone. Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing.
What is the new technique of liposuction? ›Vaser lipo is another new liposuction technology, and is very similar to the smart lipo procedure. Again a cannula is inserted into the skin, however with vaser the fatty area is treated with a saline solution before being stimulated by vaser electronic probes that break apart and liquefy the fat cells.