Liposuction

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to remove localized areas of body fat. The cannula is inserted through extremely small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. Treated areas look slimmer and more contoured, and in better overall proportion to the rest of the body. However, liposuction is not a method for losing weight, and is not effective in eliminating cellulite, or tightening loose and sagging skin.

The ideal candidate for liposuction is in good overall health, but has one or more areas of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. Areas that are often treated with liposuction include the thighs, abdomen, arms, back, hips, buttocks, chest, face, calves and ankles. Liposuction can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as thighplasty and abdominoplasty.

The Liposuction Procedure

One of the most common liposuction techniques is tumescent liposuction, which may get an assist from ultrasound or laser. It is performed on an outpatient basis.

During tumescent liposuction, a solution comprising saline solution, lidocaine (an anesthetic) and epinephrine (a blood-vessel contractor) is injected into the area being treated. The solution causes the targeted tissue swell and become firm, which makes it easier to remove via the cannula. The advantages to this technique are that the anesthetic is built in, so there is no need for general or IV sedation, and blood loss is minimized because the epinephrine constricts blood vessels.

In laser-assisted tumescent liposuction, a laser is used to liquefy the fat, which makes removing it easier. The laser can also be used to tighten treatment-area skin after fat is removed. Similarly, ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat.

Recovery from Liposuction

After liposuction, patients experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area. Compression garments or elastic bandages are typically worn to help reduce these symptoms as the area heals. Patients can return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which is usually after a few days. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks.

Risks of Liposuction

In addition to the usual risks associated with surgery, risks associated with liposuction include the following:

  • Loose or rippled skin
  • Worsening of cellulite
  • Asymmetry
  • Contour irregularities
  • Pigmentation irregularities

When large amounts of fat are removed, surgery to remove excess skin may be necessary.

Results of Liposuction

Results of the liposuction procedure may not be apparent until swelling and bruising subside, which usually takes a week; swelling should completely subside within a few months. Incisions are rarely sutured, and scarring is almost nonexistent, because the incisions used for the cannula are so small. The results of liposuction are long-lasting, unless a substantial amount of weight is gained.

Schedule a Liposuction Consultation

Interested in learning more about how liposuction? Let one of our professional consultants give you the all the information you and the confidence to move forward. You can reach out to our contact page or call us at (847) 421-0071 to schedule an appointment at Meadows Plastic Surgery.

Request an Appointment

    * All indicated fields must be completed.
    Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

    3 Convenient Locations

    Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm

    Location Map: 11316 W. Wadsworth Beach Park, IL 60099

    Beach Park, IL

    11316 W. Wadsworth
    Beach Park, IL 60099

    (847) 421-0071

    Location Map: 7425 West Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60634

    Chicago, IL

    7425 West Irving Park Road
    Chicago, IL 60634

    (847) 421-0071

    Location Map: 11316 W. Wadsworth Beach Park, IL 60099

    Brookfield, WI

    200 South Executive Drive Suite 100
    Brookfield, WI 5300

    (847) 421-0071

    Accessibility Toolbar

    Scroll to Top