Tumescent Liposuction

Liposuction is America's most popular cosmetic procedure. The typical liposuction patient is one who has been diligently exercising and dieting but still has little areas of fat often referred to as 'saddlebags' or 'love handles.' The areas most frequently liposuctioned are the stomach, hips, waist, thighs, buttocks, arms, legs and neck.

Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?

You may be a candidate for liposuction if you have excess subcutaneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction may also be desirable if you wish to change the contours of your body. Commonly involved areas are the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits, male chest/breasts, trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves, and ankles. Most patients are near normal weight and desire permanent contour changes.

Improved techniques now allow larger amounts of fat removal. Liposculpture can be useful to heavier persons as well.

Liposuction is intended to produce a permanent improvement in the contour and proportion of the treated areas. A more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing, is another goal of liposculpture.

About Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction is done on an outpatient basis. General anesthesia is usually used for safety and comfort. Liposuction is performed using the tumescent technique in which the areas to be treated are infused with a tumescent solution (anesthetic and saline mixture) that defines the area and allows the surgeon to be more precise in bodysculpting. Use of the tumescent solution is also helpful in minimizing swelling and bleeding. The procedure is performed through tiny incisions in which a thin suction device (cannula) is inserted to suction out the fat deposits.

The patient goes home with a compression garment covering the treated areas. Compression is advised for about a month to reduce swelling and help achieve a smooth result. Once pain and soreness decrease, it is frequently more comfortable to wear lycra or spandex exercise pants. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medications, and most patients find that they quickly resume normal activities. Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2 to 4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2 to 3 months.

See Liposuction Before and After Photos

Additional Procedures

Additional procedures that may enhance the result of liposuction are Tummy Tuck, Breast ReductionBreast Reduction, and Thigh / Buttock Lift.

Payment for Plastic Surgery

Liposuction is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment. Our patient counselors can help you with your financial arrangements, including financing.

Risks

The specific risks and the suitability of liposuction for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.

Return to main procedure page or learn more about body contouring plastic surgery:

• Liposuction
• Thigh/Buttock Lift
• Tummy Tuck
• Upper Arm Lift
• Your Consultation at Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads