Liposuction, also called lipoplasty or liposculpture, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to remove localized pockets of fat from various areas of the body. Excess fat often accumulates in the face and body due to pregnancy, genetics, lifestyle habits, or even the natural aging process. These fat cells are commonly resistant to healthy eating and an active lifestyle, causing frustration for individuals who cannot achieve their goals with dieting and exercise alone. Liposuction has been an extremely effective solution to improve the overall body contour by removing areas of stubborn fat that have not responded to diet and exercise. Liposuction is the most common cosmetic treatment performed in the United States and is used for both male and female patients.

Dr. Geoffrey Leber — our board-certified plastic surgeon — utilizes the latest and most efficient liposuction technology to suction out exercise-resistant fat from the abdomen, thighs, hips, flanks, arms, knees, back, and virtually any other region of the face and body. His techniques can sculpt and smooth areas of fat accumulation with minimized discomfort and downtime.

Liposuction Benefits
Liposuction Candidates
Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction Recovery
Liposuction Results
Liposuction Scars
Liposuction Cost

What are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction can complement an active lifestyle by slimming areas of stubborn fat and making your desired contours a reality. This body contouringprocedure stands out for its ability to resculpt “problem” regions with a treatment that:

Is minimally invasive
Requires little downtime
Offers lasting results
Can remove fat through small, half-inch incisions
Has decades of clinical research to support its effectiveness

Over the years, liposuction techniques have evolved significantly and it’s now possible to remove fat cells with less bleeding, bruising, swelling, and recovery time than ever before. Dr. Leber will thoroughly explain the details of treatment with you and help ensure you fully understand the benefits and risks of the procedure.

Is Liposuction Right for Me?

The best candidates for liposuction are individuals of average weight with localized pockets of fat that have not been reduced through a diet and exercise program. Patients should be in good overall health, with skin that features elasticity and firmness. Liposuction is commonly used to treat the following areas:

Hips, thighs and buttocks

Waist and abdomen

Upper arms, back, and chest

Ankles, inner knee, and calves

Breasts

Face and neck

Liposuction is not considered a weight loss procedure, and should only be performed on patients who are already at a healthy weight or slightly overweight. If a patient plans to lose a significant amount of weight, it is best to meet those goals before having a liposuction procedure.

How is the Liposuction Procedure Performed?

Dr. Geoffrey Leber performs liposuction as an outpatient procedure under either local or general anesthesia. A narrow tube called a cannula is inserted into the fat pocket via a tiny incision. The cannula effectively loosens the fat and a gentle suction device attached to the cannula removes it from the body.

There are a number of different types of liposuction procedures that might be performed, including:

Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL)

Traditional liposuction procedure using suction to remove fat.

Tumescent Liposuction

Uses a solution prior to the procedure to shrink blood vessels for less bleeding during the procedure.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

Utilizes a tool to move the cannula inside the fat pocket for quicker fat removal.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

Laser is used to disrupt the fat cells and loosen them for easier removal.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

Ultrasound energy is used to loosen fat in larger fat pockets for easier removal.

What is Recovery From Liposuction Like?

The recovery period after liposuction is often described as very tolerable. After the procedure, patients may be given a compression garment to minimize swelling in the treatment area. Discomfort after liposuction can be managed with oral pain medication. Most patients take a few days after the procedure to rest and heal before returning to work and regular activities.

What Results Can I Expect From Liposuction?

Results of liposuction may be seen right away, although swelling may impair the full effect for a number of weeks. Small incisions leave virtually no scarring afterward. As long as a patient maintains a healthy weight after the procedure, liposuction is considered a permanent solution to unwanted areas of fat. The removed fat cells will never “grow” back, although weight gain after the procedure may redistribute excess fat in other areas. In order to extend the longevity of your new contours, Dr. Leber recommends maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle after surgery. This not only helps prevent weight regain, but can also complement and prolong your liposuction results.

Will I Have Visible Liposuction Scars?

Scars from cosmetic surgery are inescapable. Fortunately, scars after liposuction are very discreet and Dr. Leber places incisions in undetectable locations whenever possible. During your consultation, Dr. Leber will show you where your post-surgical scars are likely to appear so you have a good idea of what to expect with regard to scarring. Evidence of surgery can also lighten over time, especially if patients take good care of their incisions during the initial healing process and use scar lightening creams after surgery.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

Liposuction costs are personalized according to the unique details of your treatment plan; therefore, it’s impossible to estimate the total cost of liposuction before an initial consultation. Once Dr. Leber assesses your concerns and needs, our team will be able to provide you with a personalized quote. On top of your geographic location and the expertise of your plastic surgeon, factors that may influence your cost estimate include:

The number of areas treated
The location of the planned treatment areas
The surgical technique(s) utilized

Keep in mind that your personalized quote will also include the costs of anesthesia, the surgeon’s fee, the hospital facility, and other expenses normally associated with a surgical procedure. Our office also accepts financing plans from CareCredit® and Prosper® Healthcare Lending for qualified patients who prefer to pay for their procedure in smaller, low- to no-interest installments. Don’t hesitate to call our office if you have any questions about the cost of liposuction or our other aesthetic procedures.

Dr. Leber has ample experience with various liposuction techniques to ensure the best possible results for each patient. Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation or learn more about this fat reduction treatment.

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