Eliminating stubborn fat can be difficult, even when you are trying your best. Factors such as age and genetics can affect how your body’s metabolism handles fat stores. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support good overall health and weight loss, it may not necessarily change your body’s shape. Liposuction is a procedure that can remove excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body, helping you achieve a slimmer appearance.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as “lipo,” is a common cosmetic surgery that removes isolated pockets of excess fat from the body. These “trouble spots” may be small, but they can significantly affect a person’s appearance and self-confidence. By removing these fat deposits, a plastic surgeon can help patients achieve their desired body shape and contour.

Cosmetic fat removal surgery is intended to improve the shape and contour of the body, but it cannot replace a healthy diet and exercise or weight loss surgery. If you want to lose a significant amount of weight, it is best to work with your primary care doctor to create a sustainable weight loss plan before considering body contouring surgery.

Ideal Candidates for Liposuction

Liposculpture is a procedure designed to slim specific areas of the body in patients who are slightly overweight or at their goal weight but still have stubborn pockets of fat. Good skin elasticity is important for the newly shaped areas to appear tight and smooth.

Liposculpture is commonly performed on the abdomen, back, buttocks, and thighs, but it can also be used to contour the face and neck. To be considered a good candidate for the procedure, patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations.

During a liposuction consultation in Miami Beach, FL, Dr. Salloum will assess an individual’s candidacy and create a personalized surgical plan. The Miami Center for Plastic Surgery provides a spa-like atmosphere and valet parking to make the experience convenient and comfortable for patients.

How is the Liposuction Procedure Performed

Fat removal surgeries are typically performed at a specialized medical facility or hospital. Before the surgery, Dr. Salloum will discuss the surgical plan with the patient and may mark the body to guide the fat extraction process.

The patient will receive either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation during the procedure. If the tumescent technique is used, a solution of saltwater and medication will be injected into the areas marked for fat loss. This causes the area to swell slightly and become firmer, which helps reduce blood loss and trauma during the procedure.

After the anesthesia has been administered, Dr. Salloum will create a small incision in the skin to access the fatty layer. To break down the fatty tissue, he may use a device that emits ultrasound and ultrasonic waves, also known as UAL or ultrasound-assisted liposuction. These vibrations help to liquefy the fat. Once the fat has been emulsified, it will be suctioned out through a small tube called a cannula.

What procedures can be combined with Liposuction?

The Liposuction procedure can be performed on its own to sculpt different areas of the body, but it is often combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures for optimal aesthetic results.

Fat suctioning can be combined with skin-tightening techniques, or the fatty tissue can be transplanted to other areas of the face and body for augmentation. In some cases, a patient may be asked to gain weight before the procedure. One advantage of using a patient’s own fat is that it feels natural, is recognized by the body, and is readily available.

Surgical fat removal is often performed as part of the following cosmetic procedures:

Gynecomastia

Male breast growth, known as gynecomastia, is a condition caused by hormonal imbalances and can affect one or both sides of the chest. While some medications may reduce the size of male breasts, gynecomastia surgery is typically necessary to achieve a more masculine upper body shape. Liposuction may be combined with the removal of breast gland tissue for the most natural results.

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a popular surgery that is often performed on women after one or more pregnancies. Pregnancy can stretch the skin beyond its capacity, cause the abdominal muscles to become permanently stretched or separated, and result in unwanted fat accumulation around the midsection.

During tummy tuck surgery, excess skin is removed, the muscles are sutured and tightened, and the surgeon can use liposuction techniques to remove fat for a slimmer abdomen.

Arm Lift and Thigh Lift

Many body lift procedures are performed after significant weight loss. When fat cells increase in size in areas such as the upper arms and thighs, the skin may also stretch. Rapid weight loss or weight loss surgery can lead to excess skin and displaced fat in these areas. During a Thigh Lift Miami or an arm lift, persistent fat can be removed using liposuction and excess skin can be surgically removed.

Brazilian Butt Lift

In a buttock-enhancing procedure, body fat is removed from areas such as the abdomen or back and purified in a centrifuge. The fat is then injected into the buttocks to create a fuller, more rounded appearance. In addition to enhancing the butt, the areas where fat is removed through liposuction may also benefit from the slimming effect of the surgery.

Fat Transfer 

Fat grafting is a method of injecting fat from another part of the body into the skin as an alternative to using cosmetic fillers. Fillers are artificial substances that are injected into the skin to restore volume.

During fat grafting, the donor fat is purified and injected into different areas of the face, such as under the eyes to address bags or hollows, in the nasolabial (“parenthesis”) creases around the mouth, or into the cheeks for contouring. One benefit of using autologous fat, or fat from the patient’s own body, is that it is recognized by the body and therefore will not be rejected or cause an allergic reaction.

Liposuction Techniques

Tumescent Liposuction

The most common type of liposuction involves injecting a series of fluids containing saltwater, lidocaine, and epinephrine into the treatment area. These injections help to reduce trauma, control bleeding, and minimize pain.

By expanding the site with the fluids, the fat becomes firmer and easier to remove. This method of liposuction requires less downtime, allowing patients to return to their normal activities sooner.

Assisted Liposuction Methods

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is often combined with tumescent fat removal for enhanced results. The plastic surgeon first injects a tumescent solution into the fatty layer. Then, they use a specialized device to deliver ultrasonic energy beneath the skin. This breaks down the walls of the fat cells, making them easier to remove.

Another type of fat removal surgery is laser-assisted liposuction (LAL), which uses light energy to break down adipose tissue. The fat becomes emulsified and can be easily removed from the body using a cannula.

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) involves using a vibrating cannula to mechanically break down fat tissue, making it easier to remove with a vacuum. This technique is more commonly used in patients who require large-volume fat removal surgery.

How is the Recovery from Liposuction Surgery?

Liposuction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so patients can go home soon after the surgery is complete. However, they must be driven home by a friend or family member.

After the procedure, patients will be fitted with a compression garment to support their new body shape, reduce swelling, and increase flow in the blood vessels at the surgical site. Some bruising and swelling is normal and will subside over a couple of weeks.

The amount of time it takes for patients to return to their normal activities after liposuction can vary depending on the size of the treatment area. In general, patients can expect to return to normal life within 3 to 14 days, although it may take up to a month before they are approved for more strenuous activities. Regular movement and normal activity are generally encouraged.

In some cases, it may take up to six months for the sculpted areas to fully settle. To support the healing during recovery time, patients may be provided with additional compression garments to wear as needed. A complete liposuction results week by week guide is detailed for more information of the final outcome.

The Liposuction Risks

Is liposuction safe? If you’re considering liposuction surgery, there are some risks involved. Liposuction is not a completely risk-free procedure. There are a number of potential complications that can occur, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, scarring, and in rare cases, death. It is important for patients to carefully consider the potential liposuction risks and benefits and to discuss them with their plastic surgeon before making a decision.

Here are some tips to help reduce the chances of complications after liposuction:

• Make sure to take antibiotics before surgery. This can reduce the risk of infection.

• Refrain from drinking alcohol at least 24 hours prior to surgery. Since alcohol elevates blood pressure and heart rate, it becomes more challenging to administer anesthesia.

• Follow the doctor’s instructions for taking pain medications. Pain medications help relieve muscle tension and lessen discomfort.

• Stay up to date with your surgeon’s appointments. Setting up regular visits with your liposuction surgeon decreases the risk of complications.

Frequently Asked Questions about Liposuction

Gabriel E. Salloum, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Salloum is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial and body restructuring and reconstructive plastic surgery. To learn more about liposuction in Miami Beach, FL, call the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery at 305.405.6910 today.