Liposuction

Liposuction is a popular body contouring procedure that offers an effective way to remove stubborn fat deposits. This versatile treatment can enhance the shape and definition of various areas, including the abdomen, thighs, arms, and more. At Brighter Day Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Kevin Day, MD, performs personalized liposuction procedures designed to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals with natural-looking results. Whether performed alone or in combination with other treatments, liposuction can be a powerful tool for refining your figure and boosting your confidence.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body. It is commonly performed to improve body contours and create a more sculpted, proportionate physique. Using a narrow metal tube called a cannula, Dr. Day can suction out fat through small, inconspicuous incisions. This procedure is often customized and may be combined with other treatments for enhanced results.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction offers several benefits for individuals seeking to improve their body shape. One of the main advantages is the removal of localized fat deposits that seem resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction can also be paired with other procedures for more comprehensive results. In addition to enhancing one’s physical appearance, many patients experience increased self-confidence, better-fitting clothes, and a more balanced body proportion. While it is not a weight-loss method, liposuction can serve as an effective solution for refining trouble spots and achieving a smoother, more toned figure.

Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Ideal candidates for liposuction are typically individuals who want to reduce fat deposits that have not responded to a healthy diet and regular exercise. Good candidates generally include:

Those with mild to moderate areas of excess fatty tissue
Adults close to or at their ideal weight
People with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
Individuals in good overall health without serious medical conditions
Non-smokers

It may also be a great option for those looking to enhance their results from other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or body lift. A consultation with Dr. Day can help determine if liposuction is the right solution based on your personal goals and anatomy.

How Is Liposuction Performed?

Liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Day will start by making small incisions near the targeted area. A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out. Once the desired contour is achieved, the incisions are closed. Most procedures take one to three hours, and patients can usually return home the same day.

What Can I Expect in My Liposuction Recovery?

After liposuction, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the treated areas. A compression garment is worn round-the-clock for several weeks to help reduce swelling and support the skin and surrounding tissues as they heal. Light activity can usually be resumed within a few days, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least four weeks, depending on Dr. Day’s guidance.

Recovery timelines can vary, but most people return to work within a week, for non physically
demanding jobs. Oftentimes, swelling gradually subsides over several weeks to months, with final results generally becoming more visible as healing progresses. Following post-operative instructions carefully helps minimize complications and optimize outcomes. While some fat cells are permanently removed, maintaining a stable weight can significantly help with preserving your results.

Can Liposuction Be Combined with Other Procedures?

Liposuction can be combined with other procedures to enhance overall results and may reduce overall recovery time compared to having surgeries separately. A popular option is fat transfer, where the removed fat is purified and re-injected into areas like the face, breasts, or buttocks to add volume and improve contours. This dual benefit allows patients to slim one area while enhancing another.

Liposuction is also frequently paired with a tummy tuck, which removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. It can be performed in conjunction with breast surgery for more refined shaping, as well as facial procedures, such as a facelift or neck lift, for a more defined profile. Dr. Day can help determine the best approach based on your personal goals.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The cost of liposuction can vary depending on factors such as the number of treatment areas, the technique used, post-operative garments or medications, and anesthesia fees. Since each procedure is customized to a patient’s needs, itemized pricing is provided after a free personal consultation. We also offer financing options for qualified applicants through reputable third-party lenders. This can help make procedure payments more manageable and convenient.

To learn more about liposuction or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Day, contact our practice today.