How Is Liposuction Done?

Liposuction remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures worldwide, offering patients a way to reshape specific areas of their body by removing stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. This minimally invasive treatment involves a surgeon making small incisions and inserting a thin tube called a cannula to suction out fat from targeted areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, and neck. While not a weight-loss solution, liposuction provides lasting contour changes when patients maintain a stable weight through healthy lifestyle habits. Modern techniques have evolved to reduce recovery time and improve results, making this procedure an increasingly accessible option for those seeking body contouring.

Table Of Contents

Before Liposuction Procedure

The liposuction journey begins with a comprehensive initial consultation where the surgeon evaluates your medical history, current health status, and aesthetic goals. During this meeting, the doctor will examine the areas of concern, discuss your expectations, and determine if you’re an ideal candidate for the procedure. It’s essential to be transparent about your medical conditions, medications, and previous surgeries to ensure your safety during the procedure.

After approval for liposuction, you’ll receive preparation instructions that typically include avoiding certain medications (particularly blood thinners like aspirin), stopping smoking at least two weeks before surgery, and fasting (in some cases) on the night before the procedure. Your surgeon may also request pre-operative photos and laboratory tests.

Liposuction Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Anesthesia

Liposuction can be performed under various types of anesthesia, including general anesthesia, sedation, or local anesthesia. At Exert BodySculpt, we exclusively perform awake procedures using local anesthesia, which maximizes patient safety and significantly minimizes recovery time. This approach allows patients to remain conscious but comfortable during the procedure, reducing risks associated with general anesthesia.

2. Incision Creation

The surgeon makes small incisions (typically 3-4 mm) in the target area. These tiny openings are positioned within natural body creases or less visible locations to minimize noticeable scarring. The size and location of incisions vary depending on the treatment area and technique used.

3. Injection of Tumescent Solution

A specially formulated tumescent solution containing saline, lidocaine (local anesthetic), and epinephrine (to constrict blood vessels) is injected into the treatment zone. This solution helps numb the area, reduce bleeding, and facilitate easier removal of fat cells. The target zone becomes swollen and firm, making the fat deposits more accessible.

4. Cannula Insertion and Fat Removal

A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions. The surgeon gently maneuvers this instrument back and forth to break up fat cells, which are suctioned through the tube. This precise process allows for controlled fat removal and body contouring while preserving surrounding tissues. Modern liposuction surgery involves advanced technology, such as ultrasound and lasers, which are discussed in detail in the next section.

5. Contouring and Sculpting

The surgeon carefully sculpts the treatment area to create smooth, natural-looking contours. This artistic aspect of liposuction requires experience and an eye for aesthetics to ensure balanced, proportionate results that complement the patient’s overall body shape.

6. Incision Closure

Once the desired amount of fat has been removed and proper contouring achieved, the incisions are closed using small sutures. In some cases, temporary drains may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation. The incision sites are then covered with gauze, and compression garments are applied to minimize swelling.

Liposuction Techniques

Tumescent Liposuction

This technique is the foundation of modern liposuction methods. It involves injecting a solution of saline, lidocaine (an anesthetic), and epinephrine into the treatment area, causing it to become swollen and firm. The solution minimizes bleeding and pain while making fat removal more efficient. Tumescent liposuction allows for more precise contouring with less trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in improved recovery times.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

UAL enhances the procedure using ultrasonic energy to liquefy excess fat before removal. The ultrasound waves break down fat cell walls while preserving important structures like blood vessels and connective tissue. This selective approach allows more efficient removal of fat deposits with less physical force. UAL is particularly effective for fibrous areas like the male chest and back. Our team at Exert BodySculpt relies on this method to achieve excellent cosmetic results.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

PAL utilizes a specialized cannula that rapidly vibrates to break up fatty tissue more efficiently. This mechanical movement helps the surgeon remove fat with less physical exertion, resulting in more precise contouring and reduced procedure time. The gentler approach to disrupting fat cells typically causes less bruising and swelling compared to traditional techniques. PAL is especially useful for large areas or when treating patients with significant amounts of fibrous tissue. Exert BodySculpt utilizes PAL to further refine liposuction results.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

LAL represents an advanced approach in plastic surgery that uses thermal energy to liquefy fat cells before extraction. The laser technology also stimulates collagen production, potentially improving skin tightness after the procedure. This dual action of fat removal and skin tightening makes LAL particularly beneficial for areas with mild to moderate skin laxity. However, it requires specialized training and equipment, making it generally more expensive than traditional techniques.

Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL)

SAL is the traditional liposuction technique that forms the basis for all other methods. It involves inserting a cannula connected to a vacuum device to manually break up and suction out fat deposits. Despite being the oldest approach, SAL remains effective and is sometimes the preferred method for removing superficial fat. The technique has been refined over decades to improve safety and results.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery from liposuction varies based on the procedure’s extent, technique used, and individual healing factors, but most patients follow a predictable timeline. Immediately after surgery, expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort that typically peaks within 48 hours. Most patients can return to desk jobs within 3-5 days and resume light activities after 1-2 weeks, though compression garments should be worn continuously for 2-4 weeks to control swelling and support optimal contouring.

More strenuous activities and exercise can usually be reintroduced gradually after 4-6 weeks, with your surgeon’s approval. While visible improvements appear once initial swelling subsides (around 2-4 weeks), final results continue to develop over 3-6 months as residual swelling resolves completely and tissues fully adapt to their new contours. Patients who maintain stable weight typically enjoy permanent results, as the removed fat cells don’t regenerate in the treated areas.

Can Liposuction Be Combined With a Tummy Tuck?

Yes, liposuction and tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are frequently combined to achieve comprehensive abdominal rejuvenation, addressing different aesthetic concerns simultaneously. While liposuction removes excess fat deposits, it cannot address excess skin or repair separated abdominal muscles often caused by pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. A tummy tuck specifically targets these issues by removing loose skin, tightening underlying muscles, and creating a firmer abdominal profile. This combination approach delivers more dramatic results than either procedure alone, particularly for patients with both stubborn fat and skin laxity. Your surgeon can evaluate your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals to determine if this combined approach would be beneficial for achieving your desired outcome.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The cost of liposuction varies significantly based on several factors, including the treatment area size, geographical location, surgeon expertise, and the specific technique employed. On average, patients can expect to pay between $2,500 to $8,000 per treatment area, with comprehensive procedures involving multiple zones potentially reaching $15,000 or more. This price typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, facility fees, compression garments, and follow-up appointments.

Many practices offer financing options to make the procedure more accessible, allowing patients to make monthly payments rather than covering the entire cost upfront. It’s worth noting that as liposuction is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, it’s rarely covered by health insurance unless performed for specific medical conditions. When evaluating cost, it’s crucial to prioritize the surgeon’s qualifications and facility accreditation over finding the lowest price, as expertise significantly impacts both safety and aesthetic outcomes.

Experience Advanced Body Contouring With Minimal Downtime in Our Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

Exert BodySculpt specializes in transformative procedures with significantly reduced recovery periods compared to traditional methods. Our expert surgeons utilize cutting-edge technologies, including VASER (ultrasound-assisted liposuction) and PAL (power-assisted liposuction) to precisely target stubborn fat deposits and address various concerns like bra rolls and enlarged male breast tissue with exceptional precision. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to awake anesthesia, allowing patients to remain conscious yet completely comfortable throughout their procedure — eliminating risks associated with general anesthesia while dramatically shortening recovery time.

From your initial consultation through your final follow-up, our dedicated team implements different comfort measures and personalized care strategies to ensure a smooth, positive experience. Patients consistently praise our meticulous attention to detail, compassionate approach, and the remarkable results we achieve with minimal disruption to their daily lives.