Liposuction

Enter the doors of Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and you will immediately find an environment seemingly designed just for you – it was. And in Dr. Chang and Dr. Clarke, you will find plastic surgeons who will treat you like you are number one – because you are. At your consultation, you will have all the time you need to have all of your questions about liposuction answered, as well as any concerns about the body contouring procedure addressed.

After carefully assessing your goals, body type and lifestyle, your surgeon will explain the various liposuction treatments available to you today, including tumescent liposuction, the super-wet technique, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and Smartlipo MPX™ laser-assisted liposuction – as well as make a professional recommendation. In general, regardless of the type, liposuction can take from as little as 1 hour to as long as 5, depending upon the volume of problem fat being removed. If you’re concerned with the appearance of your abdomen, your surgeon can perform a tummy tuck with liposuction for even further body sculpting.

Because liposuction can be performed on various parts of the body, the recovery process varies from person to person. If only a small area is targeted, such as the chin, neck, or knees, only 2 or 3 days of downtime may be necessary. Larger areas, such as the abdomen, or thighs, may require at least a week of rest and reduced activity at home. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are typical but manageable with medication. Although most people can return to work after 1 week, it may take up for a month before a patient may fully return to his or her regular activities.

Liposuction FAQ

Can liposuction help me lose weight?

The removed fat will cause a negligible amount of weight loss, and liposuction is not a solution for those who are significantly overweight. Nor is it a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction works best on patients who are at or near healthy weights but would like to reduce small, stubborn fat deposits. Although liposuction is not a weight-loss surgery, many patients find that their improved bodies help motivate them to live more healthfully after the procedures — a great added benefit!

Will liposuction address sagging skin?

There is some evidence that laser-assisted liposuction, such as Smartlipo MPX, can tighten targeted skin in addition to removing fat. However, for skin that’s significantly loose or sagging, an additional procedure, such as tummy tuck, may be recommended. Surgical procedures remove excess skin as well as fat, redraping it for a smooth, streamlined final result. During your consultation, Dr. Chang or Dr. Clarke can help you decide whether another surgery can better create the results you want.

Can liposuction be combined with other treatments?

Yes. In fact, liposuction is one of the most common “partner procedures” because we can easily add it to many other surgeries without affecting the recovery process. Our surgeons use liposuction to enhance the results of tummy tuck surgery, neck lift surgery, and mommy makeover procedures, among others.

How long will liposuction results last?

Your body won’t generate new fat cells, so the effects of your liposuction procedure could potentially be long lasting. However, the fat cells that remain can get bigger if you don’t stick to a good diet and exercise regimen. We encourage patients to adopt or maintain a healthy lifestyle to get the most out of their results, which can last indefinitely.

Are there non-surgical alternatives?

We offer a non-surgical liposuction alternative called CoolSculpting®. Cleared by the FDA, CoolSculpting uses a blast of cold to freeze fat cells, which die at higher temperatures than other cells. The frozen fat cells are naturally broken down by the body over the course of several months following the procedure. In many cases, patients can achieve noticeable results after a single, brief CoolSculpting treatment, although experiences vary. Patients can resume their daily activities immediately afterward.

What Is the Cost of Liposuction?

The price of liposuction varies depending on the extent of the procedure and if more than 1 area is targeted. Liposuction costs include certain fees, including the surgeon’s fee, and a consultation is needed to provide a specific price quote.