Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure used to remove excess fat from under the skin and muscles to improve the contours of the body. It involves insertion of a tiny cannula into the skin to loosen and then suction out the fatty tissue.
Liposuction can be performed for any body part with excess fat. This includes the chin, neck, abdomen, thighs, arms, chest, buttocks, knees, ankles, and back.
During the consultation, you will be given specific pre-operative instructions. On the day of your treatment, do not consume food or drink 12 hours prior to the liposuction procedure.
Depending on the extent of the procedure and the number of treatment areas, liposuction can take anywhere from 20 minutes up to three hours.
We perform our liposuction procedures with local anesthesia, never general anesthesia. This is because general anesthesia carries a higher risk of side effects and extends required recovery time.
The incision made for the cannula leaves a tiny unnoticeable scar, which may fade over time. Insertion points are created strategically in discrete locations to minimize visible post-surgical marks.
Depending on the patient’s natural healing ability and the extent of the procedure, recovery after liposuction can take weeks. Patients will be able to go back to work after a few days, but strenuous activities may be resumed two to three weeks after surgery.
You will see visible results immediately after your liposuction procedure. You will see the complete results after the swelling has fully subsided.
The result of liposuction treatment can last indefinitely if patients follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Patients can gain back fat in problem areas, which is why it is recommended to keep weight stable and within the ideal range.
Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite, stretch marks, or sagging skin.
For best results, compression garments should be worn 24/7 for the first six weeks after your liposuction surgery.
Liposuction is a fat-reduction procedure and is not a weight-loss treatment. It is not recommended, even as a last-ditch effort, for obesity. Instead, it focuses on spot reduction in key regions for effective sculpting and contouring.
Depending on the complexity of your liposuction procedure, it may take several days to a few weeks before you can go back to work.
Liposuction only removes unwanted fat in specific areas of the body. It does not address loose skin. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, involves removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen, along with tightening of sagging abdominal muscles. Tummy tuck surgery requires a longer incision, since the target area is more extensive. It is also a more invasive surgical procedure and thus entails a longer recovery time.
Liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure, which means its cost is not covered by health insurance. There may be financing options available.
"Dr Massey, you are a rarity today and a fine representation of what a doctor should be… caring for the patient above all else. Thank you most deeply for your beautiful work on my nose. Thank you most especially for seeing me through a very traumatic experience with outstanding care, sensitivity and professionalism."
For Dr. Massey safety is the first priority with any surgery. He has personally performed hundreds of liposuction surgeries, and none of his patients has had any type of serious complication. Indeed in a recent study of over 15,000 patients treated with tumescent liposuction there was not a single serious complication.