In today’s world, looking and feeling your best means having a fit, well-proportioned body. But sometimes even healthy eating or a disciplined exercise program cannot conquer stubborn areas of excess fat. As the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S., liposuction has helped millions of people slim down and shape up.

Liposuction, also called suction lipectomy or lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body, face, or neck. It is commonly used to remove stubborn, diet- and exercise-resistant fat deposits and to sculpt the body into a slimmer profile, including contouring the chin or jaw line.

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you desire fat removal or contouring in any of the following areas:

• Cheeks, chin and neck

• Upper arms

• Breast or chest area

• Back

• Abdomen and waist

• Hips, buttocks, thighs, inner knee
  
  

Liposuction is most successful in men and women who are 20 to 35, with good skin tone and isolated collections of fat.

It is important to understand that liposuction is not a solution for weight loss and will not produce any substantial weight loss results. Liposuction is best for treating localized areas of fat. If you are overweight or obese, it is best to reach your goal weight before undergoing liposuction.

Schedule an appointment and see if you are a good candidate for liposuction by calling our office at (803) 799-3223.

About the procedure

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, performed in our on-site surgical suite. It can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with a sedative. Depending on the areas to be treated, your procedure will take from 1-3 hours. Your surgeon will make a tiny incision near the area to be treated, inserting a wand that loosens and removes the fat. You will need to wear a compression garment for at least six weeks following your procedure.

What is the Recovery time?

Initial discomfort is generally controlled with Tylenol. Most patients return to work with 1-2 days. Compression garments or taping are advised for six weeks, to reduce swelling. Full recovery from swelling and bruising takes a few weeks and it can take up to six months to see the final result. To aid in recovery lymphatic massage may be recommended.

What areas can be treated?

The most common areas treated with liposuction are the abdomen and flanks (sides of the abdomen). The back, thighs, arms and bra line can also be treated. In addition to these larger areas of the body, the neck can also be treated with liposuction to create a more contoured jawline or eliminate a double-chin.

Will the fat come back?

The results from liposuction can be permanent. If a healthy lifestyle is maintained, once the fat has been removed it does not return or “grow” in other places of the body.

Can you use the fat in other areas?

Yes. This technique is referred to as fat grafting. Fat is removed from one area of the body, cleaned and then re-injected into another area such as the buttock, breast, or face. Fat grafting to the breast or buttock is commonly done to augment the size and shape of the buttock or breast. Facial fat grafting can also be performed to replace facial volume and create a more youthful facial appearance. Facial fat grafting can replace the need for dermal fillers.

Our plastic surgeons take great care to evaluate each patient individually. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about liposuction, please contact us today.
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