Liposuction is one of the most popular procedures offered at Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta. Our board-certified plastic surgeons – John Connors, MD, FACS and Alexandra Hart, MD, FACS – are proficient in various strategies to perform this type of treatment. Using techniques like SmartLipo^™ and “super-wet’ lipo, we are able to transform the bodies of men and women who desire slimmer, more toned, and more aesthetically pleasing figures.

Quick Facts About Liposuction Procedures

Sedation: General or local anesthesia
Potential Benefits: A slimmer and more proportionate physique; dramatic reduction of stubborn pockets of isolated fat; a versatile procedure that can accompany a variety of other surgeries
Longevity of Results: Long-lasting, if not permanent (provided the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle)
Recovery: A few days to a week before normal activities can be continued; strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks

Explore Topics on this Page

What Is Liposuction?
Complementary Procedures to Liposuction
Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction Recovery
Liposuction Results
Liposuction Cost
Liposuction FAQs

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction surgery can remove excess fat from areas on the body that are problematic and sometimes resistant to diet and exercise. During this surgery, a device known as a “cannula” is inserted under the skin and is used to help loosen and remove fat. Advancements in the modern plastic surgery world have popularized many liposuction techniques – namely laser-assisted liposuction, which can accompany traditional methods to achieve more precise and significant effects.*

A famously versatile fat reduction strategy, liposuction can be performed on the tummy, hips, buttocks, thighs, chin, neck (i.e. neck and chin liposuction), and several other treatment areas. By definition, liposuction is incorporated into fat transfer procedures, which involve the removal and re-injection of a patient’s own fat to enhance body or facial contours. Additionally, liposuction can serve as a complement to countless other cosmetic treatments, as explained in the next section.

Complementary Procedures to Liposuction

Depending on your unique needs, liposuction can accompany a wide range of cosmetic procedures. These may include tummy tuck surgery, breast enhancement treatments, and even facial surgeries like facelift or brow lift.

When multiple aesthetic treatments are combined into one, it is often called a “mommy makeover.” If you are interested in this customizable solution, we would be glad to discuss your options in more detail during your preoperative appointment.

What Does the Liposuction Procedure Involve?

Liposuction is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility, and is usually an outpatient procedure. On average, each treatment area (e.g. the tummy, thighs, etc.) will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Dr. Connors or Dr. Hart will tailor the surgery to meet your aesthetic goals. The advanced liposuction techniques available at Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta include:

Tumescent “Super-Wet” Lipo

Tumescent liposuction is a common approach used by surgeons. It is a suction-assisted (SAL) form of lipo that first injects a liquid agent into the area that is to be treated. The liquid agent includes saline, lidocaine (a numbing agent), and epinephrine (a medication that controls bleeding). A cannula is then inserted and passed through the fat deposits, suctioning them out. An attached power-aided motor allows the surgeon to control the speed of the fat removal, which can be as great as a few pounds or as little as several ounces.

Laser-Assisted Lipo (LAL)

Laser-assisted liposuction uses laser technology to introduce a burst of energy to the specified area of fat. The laser loosens and liquefies the fat for removal. Also known as “high-definition liposuction,” This particular type of liposuction includes brand names, such as SmartLipo^™, SlimLipo, LipoLite^™, and ProLipo PLUS^™. Our surgeons have helped countless patients achieve slimmer body contours with laser-assisted liposuction, which can very precisely sculpt the physique. Many women appreciate the laser’s ability to create the coveted “V” shape in the abdominal region, while men frequently enjoy the “chiseled,” “six-pack” effect it can produce.

Body Contouring Videos

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What Does Liposuction Recovery Entail?

While the healing process for traditional liposuction can last a few weeks, recovery from laser-assisted liposuction is usually quicker, with many patients able to return to work within a few days. That said, patients should refrain from more strenuous exercise for several weeks until cleared by our surgeons.

Following the procedure, patients will wear a compression garment on the treated areas. Bruising and swelling are common, but these effects should dissipate within a week. The procedure often produces scars where the cannula incision was made, but these are usually small and should fade over time. Furthermore, please note that it can take several months for the final results to appear.

How Long Do Liposuction Results Last?

Because fat cells that are removed during liposuction do not come back, the results are sometimes described as permanent. While it is true that the effects can be extremely long-lasting, please be aware that the remaining cells can expand and become larger if the patient gains weight; in such a case, the results of the surgery may be marred. For this reason, Dr. Connors and Dr. Hart encourage patients to adhere to a healthy diet and exercise program following their liposuction procedure.

How Much Does Liposuction Surgery Cost?

At Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta, the cost of liposuction may vary based on several factors, such as:

The treatment area(s)
The technique(s) applied
Anesthesia fees
Postoperative care, garments, medications, etc
The incorporation of other procedures or techniques (e.g. fat transfer or tummy tuck surgery)

We encourage you to come to our staff with any questions regarding cost and visit our plastic surgery financing page for more information. In addition, we offer eligible patients the chance to pay through two reputable third-party options: CareCredit^® and ALPHAEON^® CREDIT.

Liposuction FAQs

Is liposuction safe?
The media sometimes tells stories of liposuction patients who have endured bad results at the hands of inexperienced surgeons. Today’s liposuction techniques are much safer and more predictable than ever before, but surgeon skill still remains the number one factor when researching this procedure. The goal is to attain a natural and smooth result, and an experienced surgeon should be able to provide this outcome.
How much fat can be removed with liposuction?
The amount of fat removed depends on the size of the patient and their aesthetic goals. From a safety standpoint, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends roughly 11 pounds of fat or less. Otherwise, it is considered a high-volume liposuction, which does present an increased set of risks.* As such, we recommend patients reach an ideal weight before pursuing liposuction.
Can liposuction address skin laxity?
Liposuction can remove fat and enhance the shape of the physique; however, it cannot address imperfections caused by sagging skin or cellulite. If skin laxity is a specific concern of yours, our surgeons can discuss potential solutions (such as abdominoplasty, lower body lift surgery, neck lift surgery, or Brazilian butt lift surgery) during your preoperative appointment.

To learn more about liposuction or schedule your preoperative appointment, we welcome you to contact Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta.

Medical Resources*

WebMD
American Society of Plastic Surgeons