Liposuction FAQs
What is the cost of liposuction?
Liposuction cost depends on a variety of factors such as surgical technique, number of areas where liposuction is performed, and surgeon experience. However, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the 2007 national liposuction average cost for physician/surgeon fees was $2,920 (suction-assisted lipoplasty) and $2,963 (ultrasound-assisted liposuction).
How long does liposuction recovery take?
After about a month, you should be able to resume to your normal activities. Complete results generally take anywhere from six to 12 months to take full effect.
What are the risks/dangers of liposuction?
There are always possible complications associated with plastic surgery. In terms of liposuction; dimpling, numbness, scarring, sagging skin, and friction burns are all potential liposuction risks.
How do I know if I want liposuction vs. tummy tuck, and am I a good candidate for one, the other, or both?
Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body, whereas tummy tuck surgery targets the abdomen specifically. Additionally, liposuction is used to remove excess fat deposits and tummy tuck surgery tightens the stomach. However, if you have excess fat and loose, sagging skin in your midsection, you may benefit from both abdominal liposuction and tummy tuck surgery.
Does the fat come back in other spots after liposuction?
Yes. While the fat deposits won't return to the area where liposuction was performed, they can build up in other areas. It is important to maintain a healthy exercise routine and diet so that you do not gain weight, which may create a disproportionate body contour.
Does liposuction remove cellulite?
Cellulite is a collection of fat deposits that push against the connective tissue beneath a person's skin. While liposuction may reduce the degree of cellulite, it is highly unlikely that it will significantly improve or eliminate cellulite.
What are the different liposuction techniques?
The most common liposuction techniques are: tumescent, ultrasonic-assisted, LipoSelection ®, power-assisted, and super-wet liposuction.
What is tumescent liposuction?
The tumescent method of liposuction consists of a plastic surgeon injecting a combination of a saline solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (adrenaline) to help minimize bleeding. This technique helps to break down the fat deposits and reduce bruising.
What is ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL)?
Ultrasonic assisted liposuction uses sound waves to liquefy fat, allows for easier removal, as well as less bleeding and bruising. This technique is favorable in difficult, fibrous areas such as the male breast, upper abdomen, and upper back. This method may also be referred to as ultrasound assisted liposuction.
What is LipoSelection?
LipoSelection is another term for ultrasonic assisted liposuction. It is also commonly referred to as VASER ® Liposelection.
What is power assisted liposuction (PAL)?
This type of liposuction uses a cannula to vibrate and break down fat cells so they can be quickly and easily removed from the body. The power assisted method provides a fast recovery period.