This blog discusses the liposuction procedure steps, how the fat removal and fat transfer process works, who is an appropriate candidate, what results are possible, and more.
6 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- Understanding Liposuction
- The Benefits of Liposuction
- Want to Learn More About Liposuction in Orange County?
Understanding Liposuction
Liposuction, sometimes called lipoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure that removes pockets of fat throughout the body for a slimmer physique. While it can be performed alone with great success, it’s also commonly paired with another body contouring procedure, such as a tummy tuck. It’s also step one in the fat grafting process, as harvested fat via liposuction is treated and then reinjected into the body for permanent volume in the breasts, face, or buttocks.
What Does Liposuction Do?
The name “liposuction” says it all: lipo, meaning fat, and suction. During this process, fat cells are permanently removed from the body with a long, thin tube called a cannula; the cannula sucks out the fat via a vacuum-like device.
Liposuction steps are as follows:
- First, your surgeon will make small incisions around the treatment area, typically around the area with the most fat to be removed.
- Through the incisions, the cannula is inserted. Your surgeon moves the cannula back and forth in even strokes to carefully remove layers of fat. This takes advanced skill to safely remove an adequate amount of fat from the body and also ensure that the end result looks natural. An uneven result can look lumpy and unnatural.
- Once the surgeon is pleased with the result, they will remove the cannula and carefully stitch up the incisions.
- The patient will likely be given a compression garment to wear around the treatment area during liposuction recovery. This aids in healing, reduces swelling, and helps the skin retract around the slimmer contours.
Is Liposuction Permanent? What Happens to the Fat?
The adult body has a set amount of fat cells. The amount does not fluctuate; rather, the cells can shrink and expand via weight loss. When you remove your fat cells with liposuction, they do not grow back. So, in a way, liposuction is a permanent process.
However, there’s one caveat: the fat cells that remain in the treatment area can (and will) expand. That’s why patients are urged to maintain a healthy weight as best they can post-liposuction, to maintain their slimming results.
The inverse is equally possible: if you have your fat reinjected in another area of the body, like the buttocks during a BBL, those transferred fat cells can also shrink and expand.
Can Liposuction Help Me Lose Weight?
No, and it’s not recommended that you try. For the reasons above, and for your health and safety, it’s recommended that you only undergo liposuction to “fine-tune” your body goals. Your surgeon will want you to get as close to your goal weight as possible, as removing too much fat is not only dangerous but also does not yield ideal results.
Additionally, removing too much fat at one time can have an adverse effect on the skin, especially if your skin isn’t very elastic. The compression garment helps the skin snap back into place after liposuction, but removing too much can result in excess sagging skin, which requires surgery to remove.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Liposuction is very versatile and can be a benefit to a wide range of patients, depending on their goals. It’s a necessary step for a BBL or facial fat grafting, and your surgeon will help you choose an area of the body that will work best for fat removal, usually the hips or abdomen. In this way, patients get a two-in-one result: slimming contours in one area, boosted volume in another.
It’s also commonly paired with tummy tucks and Mommy Makeovers, as patients with excess pockets of fat throughout the abdomen, hips, or thighs can benefit from a seamless slimming result. It’s a useful “in-between” procedure that makes body contouring results more natural-looking.
Candidates for liposuction:
- Have one or more areas of the body with excess fat
- Struggle to remove fat from certain areas
- Are close to their goal weight
- Have good skin elasticity
- Have reasonable expectations for results
- Are prepared to follow the recovery instructions
- Do not smoke
The Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction is a popular procedure with patients and plastic surgeons alike. Its versatility makes it a common addition to many body contouring procedures, giving the surgeon the ability to seamlessly transition from one body part to another. Patients who have struggled to lose those last few pounds can finally see the results of their hard work. And it can be performed on nearly any area of the body, including the face, chin, neck, knees, upper arms, and more.
Liposuction is a fantastic option for patients looking for a slimming, customized contour.
Want to Learn More About Liposuction in Orange County?
Dr. Daniel Urias is an experienced body contouring artist and liposuction specialist, creating artistic contours for his male and female patients. If you want to learn more about your options for liposuction, including advanced abdominal etching techniques and awake liposuction using local anesthetic, call Dr. Urias today at (714) 844-6334 or fill out the online contact form.