Liposuction

While there are some surgeons that perform awake tumescent liposuction, at Mosharrafa Plastic Surgery, we believe the experience is better and outcomes are improved when liposuction is performed with patients asleep. We work with only the top anesthesiologists to ensure that the anesthetic experience is safe and comfortable.

Yes. You do not have to be at your ideal weight to be a candidate for liposuction. Liposuction treats a condition called lipodystrophy, which is a disproportionate distribution of fatty tissue in one or more areas that does not fluctuate much with weight changes. Many patients who are overweight do have areas of lipodystrophy, and thus may be good candidates for liposuction in those areas.

No. Intra-abdominal fat can not be removed by liposuction. However, it will typically respond to weight loss.

Yes. A tummy tuck addresses muscle laxity, excess skin and excess subcutaneous fat of the abdomen. It is frequently performed in combination with liposuction to achieve the best possible contour of the trunk.

While the fat cells removed by liposuction never return, the remaining cells can get larger if a patient gains weight following liposuction. A common myth is that the fat comes back in other areas. The reason for this perception is that if liposuction is properly applied to areas of lipodystrophy that do not respond much to weight changes, then weight gain may be seen more noticeably in other non-treated areas that do respond. Liposuction results should be well maintained in the absence of significant weight gain.

Yes. Liposuction is the most effective and reliable means of fat removal available today.

Weight gain after surgery can be avoided by maintaining your pre-operative lifestyle including a healthy and sustainable diet as well as regular exercise.

While the fat in our bodies may vary from site to site in terms of how it responds to weight loss, for most patients, tummy fat does go away with diet and exercise. If there are stubborn areas that dont seem to change, then liposuction is an excellent option.

Healthy weight loss is the best way to lose abdominal fat. In the event that weight loss does not result in a reduction of abdominal fat, then liposuction is an excellent option.

Liposuction if very safe when performed properly. Very high volume liposuction in a single operation should be avoided. In general, up to 5 liters of removal can be safely performed in a single outpatient setting.

We recommend that patients achieve and maintain their goal weight prior to undergoing liposuction in most cases. Avoid non-sustainable fad diets. Also, you should avoid taking any blood thinners if you can safely do so. Please check with your primary care doctor before making any changes to your medications.

Many patients will be placed in a compressive garment following liposuction, and thus may need to keep the garment clean and dry following liposuction. Your surgeon will let you know when you are able to remove the garment and shower.

Fat grafting is a procedure in which fat is harvested from one area of the body by liposuction and then injected into another area in the same individual in order to add volume and/or improve contour at the recipient site.

Liposuction works by removing fat from an area where the excess fat compromises the desired contour. The removal is performed using small tubes called cannulae through very small incisions, leaving minimal scarring.

While some drainage following liposuction is normal, it usually stops within 24 hours.

Depending on the demands of your job, most patients can return to work in a few days to 2 weeks following liposuction.

Approximate cost of liposuction of your stomach is $4,000 to $6,000.

The cost of liposuction varies on the site or sites being treated, but ranges from $3,000 to $10,000.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) does not specify a maximum amount of liposuction that can be performed as there is no clear data that liposuction becomes unsafe at any specified volume. However, fluid management does get more difficult with very high volumes and may place patients at increased risk. The ASPS does state that any liposuction in which the total aspirate exceeds 5 L should be performed in an inpatient hospital setting.

In general, liposuction is not a terribly painful procedure. Patients may require prescription pain medication for only a few days.

In some cases, yes. Liposuction of problem areas may make exercise easier, thus facilitating weight loss.

Provided the patient does not gain weight following liposuction, the contour achieved by liposuction should last a very long time.

Yes. As long as the total amount of aspirate removed is less than 5 L, liposuction can be safely performed as an outpatient procedures. Higher volume liposuction requires an overnight stay.

No. However, liposuction may not be indicated in morbidly obese patients.

Consult with your surgeon regarding post-operative dietary restrictions. Most patients can resume a normal diet following liposuction.

Like any tissues removed in surgery, it is properly disposed of. In rare circumstances, it may be used for investigative or therapeutic purposes.

AirSculpt liposuction is a proprietary technique for liposuction performed by a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA.

Laser assisted liposuction combines traditional liposuction with laser energy. The potential benefits include more skin tightening and better fat removal.

This depends on a few factors including the anatomic area being treated, gender and any history of prior liposuction. Talk to your surgeon about which type of liposuction may be best for you.

Ultrasonic liposuction or (UAL) adds ultrasound energy to the liposuction cannula. It may be beneficial in areas of more fibrous fat (flanks, male patients or areas previously treated with liposuction). It also may be produce more skin tightening following fat removal.

There are several different types of liposuction meant to enhance results in certain circumstances. The most commonly performed types are standard tumescent liposuction (SAL), ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL), and laser-assisted liposuction.

Anyone with areas of disproportionate fatty deposits that do not respond fully to weight changes may be a good candidate for liposuction.

The areas that are most commonly treated with liposuction include the abdomen, waist, flanks, back, thighs, buttocks, hips, and arms.

Eleven pounds is the limit for how much fat can be removed safely with a single liposuction procedure.

Liposuction is not meant to be a weight loss procedure. While you will lose weight after the fat is removed, it will not provide the significant health benefits you can achieve with weight loss with diet and exercise or bariatric surgery. Liposuction is more effective as a body contouring procedure.

As you recover from liposuction, you will need someone to drive you home from the office and watch over you for the first 24 hours. You will want to get plenty of rest and fluids, wear your compression garment, and take any prescription medications as directed. You can resume work after a week, and your final results will appear a few months after the procedure.

Infection, poor wound healing, change in skin sensation, and damage to the nerves, blood vessels, lungs, and abdominal organs are a few of the long-term health effects and risks that are associated with liposuction. Additionally, while the fat removed will never come back, your fat levels may change if you gain weight.

The big difference between traditional liposuction and laser-assisted liposuction is the way they are performed. Where traditional liposuction uses a special fluid to break up the fat in the treatment area, laser-assisted liposuction uses a laser to break up the fat to make it easier to remove.

It typically takes several months before you see the final results of liposuction.

Yes, the results of liposuction are considered permanent. The fat will not return to the treatment area, but if you do gain weight, it can show in the surrounding areas and affect your results.

Some possible risks associated with liposuction include bruising, numbness, infection, itching or skin irritation, swelling, and loose skin.

Liposuction offers much more significant results than some non-invasive fat reduction procedures. Liposuction also requires incisions, while non-invasive procedures typically do not require incisions, anesthesia, or downtime.

Traditional liposuction can’t help with skin tightening, but ultrasound liposuction can. The ultrasonic vibrations help heat up the tissues and skin to firm and tighten the skin while also breaking up the unwanted fat.

General anesthesia is typically used for liposuction to ensure you’re completely comfortable throughout the procedure.

You’ll want to gently wash your incisions with soap and water. You’ll also want to change your dressing and bandages regularly.

It typically takes about six weeks before you’re healed and recovered enough to exercise and perform other strenuous activities.

You will likely have bruising and swelling a week or more after your liposuction procedure. Both side effects will gradually disappear as you heal.