Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Also known as lipoplasty, this technique allows you to sculpt and redefine your body silhouette by suctioning fat cells from specific areas of the body.

It is important to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss method, but a tool to improve body contours and treat disproportionate fat accumulations. The best results are obtained in patients who are close to their ideal weight but have localized fat deposits.

Ideal Candidates

• Stable weight, close to ideal (within 30% of healthy BMI)
• Good skin elasticity
• Localized fat deposits in specific areas
• Realistic expectations about results
• Non-smokers or willing to quit
• Good general health
• No diseases that may affect healing or increase surgical risks

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity nor a substitute for healthy habits like a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Treatable Areas

• Abdomen
• Flanks ("love handles")
• Hips
• Thighs (inner, outer, anterior)
• Arms
• Back
• Chin and jawline
• Chest (especially in men with gynecomastia)
• Knees
• Ankles

At Bodies Plastic Surgery, we carefully evaluate each area to determine if liposuction is the right procedure, considering factors such as skin thickness, fat amount, and tissue quality.

Liposuction Techniques

Tumescent Liposuction

• The most common and safest technique
• Injection of tumescent solution (saline, local anesthetic, epinephrine)
• Reduces bleeding and facilitates fat extraction
• Allows for faster and less painful recovery

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

• Uses ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat cells
• Facilitates extraction in denser or fibrous fat areas
• May have skin retraction benefits
• Requires greater technical skill

Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

• Uses laser energy to break down fat cells
• Can stimulate collagen production for greater skin retraction
• Ideal for small and delicate areas
• Greater contouring precision

High-Definition Liposuction (HD)

• Advanced technique to highlight underlying muscle anatomy
• Creates more defined contours, revealing structures like abs
• Requires a surgeon with specialized training and artistic sense
• Ideal for athletic patients seeking muscle definition

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

• Uses a system of cannulas with mechanical movement
• Reduces surgeon fatigue and allows more precise extractions
• Less tissue trauma and faster recovery

At Bodies Plastic Surgery, we select the most appropriate technique or combination for each patient, depending on their specific needs, anatomy, and aesthetic goals.

Surgical Procedure

1. Administration of anesthesia (local with sedation or general, depending on the extent)
2. Small incisions (2-5mm) in strategic locations, often hidden in natural folds
3. Infiltration of tumescent solution in the area to be treated
4. Introduction of specific cannulas to break up and suction fat
5. Meticulous contouring of the area to ensure symmetrical and natural results
6. Closure of incisions, usually with absorbable sutures
7. Placement of dressings and compression garments

The duration of the procedure varies depending on the number and size of the areas treated, ranging from 1 to 4 hours. In some cases of extensive liposuction, hospitalization may be necessary, although most procedures are outpatient.

Recovery and Results

First days (1-3)

• Use of compression garments 24 hours a day
• Presence of swelling, bruising, and moderate discomfort
• Possible drainage of serous/bloody fluid (normal)
• Medication to control pain and inflammation
• Relative rest with gentle walks to promote circulation

First week

• Continue with compression garments
• Gradual decrease in pain and discomfort
• Possible persistence of swelling and bruising
• Return to light activities and non-physical work

2-4 weeks

• Significant reduction in swelling
• Continue with compression garments (usually 23 hours a day)
• Return to normal daily activities
• Avoid intense exercise and direct sun exposure

6-8 weeks

• Resumption of full physical exercise
• Use of compression garments only during exercise or at night
• Most swelling subsides
• More defined body contours

3-6 months

• Final results visible
• Complete disappearance of residual swelling
• Maximum skin retraction achieved
• Stabilization of new body contours

It is important to note that the results of liposuction are permanent for the fat cells removed. However, the remaining cells can enlarge if weight is gained. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to preserve long-term results.

Combination with Other Procedures

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

• Ideal when there is excess abdominal skin in addition to fat
• Liposuction improves contour while abdominoplasty removes excess skin

Buttock Lift

• Fat obtained by liposuction can be used to augment and shape the buttocks (fat transfer)
• Known as "Brazilian Butt Lift" (BBL)

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

• Liposuction removes fat while brachioplasty treats excess skin
• More complete results in cases of significant laxity

Post-bariatric Surgery

• For patients who have lost a lot of weight and need body refinement
• Liposuction helps remove resistant fat deposits

Risks and Considerations

• Contour irregularities or asymmetries
• Changes in skin sensation
• Seromas (fluid accumulation)
• Hematomas
• Infection
• Fat embolism (very rare)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Thermal burns (in energy-assisted techniques)
• Skin hyperpigmentation
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic result

At Bodies Plastic Surgery, we minimize these risks through thorough preoperative evaluation, meticulous surgical techniques, and comprehensive postoperative follow-up.

Liposuction vs. Non-Surgical Treatments

CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis)

• Freezes and eliminates fat cells
• Non-invasive but requires multiple sessions
• Less dramatic and more gradual results
• Ideal for small areas with moderate fat accumulation

Focused Ultrasound

• Uses ultrasonic waves to destroy fat
• Minimally invasive
• Moderate results that improve with multiple sessions

Radiofrequency

• Mainly focused on skin tightening rather than fat reduction
• Ideal complement after liposuction

Liposuction remains the gold standard for body contouring, offering more significant and predictable results in a single session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liposuction a weight loss method?

No. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a treatment for obesity. The amount of fat that can be safely removed is limited (generally 4-5 liters maximum), which represents a relatively small weight loss.

Are the results permanent?

The fat cells removed do not regenerate. However, remaining fat cells can enlarge if weight is gained, altering the results. Maintaining a stable weight is essential to preserve long-term results.

Will I have loose skin after liposuction?

It depends on your skin elasticity. Patients with good skin elasticity will experience retraction and adaptation to the new contour. When elasticity is poor (due to age, sun damage, multiple pregnancies, or massive weight loss), it may be advisable to combine liposuction with skin removal procedures.

When will I see the final results?

Initial results are visible immediately, but the final appearance develops gradually as swelling decreases. Most patients see significant results at 6 weeks, with final results between 3-6 months.

Will there be visible scars?

Liposuction incisions are very small (2-5mm) and are strategically placed in natural folds or less visible areas. Once healed, these scars are virtually imperceptible in most patients.

At Bodies Plastic Surgery, our team of specialized surgeons uses advanced liposuction techniques, combining surgical precision with artistic sensitivity to create harmonious and natural body contours. Each procedure is meticulously personalized according to your aesthetic goals and unique anatomical structure.