Liposuction, or lipoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that uses a cannula to suction out excess fat deposits from specific areas, refining the body's shape without serving as a weight loss method. This procedure is ideal for individuals with localized fat pockets due to genetics, aging, or post-pregnancy changes that persist despite healthy habits, and it focuses on achieving natural, balanced results that improve overall proportions and confidence, drawing from insights gained through thousands of patients over the years.
Key Benefits
- Eliminated stubborn fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, or neck for a sleeker profile.
- Improved body symmetry and clothing fit through precise sculpting.
- Boosted self-assurance in appearance and activities with subtle enhancements.
What to Expect
Consultations involve a detailed review of your body contours, medical history, and goals, often incorporating imaging to simulate outcomes. The surgery typically lasts one to three hours under general anesthesia or sedation, with small incisions allowing fat removal via a cannula. Recovery allows a return to light activities within one to two weeks, with swelling and bruising gradually resolving over several weeks to months as final shapes emerge. Costs start around $5,000 to $9,000, varying based on the number of areas treated and any combined procedures.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience at Cary Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I have performed liposuction on thousands of patients, earning multiple "Voted Best Plastic Surgery" awards in the area. This procedure is especially valuable for those frustrated by persistent fat despite dedicated fitness and nutrition, often helping reveal underlying muscle definition and restoring proportions lost to life changes. Important aspects I highlight based on patient outcomes include using advanced techniques to minimize irregularities, providing guidance on compression wear for smoother healing, and addressing functional benefits like reduced chafing in treated areas.
Why Choose Dr. Hanna?
With over thirty years in plastic surgery and thousands of liposuction procedures performed, I have refined techniques that deliver smooth, even contours while preserving skin integrity and minimizing downtime.
Patients often express delight at finally achieving the shape their efforts deserve, free from stubborn bulges. As a multiple award-winner for Best Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I emphasize your unique body composition, from fat distribution to skin elasticity, ensuring personalized plans that may integrate with other treatments for holistic enhancement and enduring satisfaction.
Benefits of Liposuction
From my experience, liposuction refines the body in ways that empower patients to embrace their form fully. Key benefits include:
- Precise fat reduction in targeted areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, or neck for a more defined silhouette.
- Smoother transitions between body regions, enhancing overall proportions.
- Reduced discomfort from chafing or rubbing in treated zones for greater daily ease.
- Complement to fitness routines by revealing muscle tone hidden under fat layers.
- Heightened confidence in clothing and activities; many patients feel more active and stylish.
- Long-term advantages are realized with stable habits, sustaining the sculpted results over time.
Visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website for complete information on Liposuction.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are healthy adults near their target weight with localized fat deposits that resist lifestyle changes, seeking refined contours. Success is highest in those with:
- Good skin elasticity to allow smooth retraction post-fat removal.
- Stable weight and commitment to maintaining it for lasting outcomes.
- No significant medical conditions affecting healing; non-smokers preferred.
- You should have realistic expectations for sculpting rather than major weight reduction. If skin laxity is prominent, we may recommend combining with procedures like a tummy tuck.
Schedule a Consultation to find out if you're a candidate.
Liposuction, Step-by-Step
The surgery is conducted in our accredited facility under general anesthesia or sedation, lasting one to three hours. Steps include:
- Incision:
Small openings placed discreetly in treatment areas.
- Preperation:
Inject tumescent solution to ease fat removal and minimize bleeding.
- Fat Removal:
Insert cannula to break up and suction fat deposits.
- Refinement:
Sculpt for smooth contours; use energy devices if chosen.
- Closure:
Close incisions with sutures; apply compression garments.
You return home the same day with post-care instructions.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery prioritizes comfort and contour support and most patients resume light activities in one to two weeks and full routines in four to six weeks. Based on my protocols:
- Week 1: Manage swelling and bruising with rest, cold compresses, and pain relief; wear compression garments continuously.
- Weeks 2-4: Return to desk work; incorporate light walking, avoid strenuous efforts.
- Month 1 and beyond: Gradually resume exercise; massage areas to aid smoothness
Tips that may help with recovery:
Stay hydrated, follow a balanced diet, use scar creams early. Long-term: Regular activity preserves your refined shape; annual visits recommended.
Risks & Complications
As with any surgery, risks exist but are minimized through expertise. Common risks include swelling and bruising, or temporary numbness. More rare risks may involve infection, fluid buildup, or asymmetry.
We review your medical history and discuss all possibilities during liposuction to mitigate risks.
Benefits typically outweigh risks for well-suited candidates, with informed consent ensuring peace of mind.
** Individual results vary
Cost & Financing
We will always provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Liposuction typically starts at $5,000 and includes anesthesia, facility time, and follow-ups. Pricing varies depending on the area(s) treated, techniques, and combinations with other surgeries such as a tummy tuck.
We offer financing through CareCredit and accept major cards. During consultation, get a custom quote; insurance may cover if medically necessary.
Schedule a consultation and we'll provide you with a personalized quote for liposuction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does liposuction surgery take? About one to three hours at our practice, based on areas and technique.
- Will liposuction leave visible scars? Scars are small and discreet; they fade over six to twelve months with treatments available.
- What are the potential risks or complications of liposuction? Risks include swelling or irregularities, but uncommon; we discuss fully in consultation.
- Can I combine liposuction with other procedures? Yes, often with tummy tucks or mommy makeovers for enhanced results.
- How long do the results of liposuction last? Results last many years with stable weight; lifestyle maintains them.
- What if I gain weight after liposuction surgery? It may redistribute fat, but treated areas stay proportionate; healthy habits advised.