Skip to content Sculpt and Define: What You Should Know About Liposuction
No matter how consistent your workout routine or how carefully you eat, some areas of stubborn fat just won’t go away. These “trouble spots” can make it frustrating to achieve the body shape you want. That’s where liposuction comes in – a time-tested, highly effective body contouring procedure designed to remove localized fat deposits and create a smoother, more sculpted silhouette.
Liposuction isn’t a substitute for weight loss. Instead, it’s about refining your natural shape, improving body balance, and enhancing your confidence.
Liposuction, sometimes called lipoplasty or body contouring surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure that removes unwanted fat through small incisions using a specialized suction device called a cannula.
It’s most commonly used to contour areas that resist diet and exercise, including:
By targeting these specific problem areas, liposuction helps create a more balanced, proportionate body contour.
Modern liposuction techniques are designed for precision, comfort, and faster recovery. The procedure begins with the injection of a tumescent solution – a mix of saline, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (to minimize bleeding). This solution helps loosen the fat, making it easier to remove while reducing bruising and swelling.
Our Double Board-certified Plastic surgeon, Dr. Renee Gasgarth then inserts a thin cannula through tiny incisions to gently suction out the excess fat. Once the desired contour is achieved, the incisions are closed and covered with dressings.
Depending on the number of areas treated, liposuction can take anywhere from one to three hours, and it’s typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Advancements in technology have made liposuction safer and more versatile than ever before. Some common techniques include:
Dr. Renee Gasgarth will choose the most appropriate technique based on your anatomy, treatment areas, and goals.
Liposuction is best suited for patients who are at or near their ideal body weight but struggle with localized fat pockets that don’t respond to healthy lifestyle habits. You may be a good candidate if you:
It’s important to remember that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure or a treatment for obesity. Instead, it’s designed for body contouring and proportion refinement.
Recovery after liposuction is typically quick and well-tolerated. Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and soreness for a few days after surgery. Wearing a compression garment as directed helps reduce swelling, improve comfort, and support your new contours during healing.
Most patients return to work and light activities within three to five days, with full recovery over the next few weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for about four to six weeks to allow proper healing.
You’ll notice initial improvements right away, but final results become more visible after several weeks as swelling subsides. Once your body has fully healed, the treated areas appear smoother, firmer, and more sculpted.
With a stable weight and healthy habits, liposuction results can last for many years.
Liposuction is often combined with other body contouring or rejuvenation procedures for more comprehensive results. Popular combinations include:
Dr. Gasgarth will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.
Beyond aesthetic enhancement, liposuction offers a range of benefits:
When performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, liposuction delivers natural, beautifully sculpted results that enhance your body’s overall harmony.
Liposuction is one of the most popular and effective body contouring procedures for a reason – it offers precise, lasting results with minimal downtime. Whether you want to refine your abdomen, slim your thighs, or define your jawline, liposuction can help you achieve a smoother, more confident look.
If you’re considering liposuction, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Together, you can discuss your goals, review your options, and design a customized plan to help you achieve the refined, sculpted figure you deserve.
