The 5 W’s of Liposuction

What:

Liposuction is a common aesthetic procedure using suction technology to remove unwanted fat from areas that are hard to target with diet and exercise. It is used to contour, or shape, the body. This procedure uses a narrow tube, called a cannula, to break up fat cells and then remove the fat. The cannula is inserted through tiny incisions targeted to address subcutaneous fat cells and remove them permanently. Liposuction does not address skin concerns such as cellulite and skin quality, nor does it repair muscles or reduce the amount of skin present.

Who:

The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone at or close to their goal weight with localized areas of excess fat. Good candidates also have good skin quality. Skin elasticity is important because liposuction does not tighten or reduce the amount of skin. Smoking can greatly impact one’s skin elasticity and quality. It is also important to note that liposuction is not successful in treating generalized obesity, as it is not a weight-loss procedure. Those who are slightly overweight can still be candidates for liposuction and have localized fat deposits removed. Ideal candidates are typically free of any major medical issues or preexisting conditions. Even though some patients are ideal candidates for liposuction, it is a highly individualized procedure, making it very patient-dependent. Scheduling a consultation is a great way to determine whether or not you are a candidate!

When:

Bikini season is a great opportunity to show off your body after receiving liposuction, that is why we recommend scheduling your procedure in the fall and winter seasons. In the recovery process following your procedure, you will be given a custom compression garment that is fitted to your body. This garment is meant to be worn for 24 hours a day for the first 6 weeks post-operatively in order to help reduce swelling and prevent the formation of blood clots. This means that by the time warm months roll around, you will be able to show off your results garment-free!

Where:

It is common for both men and women to receive liposuction in the following areas: abdomen, outer thighs, chest, flanks and upper back, upper arms, thighs, and under the chin. Depending on the patient’s aesthetic goals and Dr. Coan’s recommendations, the fat removed via liposuction can oftentimes be fat grafted to other areas of the body such as the breasts, buttocks, and facial region.

Why:

Liposuction is a great confidence-boosting procedure as it is able to contour parts of the body that have otherwise been resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, meaning that as a patient loses or gains weight post-procedure, there will be fewer fat cells in the treated areas to respond to the shift. Therefore, proportions will remain consistent.

While liposuction is a fantastic surgical option to achieve your aesthetic goals, there are non-surgical options available at CARE that can still give you amazing results! Click here to learn more

Return to Overview