Body surgery
Liposuction
Liposuction removes stubborn fat and contours the body for a more defined shape.
Overview
Some fat just won't budge — no matter how disciplined your diet or consistent your workouts. Liposuction removes these stubborn fat deposits to sculpt and contour the body. It's not a weight-loss procedure; it's a shaping tool.
Dr. Cassileth offers traditional liposuction as well as BodyTite, a minimally invasive technology that combines liposuction with radiofrequency energy to tighten skin simultaneously. This is particularly useful for patients with mild skin laxity who want contouring without a more invasive procedure.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
- Patients at or near their ideal weight with stubborn fat deposits
- Men and women seeking improved body contour
- Patients who want skin tightening along with fat removal (BodyTite)
- Patients significantly overweight (liposuction is not a weight-loss solution)
- Those with significant skin laxity (tummy tuck or body lift may be more appropriate)
Technique
How it's done.
Types Of Liposuction
There are several types of liposuction and Dr. Cassileth will advise you on which type of liposuction is best for you, depending on your needs and goals.
Tumescent Liposuction
This is a traditional liposuction procedure in which the surgeon injects a solution of salt water, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (which helps blood vessels contract) to prepare the targeted areas. A cannula connected to a specialized vacuum is then used to suction fat through small incisions.
Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (UAL)
A UAL procedure utilizes ultrasonic energy conducted through a specialized device to disrupt the fat-cell walls. UAL works well for areas with dense fat, like back fat, buffalo humps (just below the back of the neck) and areas that have been previously treated. Advanced UAL VASER-assisted liposuction can also improve the appearance of the skin in the treated area.
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)
PAL liposuction uses intense vibration to assist in fat removal for larger treatment areas.
BodyTite with liposuction
uses radiofrequency energy to heat and melt the fat, which makes removal more even and less traumatic. The heat transferred to the deep tissue and the back of the skin tightens these structures as it removes the fat, resulting in a smooth, tight “after” result and avoids the ugly “liposuctioned” look in areas at risks for loose skin or irregular fat after traditional liposuction.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Before Surgery
- Consultation — Identify treatment areas and determine best approach.
- Pre-op — Instructions provided.
During Surgery
- Tumescent fluid — Injected to numb the area and minimize bleeding.
- Fat removal — Small cannula removes fat through tiny incisions.
- Skin tightening — If BodyTite, radiofrequency energy applied to tighten tissue.
After Surgery
- Recovery — Compression garment worn for several weeks. Most return to work in a few days.
- Final results — Swelling resolves over 4–6 weeks; final contour visible at 3 months.
Insurance
Read about coverage & financing →Liposuction is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.
FAQ
Common questions.
Am I A Good Candidate For Liposuction?
Ideal candidates for liposuction are in good general health, are within 30% of their ideal body weight, and have good skin elasticity.
1
People who smoke, have heart problems, or medical conditions that inhibit healing are not candidates for liposuction.
What Specific Areas Of The Body Can Be Treated With Liposuction?
Many areas of your body can be treated with liposuction, including:
- Abdomen
- Waist
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Legs
- Back
- Upper arms
- Chin and neck
Can Liposuction Treat Cellulite?
Liposuction can improve the overall appearance of the treated area, but if cellulite is a primary concern, we recommend targeted cellulite treatment.
Will Fat Return In Other Places After Liposuction?
No, this is a common myth about liposuction. Once the fat is removed, those fat cells are permanently destroyed. However, you can still gain weight and it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to keep your lean, toned look. If you do gain weight, fat cells may get bigger in other areas because the areas where fat was removed can no longer grow.
What Are The Risks Of Liposuction?
At Cassileth Plastic Surgery, we prioritize patient safety. Any surgical procedure carries some risk of complications, but you can minimize your risk by choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon.
2
Potential complications of liposuction surgery include blood loss, blood clots, fat embolism, infection, and fluid accumulation.
Can Liposuction Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes, liposuction is often used in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures in order to improve body contours. It may be used along with
,
,
, or as part of a customized
. Liposuction is performed for procedures such as
breast augmentation with fat grafting
,
and during
to remove stubborn fat in the area between the bra and underarm.
Sources
Cited research.
- 1American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Liposuction. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction plasticsurgery.org · Accessed May 28, 2024
- 2Mayo Clinic. Liposuction. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586 mayoclinic.org · Accessed May 28, 2024
Ready to discuss liposuction?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Cassileth and her team to explore your options.
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