What Is Liposuction and Which Body Areas Can Be Treated?
QUICK ANSWER
Liposuction (lipoplasty) is a surgical procedure that permanently removes localized fat deposits using a thin tube called a cannula. It treats the abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, arms, back, and chin. It is not a weight loss procedure — ideal candidates are within 20 to 30 pounds of their goal weight with good skin elasticity.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes fat cells from targeted areas of the body through small incisions. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted and used to loosen and suction out fat. The removed fat cells are permanently gone — they do not regenerate. However, remaining fat cells can expand with weight gain, making weight maintenance important for lasting results.
Dr. Amir Dorafshar, a board-certified plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon at Evolve Your Life, offers liposuction as a standalone procedure and as a component of combination procedures including mommy makeovers, daddy do-overs, and body lifts.
Which Body Areas Can Liposuction Treat?
- Abdomen (upper and lower)
- Flanks and love handles
- Hips and outer thighs
- Inner thighs
- Upper arms (bat wings)
- Back and bra line
- Chest — including gynecomastia treatment in men
- Neck and chin (submental fat)
- Knees and calves (in select patients)
What Are the Different Types of Liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction
The most widely used technique. A tumescent fluid containing saline, epinephrine, and local anesthetic is injected into the target area before fat removal. This minimizes bleeding, reduces discomfort, and allows for precise contouring.
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)
A mechanically vibrating cannula breaks up fat cells more efficiently than manual movement alone, reducing surgeon fatigue and allowing greater precision with less tissue trauma.
Laser-assisted liposuction
Laser energy liquefies fat before removal and may stimulate modest skin tightening. Suited for areas where some skin contraction is desired.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
- Adults within approximately 20 to 30 pounds of their goal weight
- Good skin elasticity — skin retracts smoothly after fat removal
- Localized areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise
- Non-smokers, or those who can stop at least four weeks before surgery
- In good overall health with realistic expectations
Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity and does not address loose or excess skin. Patients with significant skin laxity may require a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift in combination with liposuction to achieve optimal results.
What Is Liposuction Recovery Like?
- Days 1–3: Peak soreness and swelling. A compression garment is worn.
- Week 1–2: Light walking and desk work. No exercise.
- Week 4–6: Exercise and normal activities resume.
- 3–6 months: Final contour visible as swelling fully resolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is liposuction permanent?
Yes. The fat cells removed by liposuction cannot return. However, the remaining fat cells in the body can still expand with weight gain, so maintaining a stable weight is important to preserve results.
How much fat can be removed in one liposuction session?
Up to approximately five liters of fat is typically considered safe to remove in a single session. Removing larger volumes increases surgical risk and requires careful assessment.
Does liposuction leave scars?
Liposuction incisions are very small — typically 3 to 5 millimeters — and are placed discreetly. Scars are generally minimal and fade to near-invisible with time.
Can liposuction tighten loose skin?
Standard liposuction does not tighten skin. If there is significant skin laxity, a body contouring procedure such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift is recommended alongside liposuction.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Liposuction is frequently combined with tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, daddy do-overs, and body lifts. Combining procedures reduces total recovery time compared to staging them separately.
NEXT STEP FOR PATIENTS
Schedule a liposuction consultation with Dr. Amir Dorafshar at any of the Evolve Your Life locations, Chicago, Oak Brook, and Peoria. Call (312) 278-9000, or book here https://www.evolveyourlife.com/contact/book-consultation/.
