Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. It offers an incredible way to get rid of stubborn fat deposits that aren’t responding to diet and exercise. Plus, in recent years, it has become even safer, faster, and easier to perform.
Many adults have fat deposits – whether on the abdomen, arms, neck, flanks, thighs, or elsewhere – that just won’t go away. Liposuction is a fat removal procedure to help slim these areas. One satisfying aspect is that liposuction patients will actually be able to see the amount of fat sucked out of the body! Plus, assuming patients maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, they can enjoy long-lasting results.
In order to find out whether or not you could benefit from liposuction, contact Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland in Hanover, Maryland to request a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashruf.
About Liposuction
Also known as lipoplasty, liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image.
Despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, some people may still have disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness.
Liposuction surgery can be used to treat stubborn fat pockets in many parts of the body including the thighs, arms, neck, hips, waist, back, inner knee, chest, cheeks, chin, calves, and ankles. In some cases, liposuction is performed by itself, in other cases it is performed in combination with other plastic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or even a facelift!
Ideal Candidates for Liposuction
Patients who are bothered by excess fat deposits — located anywhere on the body — that don’t respond to diet or exercise may benefit from liposuction. In general, patients should meet the following criteria:
- Adults within 20-30% of their ideal weight who have good skin elasticity and muscle tone
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific, realistic goals in mind for body contouring
In some cases, liposuction can be performed in order to counteract gynecomastia in men.
Liposuction surgery is not a weight loss procedure or treatment for obesity and is not a replacement for regular exercise and good eating habits. People with stubborn areas of fat and who exercise regularly and eat healthily are the best candidates for this procedure. Those who have excess skin may not be appropriate candidates for liposuction and instead be better suited for a tummy tuck procedure that can address this condition. It is important that anyone considering cosmetic surgery has realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure and understands what is required to maintain their results. Contact Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland in Hanover, MD to request a consultation and find out if you are a good candidate.
Benefits of Liposuction
- It can remove fat deposits practically anywhere on the body
- It enhances the shape and contour of the body
- Can be used as part of a fat transfer procedure
- It can be long-lasting, assuming the patient maintains a healthy and stable body weight
- Improved appearance in as little as a week with results continually improving
- Can promote better habits, although healthy lifestyle habits should be established prior to surgery for best results
- Has the potential to improve self-confidence and body image
Liposuction is an attractive procedure for many reasons. However, above all, liposuction is attractive because it is effective.
Liposuction Techniques
Liposuction has evolved tremendously over the past few decades. There are now various liposuction techniques that plastic surgeons can utilize to address specific problem areas. The most common liposuction techniques include suction-assisted liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction, and ultrasound-assisted liposuction. At the time of the consultation, Dr. Ashraf can help the patient determine the best technique or combination of techniques to meet their specific needs.
Suction-Assisted Liposuction
Suction-assisted liposuction is considered the standard for all liposuction techniques.
This technique utilizes a cannula and negative pressure in order to suck unwanted fat out of the body. In some cases, it is also called tumescent liposuction because it frequently uses tumescent fluid to make the fat easier to remove from the body.
Tumescent solution is a saline solution that contains lidocaine and epinephrine. It is injected into the fatty tissue prior to being suctioned out. It makes the fat easier to remove and also helps alleviate operative and post-operative discomfort. Depending on the surgical sites, suction-assisted liposuction may be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Power-Assisted Liposuction
Power-assisted liposuction is very similar to suction-assisted liposuction. However, the cannula is attached to a powered device that sends strong vibrations through the cannula and to the fatty tissue. These vibrations help further break up the fat so that it can be easily removed from the body. This also promotes a faster procedure and reduced recovery time.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
Liposuction with ultrasound liquefies the fat prior to extraction.
High-pitched sound waves disrupt and liquefy the fat cells. This type of liposuction is particularly effective on notoriously stubborn regions of fat, including under the chin, on the flanks, and on the knees.
Suction-assisted liposuction and ultrasound-assisted liposuction can be performed in combination in order to reduce particularly large or dense areas of fat cells. Like suction-assisted liposuction, this body contouring procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
Laser-assisted liposuction is better known by the brand name SmartLipo. Similar to ultrasound-assisted liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction liquefies the fat prior to extracting it from the body. However, it utilizes laser energy through the cannula in order to liquefy the fat. SmartLipo has proven to be particularly effective at slimming the arms, revitalizing the face and neck, narrowing the waist, and thinning the thighs. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed under local anesthesia, which means reduced recovery time.
The Liposuction Procedure
The liposuction procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on a number of factors that will be discussed at the time of the consultation. It is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient will be able to return home the same day as the procedure. However, we recommend, even if the patient receives local anesthesia, that they make arrangements for somebody else to drive them home following the procedure.
Dr. Ashruf will begin the procedure by making small incisions around the surgical site. Through these discreet incisions, he will be able to introduce the cannula, tumescent solution, ultrasound device, or laser fiber as needed. Then, he will suction out the fat deposits in the area. Once he is done, he will close the incisions with sutures.
Following the procedure, the patient will be taken to a recovery room where they will be monitored by Dr. Ashruf’s knowledgeable and caring staff. Once it is certain that the patient is stable following the procedure, they will be released into the care of a responsible friend or family member.
Liposuction Recovery
When the procedure is finished, patients will be bandaged and wrapped in a compression garment.
Prior to being released, they will be provided with instructions on how often to change their bandages. They should wear the compression garment for the recommended amount of time to help reduce post-operative swelling and to improve results. In most cases, this can be in about 3-4 weeks.
The most common side effects include slight bruising and swelling around the incision and surgical sites. Patients may experience some post-operative discomfort, which can be controlled with over-the-counter medication or a prescription provided by Dr. Ashruf. Patients should be able to return to work within a few days to two weeks, depending on the techniques used and volume of fat cells removed. Dr. Ashruf will be able to provide more detailed recovery information during the consultation and in advance of the procedure date.
Your Liposuction Consultation
A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Ashruf is the first step in the liposuction process. The consultation will lay the groundwork for the rest of the process. The consultation will begin with Dr. Ashruf asking why they are interested in liposuction and explaining their desired results and goals. Dr. Ashruf will then conduct a physical examination in order to determine whether or not liposuction can help the patient achieve their goals.
You will also provide a complete medical history during the consultation. This will be taken into account when Dr. Ashruf recommends a procedure plan. The patient should feel comfortable asking the doctor any questions they may have about the procedure or other procedures available. It is important that the patient feels comfortable and informed when making their decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. Dr. Ashruf understands that the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is significant and we’ll be there for help and support throughout the entire process.
To get started, contact Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland in Hanover, MD and request a consultation. We look forward to speaking with you.
Maryland Liposuction Cost
Average cost: $2,000-$7,000
The cost of your liposuction procedure will depend on your specific case and if you opt to receive additional treatments or procedures. Please feel free to schedule a private consultation to receive a quote.
Liposuction FAQs