How Does Liposuction Work?

Are you struggling with stubborn fat that won’t budge no matter how much you diet and exercise? You’re not alone. Many people have areas of their body that seem resistant to all their efforts. Liposuction with plastic surgeon Dr. Calvin Young at Dermatology Associates of Rochester can slim and reshape those problem areas for a more sculpted look.

This blog post will explore how liposuction works, who’s a good candidate, the specific areas of the body it can target, and what to expect during recovery.

How Is Liposuction Performed?

Dr. Young performs liposuction as an outpatient procedure. He uses either general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with sedation to ensure your comfort throughout the surgery.

To initiate the process, Dr. Young injects tumescent fluid into the targeted area of fat, effectively managing pain and minimizing bleeding. He then maneuvers a thin, hollow tube known as a cannula through small incisions near the targeted region, dislodging and suctioning away excess fat. These incisions are typically so small that sutures are unnecessary. Once fully healed, these incisions leave nearly imperceptible scars.

Are You a Good Candidate?

It’s important to understand that liposuction isn’t a weight loss procedure; it’s a proven way to reduce specific fat deposits that don’t respond to a dedicated diet and exercise regimen. The best candidates for liposuction are women and men with good skin elasticity who are at a healthy, stable weight.

Are you interested in achieving a leaner body but unsure if you’re ready for surgery? You can learn about a cutting-edge nonsurgical body contouring treatment and how it compares to liposuction in our related blog post.

Common Treatment Areas

Below is a list of treatment areas where liposuction can target stubborn fat deposits, offering tailored solutions to help you achieve your desired body shape.

1. Chin: Say goodbye to that stubborn double chin with submental liposuction. By precisely targeting and removing excess fat beneath the chin, you can achieve a more defined jawline and upper neck.
2. Abdomen: Whether you’re dealing with love handles or a stubborn belly pooch, liposuction can give you a flatter, more toned stomach. It is often paired with tummy tuck surgery for a more defined midsection.
3. Hips: Smooth out your hip contours and eliminate unwanted bulges with hip liposuction. Dr. Young’s expertise ensures precise results that enhance your natural curves and create a more balanced shape.
4. Thighs: Slim and sculpt your thighs with liposuction. Whether you want to reduce excess fat on your inner thighs, outer thighs, or both, we tailor the procedure to meet your goals.
5. Arms: With liposuction, we can target fat deposits in the upper arms to achieve a sleek, toned, and defined look.
6. Back (Bra Line): Smooth back bulges and bra line fat with liposuction. This targeted approach helps you achieve a smoother, more contoured upper back, making you feel more confident in your favorite clothing.

How Long Does It Take To Recover from Liposuction?

Although recovery varies by patient, these are typical milestones on the path to recovery:

• You’ll wear a compression garment for 3 to 6 weeks to minimize swelling.
• Most patients return to nonstrenuous activities within 3 to 5 days.
• Soreness and swelling may last a few weeks.
• Tiny incisions usually don’t require stitches.
• Final results become visible after 3 to 6 months as swelling subsides.

Ready To Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to say goodbye to stubborn fat and hello to a more confident you, we invite you to call our office at (585) 272-0700 or request a consultation online. We look forward to helping you achieve your body goals.