Liposuction Charlottesville

If you’ve been struggling with slimming down a certain area and achieving a toned physique, but you aren’t seeing results with diet and exercise, you’re not alone. A healthy lifestyle can go a long way toward achieving a slim, toned figure. Unfortunately for patients who want a thinner figure, many stubborn fat pockets won’t budge because the body is designed to hold onto fat in those areas. This is why liposuction is such a popular procedure in the aesthetic field.

Woman laying on the beach in a one piece black bathing suit

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that removes unwanted fat from specific areas. During the surgery, very small incisions are made. A cannula is used to break up the fat tissues and then suction them out. While liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, the result is a more sculpted, slim physique with refined curves.

What are the benefits of liposuction?

Liposuction has more than a 90% patient satisfaction rate. This procedure contours and smooths unwanted lumps and bulges excess fat can cause. The benefits of liposuction include the following:

Minimal to no scarring
Enhances curves and smooths the silhouette
Achieves a better fit in clothing
Can be used to remove fatty male breast tissue
Reduces chafing from skin rubbing
Can remove 6-10 pounds of fat
Permanently removes fat to achieve very long-lasting body contouring
Improves self-esteem and confidence

Who is a candidate for liposuction?

People who are struggling with small fat deposits that don’t reduce with diet and exercise are likely candidates for liposuction. Candidates want to achieve a more sculpted, slim physique. Those who meet the following requirements are ideal candidates for liposuction:

Are in good health
Are at a stable weight they feel they can maintain
Are within 30% of their ideal weight
Do not smoke
Are 18 years old or older
Skin is not sagging (is sufficiently elastic)
Have stubborn fat on the abdomen, thighs, or other areas
Understand liposuction is not for weight loss

What to expect during liposuction

A liposuction procedure takes two to five hours, depending on how many areas you are having treated and which liposuction technique you’re having. Your liposuction will be performed under local or general anesthesia based on your needs.

Liposuction is typically performed starting with a very small incision made in the treatment area. A narrow tube called a cannula is inserted and used to gently break up the unwanted fat. This fat is then suctioned from the body. When the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with surgical glue or absorbable sutures.

Recovery after liposuction

After your surgery is complete, you will be able to return home with a family member or friend. Expect some drainage from the incision on the following day, and swelling and bruising.

Cool packs will help with discomfort, bruising and swelling. You will need to take it easy for about two weeks and allow your body to rest and recover, but within a few days to a week, most people feel comfortable returning to sedentary work.

After a day or two, your dressing will be replaced with a compression garment. You will wear this day and night for one to two weeks. While you’re recovering, follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. We encourage light walking to stimulate circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. After about two weeks, you should be able to return to moderate or light exercise.

Burton M. Sundin, MD

Reps B. Sundin, MD

Why choose the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery for liposuction?

Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin bring over 30 years of combined experience to the table, ensuring you are in the hands of experts whose knowledge, skill set, and technical expertise are the very best. Your surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and fellowship-trained.

You are welcome at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, where patients come first and your needs are always seen to. We take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and customize your treatment specifically for you. If you would like to learn more about your liposuction procedure with us, please call today to set up a consultation.

Read More About Burton M. Sundin, MD Read More About Reps B. Sundin, MD

FAQ

Do I need liposuction or a tummy tuck?

Is liposuction right for me?

How much weight will I lose with liposuction?

Will there be scarring after liposuction?

Can anything be done with the fat removed during liposuction?

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

When can I exercise after liposuction?

How long does liposuction take?

Is liposuction safe?

What if I gain weight after liposuction?

Can I combine liposuction with other procedures?

Do I need liposuction or a tummy tuck?

Liposuction is best for patients who have adequate skin elasticity. For patients who have sagging skin or weakened muscles, a tummy tuck is best.

Is liposuction right for me?

While the decision to have liposuction is yours, liposuction is generally ideal for people who are in good health and near their ideal body weight but want to sculpt their figure.

How much weight will I lose with liposuction?

While liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, patients will lose anywhere between 5-10 pounds with this surgery.

Will there be scarring after liposuction?

Liposuction incisions are extremely small. Scars are about the size of a freckle and fade well, sometimes to a point where they are no longer visible.

Can anything be done with the fat removed during liposuction?

Fat removed during liposuction can be purified and transferred to the breasts, face, lips, buttocks, or other areas where volume has been lost.

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

Once removed with liposuction, fat cells are gone permanently. It is important to remember that fat cells in other areas will grow if you gain weight. Maintain your weight for the best results.

When can I exercise after liposuction?

We encourage light walking during the first week. Wait for four to six weeks until you resume strenuous exercise.

How long does liposuction take?

Liposuction is a short treatment that generally takes less than three hours or less, depending on the number of areas treated.

Is liposuction safe?

While liposuction is considered a safe procedure, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, unfavorable results, or reaction to anesthesia, like any surgery.

What if I gain weight after liposuction?

It is best to maintain your weight after liposuction. If you gain significant weight, your results will be impacted. While fat will not return once removed, it will expand and build up in other areas.

Can I combine liposuction with other procedures?

Yes, liposuction is often combined with other procedures to enhance results, such as a tummy tuck. Liposuction is also a complementary procedure that goes well with breast augmentation, a facelift, or blepharoplasty to achieve more comprehensive results.

Liposuction Charlottesville

What is liposuction?

What are the benefits of liposuction?

Who is a candidate for liposuction?

What to expect during liposuction

Recovery after liposuction

Why choose the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery for liposuction?

FAQ

Do I need liposuction or a tummy tuck?

Is liposuction right for me?

How much weight will I lose with liposuction?

Will there be scarring after liposuction?

Can anything be done with the fat removed during liposuction?

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

When can I exercise after liposuction?

How long does liposuction take?

Is liposuction safe?

What if I gain weight after liposuction?

Can I combine liposuction with other procedures?

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