Liposuction is a popular surgery that helps shape the body by removing excess fat from specific areas. Many people choose it to improve their body proportions and feel more confident. However, it’s important to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss method—it’s meant for removing stubborn fat that doesn’t go away with diet and exercise. Before deciding on the procedure, it’s essential to know who it’s suitable for, and what to expect during recovery.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic fat removal procedure. It can permanently remove fat cells (adipocytes) that store fat from a particular section of your body that you want to improve. Liposuction helps get rid of fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
Other names for liposuction are lipoplasty or “lipo.”
Where on my body can I get liposuction?
You can have a liposuction procedure anywhere on your body where you have deposits of fat. Some of the most common areas of your body include your:
Abdomen, stomach or waist.
Hips or “love handles” (flank).
Back or chest.
Face, cheeks, chin or neck.
Buttocks.
Inner knee, calves or ankles.
Thighs.
Upper arms.
Who is a candidate for liposuction?
Candidates for liposuction should meet certain requirements to make sure their procedure is effective and safe. Candidates who qualify for a liposuction procedure include:
Adults with an average or slightly above-average weight.
People who have firm skin with elasticity (high in the elastin protein) and a good muscle tone.
Adults who have good overall health.
People who have pockets of fat don’t respond well to diet and exercise.
Nonsmokers.
People with realistic goals for the outcome of the procedure.
These are common qualifications that doctors evaluate before recommending treatment. Your provider will let you know if liposuction is right for you.
Who might not be a candidate for liposuction?
Certain factors could cause a liposuction procedure to be unsuccessful or pose a threat to your overall health. You might not be a candidate for liposuction if you:
Are underweight.
Have a BMI over 25.
Have a serious, life-threatening health condition or a condition that can make healing difficult.
Have unrealistic expectations for the procedure.
Have poor skin quality.
Liposuction alone can’t improve saggy, loose skin. This is common after significant weight loss. If your goal is to get rid of loose skin, your doctor might recommend liposuction along with excess skin removal.
Can older adults get liposuction?
Age usually isn’t a factor that your provider needs to consider when discussing liposuction. However, people over the age of 65 may have skin that’s less firm or has lost some elasticity.
Can men get liposuction?
Yes. People of any sex can undergo liposuction. For men, healthcare providers may recommend liposuction to treat some types of gynecomastia or enlarged male breast tissue.
Why is liposuction done?
You might consider having a liposuction procedure if you:
Tried dieting and exercising for several years and certain areas of your body don’t respond or refuse to shrink naturally.
Want to smooth out fatty bulges on your body.
Want a permanent body modification.
Can dedicate four to six weeks for your body to recover after surgery.
How do I prepare for liposuction surgery?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow before your liposuction surgery. You may need to:
Follow dietary or alcohol restrictions.
Take or avoid certain medicines and vitamins.
Get lab testing.
Stop smoking.
Can I get multiple plastic surgery procedures at once?
If you’re interested in other body contouring or plastic surgery procedures, talk to your surgeon about the possibility of performing more than one procedure at the same time. You may be able to have liposuction done at the same time as other cosmetic surgery procedures, such as:
A facelift.
Breast reduction.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
Combining procedures can combine your healing time, but can also increase risks.
What happens after a liposuction procedure?
After your liposuction procedure, your healthcare provider will talk to you about:
How to care for your surgical site.
Medications you may need.
Your follow-up appointments.
Complications to watch out for.
While a liposuction procedure can remove fat and fat cells from certain areas of your body, it’s important to keep in mind that you can still gain weight after liposuction. After your recovery, your provider will discuss your results and how you can maintain your new shape after surgery.
As you recover, you may have signs of healing in your body that include:
Bruising.
Swelling.
Soreness.
These signs will fade as your body heals. If your pain is severe, talk to your doctor.
To speed up your recovery time or to help reduce the amount of swelling and pain your feel, you may need to wear a compression garment on the treatment area for several weeks. These garments reduce swelling and help your skin adapt to its new contours. In some cases, you may need a temporary drain in the incision to remove excess blood or fluid. Your doctor will offer guidance on your recovery time, especially what to look out for and how to ease discomfort.
The cost of liposuction
The cost of liposuction varies depending on where the fat is extracted, and typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000. There is a discount for comprehensive plastic surgery.
Risks / Benefits
What are the benefits of a liposuction procedure?
The benefits of liposuction include:
A solution to remove stubborn areas of fat from your body that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
A smoother body shape so your clothes fit better.
A minimal amount of scarring after the procedure.
What are the risks or complications of a liposuction procedure?
Every surgery comes with risks. Liposuction has a good safety record. The risks are limited when you choose a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon. Smaller areas of fat removal involve a shorter procedure with the fewest risks.
Although rare, liposuction risks include:
Infection.
Skin discoloration or changes in skin sensation.
Bruising.
Swelling or poor wound healing.
Pain or discomfort until your surgical site heals.
Scarring.
Bleeding.
Contour deformities.
Final Thoughts
In summary, liposuction can help shape your body and create a more balanced look, but it’s not a quick fix for weight loss. Instead, it targets stubborn fat in specific areas. Proper aftercare is key to maintaining long-term results—this includes following your doctor’s advice, eating a healthy diet, and staying active. Since everyone’s body reacts differently, recovery time and results may vary. That’s why it’s important to consult a qualified surgeon, understand the procedure, and prepare yourself both mentally and physically. Taking these steps will help ensure a safe experience and the best possible outcome.
