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Liposuction

Over 15,000 liposuction procedures have been safely and successfully performed by the physicians of Westlake Dermatology.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction surgery (also known as lipoplasty or fat removal surgery) involves the removal of fat cells from the body. It is designed for those who have specific areas of localized fat deposits and who have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate them through diet, exercise and weight loss. Through liposuction a physician can remove fat in many different areas of the body including the stomach, buttocks, thighs, arms, and neck.

Before and After Liposuction


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How is liposuction performed?

A large amount of diluted local anesthetic is first injected into the area. No general anesthesia is needed. Next, a small suction tube, called a cannula, is inserted through a tiny incision placed in an inconspicuous location on the skin. With a high pressure vacuum, fat cells are extracted through the tube, resulting in a re-sculpting of bulging areas into more attractive contours.

What is tumescent liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction is an advanced liposuction procedure that utilizes extremely small micro-instruments, tumescent liposuction is a safe, simple procedure that gently reshapes your body. Tumescent liposuction removes excess fat from stubborn areas more effectively than traditional liposuction methods.

How does tumescent liposuction vary from traditional liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction utilizes a much smaller cannula than traditional liposuction. The smaller cannula allows for much more precise sculpting than traditional liposuction. In addition, the procedure is substantially less invasive, minimizing bruising, and allowing for quicker recovery times and significantly less discomfort. Due to the small size of the cannula, the fibrous connections between your skin and body remain intact. These connections contract over time, eliminating excessive skin folds.

How can liposuction be enhanced?

SmartLipo is a laser that is used in conjunction with the tumescent liposuction procedure to melt the fat for easier extraction, resulting in less bleeding, swelling, and bruising. The SmartLipo laser also tightens the skin in the treated area for a smoother result.

Vaser High Definition Liposuction is a form of liposuction that uses ultrasound technology to eliminate unwanted body fat and recontour the body. Vaser is a more precise fat removal technique that allows for the removal of fat in the superficial layers of the skin in order to reveal more definition.

What areas can be treated with tumescent liposuction?

While liposuction is not designed to correct general obesity, any area where excess fat deposits have accumulated can be treated. These include the waistline, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, arms, chin, neck, jowls, and cheeks.  For optimal outcome, patients should have a BMI (body mass index) of less than 35.

How quick is the recovery time after the liposuction procedure?

After the procedure, a compression bandage is worn by the patient for several days. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days. Learn more about liposuction recovery

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The total cost of a liposuction procedure depends upon many factors including the Body Mass Index of the patient, the number of areas to be treated, and the overall difficult of the procedure. Learn more about liposuction prices

Additional Liposuction Resources