What Parts of the Body Can Be Treated With Liposuction?

Do you have stubborn pockets of fat on your abdomen, flanks, rear end or thighs that just won’t come off no matter how much you diet and exercise? Consider liposuction, an FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure that removes localized fat deposits in one outpatient visit. Although the best places to get liposuction include the abdomen, buttocks and thighs, you can also get lipo for the flank area on the body, plus the hips, upper arms, knees, lower legs, chest, back, breasts, chin and cheeks — in short, just about anywhere you need fat removal.

How Liposuction Works

Liposuction is one of the most popular kinds of cosmetic surgery, with about a half-million people getting treated every year, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. That’s because it’s remarkably safe and effective and is more affordable than a tummy tuck, with a shorter and less painful recovery. During the procedure, the doctor will make a small incision in the area where you want your fat removed and insert a small, hollow tube, called a cannula. The doctor will move the tube through the fat layer and break up the cells, which are then removed from your body with a vacuum pump or syringe.

The resulting scar from the incision is very small, recovery takes a few days and the results are instantly noticeable. Although liposuction won’t fix significantly loose skin — only major medical procedures such as a tummy tuck can do that — it will permanently remove the fat that’s underneath your skin. Keep in mind, however, that just because you have liposuction doesn’t mean the fat won’t come back. That’s why it’s important for patients to eat right and exercise after liposuction.

Liposuction (abdomen)

How Many Areas Can I Liposuction at Once?

Most physicians suggest limiting liposuction to five total liters of fat loss per procedure due to possible fluid shifts that require more monitoring and can occur with high volume liposuction.  Although there isn’t really a rule on the number of areas of liposuction you can get at once, you will experience soreness and swelling after the procedure. For that reason, your doctor may recommend only getting up to two or three areas at one time. Other factors to consider include your overall health and wellness goals. If you want liposuction for several areas of your body, then a weight loss plan may be a better long-term fat loss solution.

A good way to think of liposuction is to consider it a reshaping procedure rather than a fat-loss procedure. Some patients are dismayed to realize they’ve gained back the fat they lost after making an investment in liposuction. That’s why the best patients for lipo are those who maintain a stable weight, don’t smoke, avoid heavy drinking and have realistic expectations. And don’t let yourself slip after lipo because you feel more slender — that’s when your diet and exercise program becomes even more important.

Liposuction (abdomen, thighs, medial knees)

Where Can I Get Liposuction in Nashville, Tennessee?

Dr. Nathan Brought is a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs liposuction, tummy tuck, and other plastic and reconstructive procedures to patients in the Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee region.

For more information about liposuction and tummy tuck, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brought, call SPRSI at 615-791-9090.