What is Liposuction and How Does It Work? 

Did you know the distribution of fat cells is settled early in life, and no amount of diet or exercise can change their location? Liposuction removes fat cells to change your body’s distribution of fat. Your team at Rapaport Plastic Surgery has been performing liposuction for over 27 years, giving them the skill and artistry to produce exceptional results. 

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a technique for targeting and removing areas of stubborn fat. It uses small entry points to insert a cannula, a thin tool that breaks up and suctions out fat cells. While liposuction does remove fat, it should be considered a body contouring tool rather than a weight loss method. Many people find that liposuction results motivate them to improve or continue a healthy lifestyle. 

How Does Liposuction Work?

An experienced plastic surgeon performs liposuction under local or IV sedation. Tumescent liposuction uses a sterile fluid containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic, injected into the area. This numbs the area and reduces blood loss, bruising, and swelling. This gold standard, gentler liposuction technique allows most people to recover within days. 

Those considering liposuction should keep in mind that the technology used matters less than the expertise and understanding of physiology of your surgeon. Like purchasing a set of nice tools will not make one a master carpenter, having a liposuction setup does not make one a skillful liposuction surgeon. 

What Areas Can You Treat With Liposuction?

Almost any area of the body can be treated with liposuction. Common treatment areas include: 

• Abdomen
• Upper arms
• Calves and knees
• Buttocks
• Waist
• Submental (under the chin)
• Inner and outer thighs

Your plastic surgeon adjusts their technique based on factors, including how your body fat is distributed based on your genetics. Decades of experience have allowed them to sculpt and shape your problem areas for a smooth, naturally contoured look. 

What is Recovery Like After Liposuction? 

The techniques used minimize recovery time. Most people can return to work and exercise within a day or two. Most people experience minimal swelling or bruising that can take up to three weeks to resolve. 

What Results Will I See With Liposuction?

Since fat cells do not grow back, you can expect your liposuction results to last a lifetime. However, the fat cells that remain act like tiny containers that can expand as they hold more fat. If your weight increases, these fat cells can expand. However, since you have changed your fatty proportions, more fat will be stored in places other than the treated area. 

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is one of the safest cosmetic procedures when performed by a skilled surgeon. Ideal candidates for liposuction are close to their target weight. People with more fat can still have liposuction, but they will achieve less dramatic results. Liposuction should not be considered a weight loss technique and is intended for body sculpting. 

Take the Next Step

If you want to learn more about liposuction, reach out today to schedule your consultation or call us today at (212) 249-9955.