Quick FactsAbout the
Liposuction:
Potential Benefits: Eliminated or reduced pockets of excess fat for a more contoured physique
Procedure: Outpatient procedure performed with local or general anesthesia in approximately 1 to 2 hours
Recovery: On average, patients may return to office jobs and non-strenuous activities after 3-7 days
Side Effects: Mild to moderate swelling and bruising at the treatment site
Cost: Approximately $6,000 to $10,000
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is the surgical procedure that is used to treat isolated pockets of fatty tissue. While liposuction does indeed remove fatty tissue, liposuction should be thought of as a sculpting procedure and not simply as a procedure to remove fatty tissue or a weight loss method. Liposuction requires the use of small incisions placed within the natural creases of the body. Metal cannulas are introduced through these small incisions, and fatty tissue is then removed between the skin and deeper muscle layer.
What Areas Can Liposuction Treat?
Liposuction works best in areas with relatively good skin tone. Ideally the overlying skin has good elasticity with few stretch marks. Once the fatty tissue is removed, liposuction relies on the overlying skin to redrape over the area. Post-operatively you may experience a moderate skin contraction over the area. The areas of the body that respond best to liposuction are:
- Upper and lower abdominal wall
- Upper and lower flanks (“love handles”)
- Hips
- Inner thighs and inner knees
- Outer thighs (“saddlebags”)
- Chin and neck
- Upper arms
- Back
- Buttocks
- Chest and pectoral area (men)
Patient Results
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After Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?
The best candidates for liposuction are those who are unhappy with stubborn areas of fat and wish to achieve a more toned physique. Patients should be in generally good health and at or near their target weight. It is best if patients have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or under, as there is a higher risk of complications when at a higher BMI. Candidates should also have good skin elasticity to allow for the stubborn areas of fat to contract and tighten once the excess fat has been removed.
Although men and women who exhibit these qualities are typically considered good candidates for the liposuction procedure, this cannot be determined until a consultation has been made. Considered by many to be one of the best liposuction surgeons in Richmond, Dr. Neil Zemmel can work closely with you to assess your health and aesthetic goals, determining whether you are a good candidate for liposuction or if you would be better suited for an alternative option.
What Does the Liposuction Procedure Involve?
Liposuction takes approximately 1 to 3 hours depending on the number of areas treated. Liposuction does not require any significant incisions across the trunk or extremities and in general is less invasive when compared to the excisional procedures (full or mini abdominoplasty). The procedure calls for placing a few small 3mm or 4mm incisions across the trunk to allow access for fat removal. Our surgeon places these incisions in hidden areas or in the natural creases of the body. This allows them to heal remarkably well leaving little evidence that the procedure was performed.
If there is unwanted fat in multiple areas, Dr. Zemmel will design the liposuction procedure to be as efficient and safe as possible. For example, if a patient wants to target pockets of fat located on the front and back of the midsection (abdomen, waist, hips, and mid-to-lower back) those areas can often be included together. Commonly referred to as Lipo 360° (or 360 Lipo), this term refers to liposuction that is performed all the way around the midsection, usually in one session depending on the specifics of the treatment plan.
Dr. Zemmel uses small cannulas to give his patients a high-definition result. Small 2mm and 3mm cannulas also cause very little post-operative bruising and swelling allowing you to recover much quicker. Our surgeon will treat the deeper and more superficial layers of fatty tissue in each area. A significant amount of fat will be removed from each area to give you a natural, sculpted, proportional appearance.
What Can I Expect After Liposuction?
You will be placed in a spandex-like compression garment after surgery. This reduces the amount of post-operative swelling and bruising you may experience. You will wear this garment for approximately 3 weeks after surgery. Any discomfort you experience throughout the recovery is typically well-managed with pain medication.
Most patients require a week to recover, though this will vary based on how many areas were treated and the extent of the fat removal. After this time, patients can typically return to work and resume their daily routines. Strenuous exercise should still be avoided for a few weeks, or until your surgeon advises.
Results can begin to be noticed immediately for some patients, but more in-depth contouring is typically not apparent until a few weeks following the procedure, as swelling continues to subside. To maintain your more toned figure, you should follow a nutritious diet and exercise regularly, as these can prevent weight gain and create long-lasting liposuction results.
How Long Does Liposuction Last?
Your results from liposuction surgery can be enjoyed long-term when following a healthy lifestyle. The fat removed during the procedure cannot regenerate, so it is considered permanently reduced. However, the remaining fat cells can fluctuate in size with weight gain or loss. As a result, our plastic surgeon advises patients to eat a nutritious diet and regularly exercise to maintain a healthy body and stable weight.
What Will My Liposuction Scars Look Like?
Since Dr. Zemmel utilizes tiny cannulas to extract the excess fat cells from your treatment area, the incision lines are typically very small. In addition, he makes sure to place incisions in natural skin folds or areas easy to conceal under clothing to make them virtually undetectable. Over the course of the first year, your liposuction scars should continue to lighten, flatten, and become softer. While most patients have very faint liposuction scars long-term, if you would like to further diminish their appearance, our surgeon can recommend certain scar treatments and removal techniques to improve your skin.
What Are the Risks of Liposuction?
As with any surgery, liposuction carries some degree of risk. In addition to mild to moderate swelling and bruising, some patients may experience soreness, numbness, and itchiness in the target areas, but these should be temporary and quickly subside. Less common side effects include uneven skin texture, changes in skin color, and prolonged numbness. Although these risks are possible, your surgeon will take every precaution to lower your risk of any complications and ensure you receive the safest procedure possible, helping you achieve your goal outcome.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
Liposuction typically costs between $6,000 to $10,000 in Richmond, Virginia. However, the total cost will depend on several factors, including:
- Type of liposuction: The liposuction procedure can be performed using various techniques and surgical devices. For example, a traditional method (tumescent) is generally less expensive than a more advanced procedure using laser equipment.
- Size and number of the area(s) being treated: Larger areas or multiple areas treated in the same session typically involve greater surgical complexity, which can lead to higher costs.
- Associated surgical fees: Beyond the costs of the procedure, patients should anticipate additional fees for the surgeon, facility, operating room, anesthesia, and any necessary pre/post-surgical care.
- Surgeon’s experience: Highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons typically charge more for procedures than surgeons with less qualifications.
- Geographic location: Similar to costs of living, pricing for liposuction is often more expensive in urban areas as opposed to more rural areas.
Keep in mind that your total cost can greatly vary from other patients’, as the surgery is tailored to your unique needs. Additionally, it is important to understand that the cost of liposuction can indicate the level of expertise and skill provided by a surgeon, as well as the quality of safety and patient care.
After you and your surgeon have found the best treatment plan for your aesthetic goals, our team will provide you with a cost estimate to help you understand what to expect with your liposuction cost. If you are looking to make your procedure fit more comfortably within your budget, we can discuss financing options to help make your liposuction procedure as affordable as possible. Our reputable third-party health lenders, CareCredit® and Cherry, work with qualified applicants to divide the total cost into smaller, monthly payments so your liposuction goals may still be achieved regardless of budget.
Is Liposuction Safe?
When qualified candidates are under the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon, especially those with extensive experience in cosmetic body contouring procedures, liposuction is generally considered a safe and effective surgery. During a full evaluation of your medical history and aesthetic goals, we will determine if liposuction can be performed safely for your needs. Additionally, to reduce the risk of complications, all patients should strictly follow pre- and post-procedural instructions provided by Richmond Aesthetic Surgery.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction
How Much Weight Can Liposuction Help Me Lose?
Liposuction should not be viewed as a weight loss solution. The liposuction procedure is designed to sculpt areas that are resistant to diet and exercise for individuals at or near their ideal weight who are looking for a more toned appearance. Generally, this means the amount of weight that is actually removed via liposuction is quite minimal.
Is Liposuction Painful?
Since sedation or general anesthesia is typically administered for the liposuction procedure, patients should feel unaware and comfortable during surgery. Any post-procedure discomfort, such as swelling, tenderness, and bruising, should be minimal and well-managed with oral pain medication as directed.
Will I Have Loose Skin After Liposuction?
The appearance of skin varies by patient after liposuction, depending on factors such as the individual’s natural skin elasticity, the amount of fat removed, the surgical technique and equipment used, and following post-procedure instructions, including the assistance of compression garments during recovery. Patients with favorable skin elasticity should notice gradual skin tightening over the course of 6 to 12 months. If there are signs of skin sagging prior to surgery, an additional procedure (such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift) may be recommended with liposuction for the best results.
Can I Move Fat from One Area to Another?
Yes, Dr. Zemmel offers fat transfer procedures, also known as fat grafting, that can redistribute excess fatty tissue removed by liposuction from one area of the body to another location for further enhancement. Once the fat is extracted via liposuction, it undergoes a purification process so it may safely be reintroduced back into your body. Some of the most common areas that fat transfer may be used for augmentation include the breasts and buttocks—known as a Brazilian butt lift (BBL)—and filling in sunken facial areas for a more youthful appearance. Fat transfers typically achieve a more natural-looking result without the need of implant or synthetic materials.
Contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery
If you would like more information on liposuction procedures, or if you would like to talk more about your options in a confidential consultation with our plastic surgeon, please contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery.
Dr. Zemmel and his staff are awesome! I had liposuction of the abdomen and flanks and a breast reduction. I am so pleased with the results. I feel better and look better. I am only in to my 7th week of healing and I have already dropped 2 sizes in my clothes. What a feeling!!! I would strongly recommend Dr. Zemmel to anyone wanting to have ‘body work’ done. He is awesome.. The whole staff here is wonderful. They make you feel welcome and they truly care. I am looking forward to my new look.
Reece H
September 20, 2013