Liposuction Beyond the Belly

Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures for men and women alike due to its incredible versatility. This highly effective body contouring surgery can treat a number of different areas on the body, offering targeted fat reduction in a minimally invasive procedure. Here at Plastic Surgery Center of the South, we like to think of liposuction as the finishing touches on an already healthy lifestyle.

For many people, the midsection is prone to stubborn pockets of fat. Not surprisingly, the abdomen is the most common area for liposuction treatment. However, liposuction can be used on many different parts on the body, including:

• The face and neck
• Arms
• Chest (for men)
• Flanks
• Love handles
• Buttocks
• Thighs and calves

Liposuction can be used just about anywhere on the body that has pinchable fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.

Liposuction is known for providing long-lasting body contouring results. This is because in adulthood, the body has a finite amount of fat cells in the body. Losing or gaining weight does not change the number of fat cells; instead, weight changes merely make the cells smaller or larger.

Although liposuction permanently eliminates fat cells, the remaining fat cells can still enlarge and compromise your results if you gain a significant amount of weight. That is why it is a good idea to stick to a healthy lifestyle and maintain a fairly consistent weight after your surgery.

Along with long-lasting results, liposuction results are natural-looking and typically leave very minimal scarring. Liposuction is performed using a thin suctioning tube called a cannula, which is inserted through small incisions—only about a few millimeters each. Additionally, we make sure to place the incisions in the most discreet locations as possible. We also provide you with detailed post-op incision care instructions to ensure optimal results.

Liposuction is NOT a weight loss measure and is not intended to be an alternative to good diet and exercise. Instead, it is reserved for people who are at or near their ideal weight and have stubborn fat deposits that persist even with healthy lifestyle changes.

After your procedure, you can expect to be sore for a few days; however, any discomfort can be managed with prescription pain medication. You will need to wear a compression garment to optimize your surgical results and minimize swelling. I recommend that my patients get up and start walking around as soon as possible. This will promote good blood circulation.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, you will need to take off work anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. Avoid any strenuous activity for several weeks after your procedure. Though your body will need time to recover, many patients begin to see results immediately after surgery, with improvements continuing to develop as the swelling subsides.

The best way to know if you’re a good candidate for liposuction is to do plenty of research and then consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is skilled in performing the procedure. Your surgeon should take the time to answer all of your questions and help you determine if liposuction is your best option to achieve your aesthetic goals.

To learn more about liposuction, check out our related blog post answering top questions about the procedure and view our before-and-after photo gallery. and if you are ready to take the next steps, please request a consultation or call us at (770) 421-1242 to get started.

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