What is Liposuction? Chief of Plastic Surgery Explains
Learn how liposuction can remove stubborn fat and who it’s for with plastic surgeon Dr. David Mathes.
Stubborn fat deposits can persist even with healthy eating and regular exercise. Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape specific areas of the body by removing excess fat, helping patients achieve more balanced and defined contours.
David Mathes, MD, CU Medicine plastic surgeon and Division Chief of plastic surgery at CU Anschutz School of Medicine, discusses what liposuction is, who it’s for and what patients should know when considering body contouring surgery.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic body contouring surgery that removes localized fat deposits to improve shape and proportion.
Often referred to as fat removal surgery, liposuction targets specific areas where fat is resistant to diet and exercise.
“One thing to remember is liposuction is not weight loss surgery,” says Dr. Mathes. “It’s mainly used to target specific areas like the abdomen, flanks and inner thighs.”
What Does Liposuction Treat?
Liposuction can approve the appearance of:
- Abdomen and waist
- Hips and flanks
- Thighs (inner and outer)
- Upper arms
- Back and bra line
- Chin and neck
These areas commonly hold stubborn fat, even in patients who maintain an active lifestyle.
Is Liposuction a Weight Loss Surgery?
In short, liposuction is not designed for weight loss.
Liposuction removes targeted fat cells to enhance body shape and contour. Patients typically maintain a stable weight before and after surgery, with results best suited for refining proportions rather than reducing overall body mass.
Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
You may be a good candidate for cosmetic liposuction if you:
- Are close to your ideal body weight
- Have localized fat deposits that do not respond to exercise
- Have good skin elasticity
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations
An appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine whether liposuction alone or a combined approach will best meet your goals.
“The best results come from an area of the body with excess fat and tight skin,” shares Dr. Mathes. “For loose skin, we can use ultrasonic liposuction which breaks up fat and helps tighten the skin.”
How is Liposuction Performed?
Liposuction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or sedation.
During the surgery, the plastic surgeon:
- Makes small, discreet incisions
- Inserts a thin tube called a cannula
- Gently loosens and removes excess fat
- Shapes the area to achieve smooth, natural contours
Liposuction procedures typically last one to three hours, depending on the number of areas treated and the extent of fat removal.
What is Recovery Like After Liposuction?
Most patients return to light activities within several days, with full recovery taking several weeks.
Common recovery experiences of liposuction include swelling and bruising and gradual improvement in contouring as swelling subsides. Patients will need to wear compression garments during the healing process. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks.
Final results become more apparent over time as healing continues. Dr. Mathes recommends compression to help with recovery and final contouring results.
How Long Do Liposuction Results Last?
Liposuction results are long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Removed fat cells do not return, but remaining fat cells expand if weight is gained. Long-term results depend on consistent diet and exercise.
Why Choose CU Medicine Cosmetic Surgery – CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center?
CU Medicine plastic surgeons are board certified or board eligible by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and faculty at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine.
“The campus where CU Medicine Cosmetic Surgery – CU Anschutz Health and Wellness is located offers a very high level of quality and safety,” shares Dr. Mathes.
If you think liposuction may be right for you, schedule an appointment at CU Medicine Cosmetic Surgery – CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center today.
