Liposuction

Benefits of Liposuction

Liposuction reshapes the body by permanently removing localized fat deposits — addressing concerns that diet and exercise alone can’t. It removes inherited fat deposits on the abdomen, flanks, and thighs that resist consistent diet and exercise. It reshapes rather than shrinks: most patients lose only a few pounds while changing one or more clothing sizes. Fat cells removed during liposuction do not grow back — results last as long as weight stays stable. And several areas can be treated in a single procedure, meaning one anesthesia and one recovery period.

How Does Liposuction Work?

Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia at our Brentwood, TN surgical center. The procedure typically lasts one to two hours, though it can be longer depending on the number of areas treated.

Tumescent Technique

A sterile solution of saline, local anesthetic, and epinephrine is infiltrated into the treatment area to firm the tissue, limit bruising, and provide lasting numbness after surgery.

Treatment Areas

Abdomen, flanks, back, inner and outer thighs, upper arms, and the male chest (see gynecomastia surgery). Submental fullness is treated with chin and neck liposuction.

Lipo of the Abdomen + Flanks

Small incisions of three to four millimeters are placed in natural creases. A thin cannula removes fat in a controlled crosshatch pattern to preserve a smooth, even contour.

Often With a Tummy Tuck

When loose skin or separated abdominal muscles are also present, liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck or performed as part of a Mommy Makeover. Patients with significant skin laxity on the arms or thighs may be better served by an arm lift or thigh lift.

Recovery + What to Expect

Rest quietly for the first 24 hours. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks. Compression is worn for six weeks. Swelling and bruising resolve in as little as one month, with contour continuing to improve for up to six months as the skin retracts.

Risks + Considerations

Risks are low but include poor skin contouring, transient skin numbness, and localized collection of blood. Other risks may include asymmetry, rippling or bagginess of skin, pigmentation changes, skin injury, fluid retention, skin infection, and excessive fluid loss. If a later revision is needed, we advise waiting at least six months. Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten loose skin or treat cellulite — patients with significant skin laxity are often better served by a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift. Your surgeon will discuss which risks apply to you at consultation.

Are You a Good Candidate?

You’re at a stable, healthy weight — liposuction is a contouring procedure, not a weight-loss tool. You have stubborn localized fat, often on the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. You’re a non-smoker, or willing to quit well in advance of surgery to ensure proper healing. And you have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.