Does Liposuction Get Rid of Cellulite?

Does liposuction get rid of cellulite? This is a common question. For millions of men and women looking for a convenient and effective way to get rid of stubborn subcutaneous fat, liposuction has proven to be life-changing. However, if you are considering liposuction, it is important to have a basic understanding of the procedure, as well as realistic expectations for what kinds of results may be possible.

The exceptional team of board-certified plastic surgeons at Après Plastic Surgery is committed to helping patients achieve their ultimate aesthetic goals through cosmetic surgery, with liposuction being one of the most sought-after procedures in their Portland, OR office. To learn more about a liposuction procedure, including how it may benefit you, schedule an appointment at Après Plastic Surgery. In the meantime, read more about the procedure here.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to remove small to moderate deposits of unwanted fat around connective tissue in various areas of the body. It is important to note that liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss tool. Instead, it is most accurately described as a fat reduction procedure.

During a liposuction procedure, the surgeon will make a tiny incision in the area being treated, through which the handheld wand – or cannula – can be inserted. Using back and forth motions of the cannula, the surgeon breaks up and “vacuums” out the unwanted subcutaneous fat. At the conclusion of the case, the incisions are closed with sutures.

Where can liposuction be used?

One of the most enjoyed aspects of Portland OR liposuction is that it can be used in a large number of areas. Some of the most commonly treated liposuction areas include:

• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Flanks
• Upper back
• Neck
• Arms

In addition to being used as a primary procedure, liposuction also plays an important role as the initial stage for more complex procedures, including the Portland Brazilian butt lift and a fat transfer to the breast. In these procedures, liposuction is used to harvest fat from one area of a patient's body that is then transferred to another area.

For example, a Brazilian butt lift – or BBL – involves the surgeon extracting excess fat from a donor site and then injecting it into the patient's buttocks to enhance the volume and shape of the patient's rear end. Aside from the obvious improvement in the area being treated, the appearance of the donor area also gets a little bit of an enhancement thanks to the removal of excess fat.

How can liposuction benefit me?

While a tummy tuck is geared toward skin, the main benefit of liposuction is the reduction of fat in a particular area. While lipo doesn't help remove cellulite, removing fat, in turn, leads to a trimmer, smoother, more appealing contour. Lipo is an effective body contouring procedure. For patients who are looking to get rid of stomach fat, for instance, liposuction on the abdomen is a fantastic way to remove fat and achieve a flatter and more beautiful midsection.

Exactly how much fat can be removed during liposuction?

Patients considering liposuction should have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved with the procedure. Many surgeons abide by the guidelines that say 5.0 liters, or about 11 pounds, is the maximum amount of fat that can be safely removed during a single liposuction surgery. Patients looking for ways to lose a larger volume of fat should consider diet and exercise, or potentially weight loss surgery, before pursuing liposuction.

Ideal candidates for liposuction are already at or near their goal weight but have stubborn areas of fat remaining that have become unresponsive to traditional methods.

Will liposuction help me with my loose skin?

Again, liposuction is designed specifically to be a fat removal procedure and does not typically help with complaints of loose or sagging skin. This makes lipo different than a tummy tuck. In some cases, particularly when too much fat is removed, the appearance of the skin may be worse after liposuction. This is one of the many reasons that it is essential for patients to choose a qualified, certified, and experienced surgeon to perform their procedure.

For men and women who are concerned about loose, excess skin, our professional team can discuss skin removal surgeries, such as a lower body lift or Portland tummy tuck, as a way to address those concerns.

Does liposuction remove cellulite?

One of the most common questions about liposuction has to do with whether or not it will improve the appearance of cellulite. Unfortunately, liposuction is not a procedure aimed at cellulite removal and typically does not result in reducing the visibility of cellulite or tightening loose skin. Liposuction is not a cellulite treatment. There is no liposuction for cellulite treatment. During your initial consultation at Après Plastic Surgery, our knowledgeable team will listen to your specific concerns and help recommend a plan of treatments – both surgical and nonsurgical – that can help you best achieve your goals even when it is not possible to eliminate cellulite through liposuction.

Is liposuction permanent?

Yes and no. While the fat cells that are removed during liposuction will never return, neighboring fat cells will continue to enlarge with weight gain, and new fat cells can be generated in the future. However, patients who maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine after liposuction can enjoy their newly enhanced physique for many, many years to come.

What type of lipo gives best results?

The most widely type of liposuction is referred to as tumescent liposuction. Initially, the surgeon administers a combination of lidocaine and epinephrine into the designated area. This causes the excess fat to swell, facilitating its removal. Lidocaine serves as an anesthetic, while epinephrine narrows blood vessels, effectively collaborating to minimize pain and reduce bleeding.

How long does it take to recovery from liposuction?

Typically, swelling subsides after the first week, but wear compression garments until week four or per instructions. Some swelling may persist for six weeks, but you can usually resume work within days, feeling comfortable.

Book Your Liposuction Consultation Today

If you are interested in learning more about liposuction and how it can help you finally get rid of those last few stubborn pounds, call the convenient Portland, OR office of Après Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Aric Aghayan, M.D. today!