Liposuction: FAQs

Liposuction is one of the most popular procedures performed in the U.S. Whether done alone, as part of a multi-procedure, part of fat transfer (performed in the office or an operating room), Liposuction helps patients lose the fat whereas diet and exercise don’t. Let’s look at this procedure and explore reasons you may want to consider if it’s right for you:

WHAT is Liposuction?

Often referred to as Liposculpture or simply “lipo,” Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and improving your body contours and proportion.

HOW is it performed?

The procedure starts when we administer anesthesia—local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia — as well as infusing a saline solution into the body area where liposuction will be performed. The solution contains medication to minimize pain and potential bleeding. Then, a small hollow tube, called a cannula, attached to a vacuum is inserted through a small incision into the fat layer beneath the skin. It’s moved around to break up the fat. It is then sucked out of the body. I mostly use power-assisted liposuction (PAL). This technique uses a vibrating tipped cannula to help break up the fat cells and loosen the stubborn fat deposits for easier removal with less surrounding tissue damage. This is an effective way for achieving the body contouring and sculpting you seek.

WHERE can it be done on the body?

Liposuction is a highly individualized procedure. I can perform it on most areas of the body where you are bothered by excess fat deposits located above the muscle. This includes:

• Body — Abdomen, Hips, Waist, Buttocks
• Legs — Thighs, Ankles, Knees
• Facial areas — Cheeks, Chin, Neck
• Arms and more!

WHY have Liposuction?

Better question is Why Not? If you have lumps, bumps, and bulges of fat you want to lose, this is a very effective and permanent approach. Keep in mind that you’ll need to maintain a healthy weight and lifetime to enjoy your results.

WHO is a good candidate?

The best candidates are patients who are within 30% of their ideal weight, have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone. Being a nonsmoker makes you a better candidate. And, as with any and all plastic surgical procedures, have realistic expectations.

WHAT can it not do?

Liposuction does not tighten skin. That’s why many of my patients combine liposuction with other procedures, such as bodyTite for small areas. It is also not an effective cellulite treatment. For that, we offer the nonsurgical QWO.

IS narcotics-free recovery possible?

Absolutely. My carefully crafted narcotics-free protocol is designed so you don’t have to worry about pain that won’t exist. This allows you to concentrate on healing without unneeded pain and the unwanted side effects of narcotics.

ARE there other options to fix the problem?

Patients often ask if having CoolSculpting would be an acceptable option. After all, they could have treatment cycles with practically no downtime. And that may be the right treatment for them. Where this can reduce unwanted fat, it cannot tighten the skin. For others, if there are only small pockets of fat, having BodyTite, performed in the office, works well.

Discover if it’s right for you

Ready to discover your options? Please contact my patient coordinators and schedule your confidential consultation. Call us or send us an email at [email protected].

Dr. Iteld is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Illinois Society of Plastic Surgery. A highly regarded Chicago based plastic surgeon, Dr. Iteld has received awards from Chicago Magazine’s Top Docs, and Castle Connolly Top Doctors®, and is a Key Opinion Leader with Allergan Aesthetics.