Consultation: Before undergoing liposuction, a patient typically has a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon assesses the patient’s suitability for the procedure and discusses their goals and expectations.

Anesthesia: Liposuction can be performed using different types of anesthesia, including local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s comfort level.

Incisions: Small, inconspicuous incisions are made in the targeted area(s). These incisions are typically only a few millimeters long.

Tumescent Technique: In the tumescent technique, a sterile solution containing saline (saltwater), a local anesthetic (usually lidocaine), and epinephrine (to reduce bleeding) is injected into the targeted area. This helps to numb the area, minimize bleeding, and facilitate the fat removal process.

Fat Removal: A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions. The surgeon then uses this cannula to break up and suction out the excess fat. There are various liposuction techniques, including traditional liposuction, power-assisted liposuction (PAL), ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), and laser-assisted liposuction (LAL), each with its unique approach to fat removal.

Recovery and Compression: After the fat removal is complete, the patient may wear compression garments to minimize swelling and support the healing process. The recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient.

Results: Patients can expect to see an improvement in body contour once the swelling subsides, usually within a few weeks to several months. Final results may take some time to fully manifest.