Liposuction is a highly effective body contouring procedure that removes stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise, helping you to achieve a slimmer and more sculpted silhouette. At Revalla Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics in Littleton, CO, our experienced surgeon, Dr. Lisa Hunsicker, combines advanced techniques with artistic precision to deliver personalized results that align with each patient’s unique goals. Whether you're looking to refine your abdomen, thighs, arms, or other areas, our team is skilled in innovative methods like VASER liposuction to ensure exceptional outcomes. With a commitment to patient safety and satisfaction, Revalla Plastic Surgery provides a supportive environment for your transformative journey.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that extracts fat from specific areas of the body to improve the contour and proportion of the treated areas. Common areas for treatment include the:
- Arms
- Back
- Breasts
- Hips
- Neck
- Abdomen
- Thighs
Inherited traits often prevent people from achieving their desired body shape. Even years of exercise may not yield significant or noticeable results in certain people. Liposuction is technically a “sculpting” method rather a weight-loss method. However, there are forms of liposuction that can be beneficial to moderately overweight individuals.
Our Liposuction Technique
Dr. Hunsicker use a newer form of ultrasonic liposuction called LipoSelection by VASER®. This technique has significantly reduced the bruising, pain, and downtime of traditional liposuction in Denver. LipoSelection is an outpatient surgery usually performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. The length of the surgery can vary significantly depending on the unique nature of the individual as well as the area(s) treated. Our surgeon begins the procedure by making a tiny incision and then injecting a special saline solution to the area to be treated. A very thin ultrasound probe is then inserted into the incision to help break down and emulsify the fatty tissue. Finally, suction and massage is used to remove the emulsified tissue and sculpt the treated area.
Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?
The perfect candidate has goals and believes they can achieve them. If you're someone who's exercising and you're stuck, liposuction could help you cross the finish line with a little help.
Do you have good muscle and skin elasticity? After the procedure, you will need time to heal. If your body is already in decent shape, the healing should be fast and easy.
You shouldn't consider liposuction if you have some serious illnesses that would prevent you from healing or reaching the rest of your goals.
Cost is another part of deciding if liposuction is right for you. There are financing options available. But we do understand that it is a financial undertaking and we want to help you decide how to navigate that part of the process. Liposuction cost varies from surgeon to surgeon. We will provide you with a cost estimate at the time of your consultation.
What Results can I expect from Liposuction?
What kind of results can you expect? After a couple of weeks or months, you should see a more defined area. After that, the skin will look smoother and flatter in most cases.
You can expect the area to look tighter as the fat cells have been removed. The area looks more natural and fitted to your body.
The first couple of weeks, you're only going to see swelling and no results. After the first one to three months, you'll see a much better result with minor amounts of swelling resolving for the next six months to a year.
Additional Liposuction FAQs
Depending upon the area of the body you're having liposuction done, your results can vary from person to person. You cannot compare your results to someone else.
Safely, you can see about six to eight pounds of fat removed during liposuction. This equates to three to four liters. Some people have much less fat removed. It depends entirely on the treatment area and is not the goal of the procedure, so it’s best not to plan for significant weight loss. This procedure is meant to contour the body and is not a solution for weight loss. If you have a weight loss goal, you should first reach your ideal weight, and then inquire about liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of fat.
It is common for other procedures to take place while undergoing liposuction. Any two procedures can work hand in hand when performed together.
For example, removing the fat from the body, especially the abdomen, can cause drooping skin. However, while combined with a tummy tuck, you will not see any drooping from this combination.
Another example is breast lifts. Excess fat can be removed around the breast tissue while getting a lift to create a full and natural look.
A consultation is necessary to determine if this is an option.
After surgery you can expect some swelling and discomfort. The amount can vary depending on the area(s) treated and amount of tissue removed. Most people return to work within one week while having restrictions for four to six weeks. This includes not being able to lift heavy items or exercise strenuously.
Feeling some pain and soreness is common within the first couple of days. You will have pain medication to help alleviate the discomfort. You will wear a surgical compression garment for 2-6 weeks after surgery, depending on the areas treated. This helps contour the body to the new shape and reduce swelling.
In the first 24-48 hours you can expect to drain fluid from your incision sites. The amount of drainage can vary depending on the extent of your procedure. By leaving the incisions open to drain this fluid, your swelling will dissipate much sooner. You will also have some lifting and exercise restrictions for 3-6 weeks.
Liposuction surgery is not a treatment for obesity and is not a replacement for regular exercise and good eating habits. People with stubborn areas of fat and who exercise regularly are the best candidates for this procedure.
The cost of liposuction in Denver can vary widely. The price may vary based on the surgeon, the type of procedure performed, the location, and the facility. Schedule a consultation to learn more, and ask about financing plans if necessary.
Though liposuction is the most effective means of removing unwanted localized fat, some patients who have recently lost weight may also exhibit excess, sagging skin. In this case, liposuction alone will not yield the result they likely want. For excess skin, Dr. Hunsicker performs other body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, thigh lift, body lift, and breast lift.
VASER liposuction offers several advantages over traditional tumescent liposuction and laser-assisted techniques. Unlike tumescent liposuction, which relies on manual force to break up fat deposits, VASER liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat cells before removal. This results in a gentler procedure with less tissue trauma, which can lead to reduced swelling and faster recovery times. Compared to laser-assisted liposuction, VASER liposuction is more precise and effective for targeting stubborn fat while preserving surrounding tissues like nerves and blood vessels. It’s also particularly beneficial for high-definition contouring, allowing our surgeons to sculpt and define muscles for an athletic appearance.
Liposuction results can be long-lasting when combined with a healthy lifestyle. The fat cells removed during the procedure do not regenerate. However, remaining fat cells can expand if weight gain occurs. To maintain results, our team encourages you to follow a balanced diet and exercise routine. Significant weight fluctuations or lifestyle changes can affect the contours achieved through liposuction. By maintaining a stable weight and incorporating regular physical activity, you can expect to enjoy your enhanced body shape for years to come.
Liposuction is considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon like Dr. Hunsicker. Advances in technology, such as VASER liposuction, have improved the safety profile by reducing tissue trauma and bleeding. Like all surgical procedures, liposuction carries some risks, including infection, swelling, and temporary numbness. These risks can be minimized through proper preoperative preparation, adherence to post-surgical care instructions, and choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in body contouring. During your consultation, our surgical team will evaluate your medical history and discuss any potential risks to ensure that the procedure is safe for you.
The cost of liposuction can vary depending on factors like the number of treatment areas, the size of the treatment areas, and the techniques used. Liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not typically covered by insurance. However, Revalla Plastic Surgery offers financing options to provide flexible payment plans and make the treatment more affordable. During your consultation, our team will discuss the cost of your procedure and available options to help you achieve your goals within your budget.
Learn More About Liposuction In South Denver
Body contouring procedures like liposuction have been a focus at Revalla Plastic Surgery in the Denver area since its founding in 2001. Throughout your transformation, Dr. Hunsicker and our supportive staff can give you a comfortable and informed experience. Consultations with Dr. Hunsicker can be arranged by calling 720.283.2500.
