During liposuction, also known as “lipoplasty” or “suction lipectomy,” localized deposits of fat are surgically removed. Your experienced Plastic + Hand surgeon inserts a small stainless-steel tube called a cannula through a tiny incision in your skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the layer of fat, breaking up the fat cells, and then suctioning them out through a vacuum pump or large syringe.

At Plastic + Hand, liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis at our state-of-the-art surgical center.  During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, the condition of your skin, and the fatty deposits to be removed. He or she will then recommend one of two liposuction techniques, depending on which will offer the best result for your unique makeup.

With tumescent liposuction, the most common technique, your surgeon injects large amounts of fluid (as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed) into the fatty tissues before fat removal begins. The fluid is composed of a mixture of intravenous saline solution, local anesthetic, and a drug that contracts blood vessels. This technique facilitates the removal of large amounts of fat while greatly reducing blood loss, minimizing bruising, and alleviating pain.

The super-wet technique is similar to the tumescent technique but uses less fluid — typically equal to the amount of fat to be removed. Fluids lost along with the fat will be replaced intravenously during and immediately following surgery.

After liposuction, you may experience soreness, swelling and bruising, and possibly some numbness at the treatment site. These symptoms are normal and should start improving in a few days. We generally recommend wearing snug elastic garments for several weeks to reduce swelling and help your skin adapt to its new contours. We may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

Your surgeon will recommend that you start walking as soon as possible to reduce swelling and help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You may be able to return to normal activities in a couple of days or, at most, a couple of weeks. It’s best to avoid strenuous activity for a month or so.

While you will see a noticeable difference in your body shape soon after surgery, the improvement will be even more apparent in four to six weeks as the swelling subsides.  Some patients see a dramatic improvement by3-6 months. Generally speaking, it can take up to a full year after surgery before you notice the final liposuction result, but this varies from patient to patient. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, so if you maintain a stable weight, your new shape will be permanent too!

Liposuction is often used in other cosmetic surgery procedures. For example, in a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), liposuction may also be recommended to improve the appearance of the flanks, love handles, or the central abdomen. During your initial consultation with your Plastic + Hand surgeon, you will specifically discuss where you would like to see improvement and whether liposuction will be paired with other cosmetic surgery procedures

Immediately after liposuction surgery, you will receive specific post-op instructions, but here are some general recovery details about easing into resumed activity: 

• Post-op: Immediately after surgery, your body will start healing. This presents as inflammation and swelling. You will wear gentle and snug compression for the first three weeks to manage swelling and help your skin adapt to its new contour. While rest will be your priority, you should take short walks to promote good blood circulation.

• Within first 2 weeks (typically within first 2 days): You can return to most normal sedentary activities.

• At 4 weeks: You can likely resume everyday activity and light workouts, without strenuous exercise.

• At 5-6 weeks: You can likely resume all regular activity but listen to your body cues as you increase activity. 

If you have specific questions about resuming activities after liposuction, please discuss it directly with your surgeon.

Immediately after liposuction surgery, we generally recommend wearing gentle and supportive compression garments for several weeks to reduce swelling and help your skin adapt to its new contours. However, please note that “tighter” is not better. Tighter is worse, can cause discomfort, and it does not improve the cosmetic result. Overly tight compression garments or “lipo foam boards” can create indents and/or impact your healing. Keep compression gentle and supportive.

Liposuction is a body contouring surgery that will improve your silhouette and permanently remove areas of fat, but it is not a weight loss procedure. The most suitable candidates for liposuction are of normal weight with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in localized areas. While this body sculpting surgery can give you the appearance that you want, liposuction will not result in drastic weight loss. Our leading liposuction surgeons in Portland, Maine, will work with you on realistic expectations prior to the surgery.

Complications from liposuction are rare, but they can occur. Risks are greatest when a number of areas are treated at the same time or when a large area is being treated. These risks include infection, the formation of fat clots or blood clots, excessive fluid loss, or damage to skin or nerves. Scars will be as inconspicuous as possible; however, there can be imperfections in the re-contouring of treated areas. Your surgeon will discuss these and other possible risks with you.

Liposuction is one of the most performed cosmetic surgery procedures today. As specified above, complications from liposuction are rare, but they can occur. That’s why our Plastic + Hand surgeons are the most trusted team to lead liposuction Maine procedures.

The most suitable candidates for liposuction are of normal weight with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in localized areas. Liposuction carries a greater risk for people with diabetes, heart or lung disease, or poor blood circulation. Because there is a limit to the amount of fat that can be safely removed, people that are significantly overweight will need to diet before considering surgery.

As with any surgery, this is a big step to take. A consultation at Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates will determine if liposuction is right for you.

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells. You will likely see results between 3-6 months, but it may take a full year after surgery before you experience the final liposuction result, and it varies from patient to patient. While fat cells are permanently removed in liposuction, it’s important to keep a stable weight to best maintain your improved silhouette after liposuction surgery.

You’ll first discuss your liposuction surgery procedure options with your Plastic + Hand surgeon. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your medical history, your liposuction surgery expectations, and set realistic goals for your liposuction surgery. Your Plastic + Hand surgeon will then recommend the liposuction surgery procedure that will offer the best results for your desired outcome.

After this personalized consultation, our Patient Care Coordinator will prepare a cost estimate that is specific to your upcoming liposuction procedure. Costs vary by cosmetic surgery procedure, but all estimates include pre- and post-op visits, anesthesia, and use of the surgery facility. Our Patient Care Coordinator will also discuss payment options with you.