THE Center for Cosmetic Surgery
Liposuction
View more before-and-after photos during your office consultation.
Liposuction
Liposuction, introduced as a cosmetic procedure 50 years ago, remains the most frequently requested aesthetic surgical procedure. It has revolutionized our ability to safely and effectively help patients with body contouring and unwanted fat issues.
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure designed to remove stubborn, diet-resistant fat from specific areas of the body rather than produce overall weight loss, and it works by permanently removing fat cells rather than simply shrinking them.
Patients lose girth, not weight, with liposuction. It is not a substitute for weight loss and is not intended to treat obesity or the health risks associated with excess body fat. It is most effective for localized fat deposits that have proven resistant to a consistent diet and exercise routine over time.
What Areas Can Be Treated With Liposuction?
Dr. Hopping uses the latest Laser Assisted Liposuction technique. He loves the micro incisions (often no sutures required), fast recovery (often return to work in three days), and added skin tightening (up to an extra 18% according to some studies). Great for men and women.
The most common areas successfully treated by liposuction include:
- Arms
- Inner and outer thighs
- Love handles
- Knees
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Abdomen
- Back and the “bra fat” area
- Neck/double chin
More than one area can often be addressed during a single procedure. Reviewing before-and-after results from similar treatment areas can help you set realistic expectations before a consultation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
The best candidates are near a stable, healthy weight, have reasonably good skin elasticity, and are looking to refine one or more specific areas rather than lose a significant amount of weight.
Ideal candidates are non-smokers in overall good health, close to their goal weight, and looking to address specific areas of fat rather than undergo significant weight loss. Skin with reasonably good elasticity tends to adapt more smoothly to the change in contour after fat is removed.
A consultation is the most reliable way to determine candidacy, because factors such as the amount and location of fat, skin quality, and overall health all play a role in the recommended approach. Any current medications, prior surgeries, and underlying medical conditions should be discussed in detail before treatment is scheduled.
How Does Liposuction Work?
Liposuction removes fat through a thin, hollow instrument called a cannula, which is inserted through small incisions and used to suction fat from beneath the skin. The technique has been refined considerably over the decades following its introduction, with modern approaches designed to reduce trauma to surrounding tissue and shorten recovery time.
We perform all liposuction procedures in our AAAHC-certified surgical suite under local and/or sedation anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or light sedation, depending on the treatment area and the overall extent of the case. Understanding the range of liposuction techniques available, from traditional tumescent methods to laser-assisted approaches, can help you discuss options knowledgeably during a consultation.
What Is Laser-Assisted Liposuction?
Dr. Hopping uses the latest laser-assisted liposuction technique.
Laser-assisted liposuction uses a thin laser fiber to liquefy fat cells before they are removed through a smaller cannula, often through micro incisions small enough that sutures are not required.
Recent research on laser-assisted lipolysis points to potential advantages over traditional liposuction, including skin tightening of up to 18% according to some studies and a notably faster recovery, with many patients returning to work in as few as three days, a benefit reported for both men and women.
Dr. Hopping loves the micro incisions, often with no sutures required, fast recovery, often with a return to work in three days, and added skin tightening. It is a treatment option for both men and women.
What Is Recovery Like After Liposuction?
Most patients return to usual activities within one week. Many patients choose to have surgery on a Wednesday and return to work on Monday with ibuprofen for mild discomfort.
A compression garment is typically worn for several weeks afterward to support healing, reduce swelling, and help the skin adjust smoothly to its new contour. We recommend wearing a compressive garment at least 12 hours per day for four to six weeks.
Bruising and swelling are common in the first one to two weeks following the procedure and generally subside steadily as healing progresses. Bruising typically lasts seven to 10 days.
When Will I See My Liposuction Results?
Results can be seen within a few weeks, with good results visible at about six weeks. Final improvement can take six to 12 months as any remaining swelling fully resolves.
Many patients lose two to four inches in their waist and one to two inches in their arms and thighs. Best results occur with a moderate weight loss after the procedure.
Results are generally long-lasting, provided your weight remains relatively stable, because the fat cells removed during the procedure do not return or regenerate. Maintaining a consistent weight through diet and exercise afterward is the most effective way to preserve your results well into the future.
“I love liposuction and have had the procedure myself,” says Dr. Hopping. “It’s a true game changer.”
Schedule a Liposuction Consultation in Washington, DC
The team at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Washington, DC, can evaluate your candidacy, answer questions about laser-assisted liposuction, and discuss which technique may be right for your specific goals.
Request an appointment online or give our office a call 202-785-3175 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.