Liposuction
Liposuction is a body sculpting procedure that removes stubborn fat deposits from specific areas to create more refined contours and proportions.
At a Glance
Procedure Time
1-3 hours
Recovery Time
1-2 weeks
Board-Certified
ABPS Surgeon
Starting Cost
$4,000+
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is one of the most popular body contouring procedures worldwide, designed to permanently remove stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. Unlike weight loss, which shrinks fat cells throughout the body, liposuction physically removes fat cells from targeted areas, and those cells cannot regenerate. The procedure uses specialized cannulas (thin tubes) inserted through tiny incisions to suction out unwanted fat, sculpting more refined contours in areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, and chin. Modern tumescent technique has improved liposuction safety and recovery, using a solution that minimizes bleeding, provides anesthesia, and facilitates fat removal. Results are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight. At Kurtzman Plastic Surgery, we approach liposuction as sculpting rather than simple fat removal, the goal is to create harmonious body proportions that enhance your natural shape.
Technique Options
Dr. Kurtzman offers multiple facelift techniques tailored to your unique needs and goals:
Tumescent Liposuction
The gold standard technique using a specialized solution to minimize bleeding, provide anesthesia, and facilitate smooth fat removal. Offers excellent precision and safety profile.
Best for: Most patients seeking body contouring with any size treatment area
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
Uses a vibrating cannula to break up fat more efficiently, reducing surgeon fatigue and treatment time. Particularly effective for fibrous areas or larger volume cases.
Best for: Larger treatment areas, fibrous fat deposits, or revision liposuction cases
VASER Liposuction
Ultrasound-assisted technique that liquefies fat before removal, allowing for more precise sculpting and potentially better skin retraction. Ideal for athletic patients seeking definition.
Best for: Athletic patients with good skin tone seeking more sculpted definition
Liposuction with Fat Transfer
Harvested fat is processed and transferred to enhance the buttocks (BBL). Combines contouring with natural augmentation.
Best for: Patients who want to reduce fat in one area while adding volume to another using their own tissue
Ideal Candidates
Liposuction delivers the best results for patients who meet specific criteria. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your goals, body composition, and skin quality:
- Within 20-30% of ideal body weight with localized fat deposits that resist diet and exercise
- Good skin elasticity, skin should have the ability to contract and conform to new contours
- Firm muscle tone beneath the fat deposits (liposuction removes fat, not loose skin or muscle)
- Stable weight for at least 6 months, liposuction is not a weight loss solution
- Non-smoker or willing to quit 4 weeks before and after surgery for optimal healing
- Good overall health without conditions that impair healing or increase surgical risk
- Realistic expectations, understanding liposuction refines contours but isn't a substitute for healthy lifestyle
- Specific problem areas like love handles, bra rolls, saddlebags, or double chin that bother you despite fitness efforts
The Procedure
Liposuction at our practice utilizes advanced tumescent technique for maximum safety, comfort, and precision. The procedure is adjusted to your specific treatment areas and goals:
1. Anesthesia & Preparation
Depending on the extent of treatment, you'll receive either local tumescent anesthesia (for smaller areas) or general anesthesia (for larger or multiple areas). Treatment areas are carefully marked according to your consultation plan.
2. Tumescent Infusion
A specialized solution containing saline, lidocaine (for numbing), and epinephrine (to minimize bleeding) is infused into the treatment area. This causes the fat to become swollen and firm, making it easier to remove precisely and safely.
3. Strategic Incision Placement
Tiny incisions (3-5mm) are placed in inconspicuous locations. These small entry points heal to become virtually invisible and are often hidden in natural creases or within the treatment area.
4. Fat Sculpting & Removal
A thin cannula is inserted through the incisions and moved in a controlled fanning pattern to break up and suction out fat cells. The surgeon sculpts the area carefully, feathering edges to create smooth, natural transitions.
5. Symmetry Assessment
Throughout the procedure, the treatment areas are assessed for symmetry and smooth contours. Additional sculpting is performed as needed to achieve balanced, proportionate results.
6. Closure & Compression
Incisions may be left slightly open to allow drainage of tumescent fluid, reducing swelling. A compression garment is applied immediately to help skin contract, minimize swelling, and support your new contours.
Recovery & Results
Recovery from liposuction is relatively straightforward compared to more extensive surgical procedures. Days 1-3: Expect significant drainage of tumescent fluid (this is normal and helps reduce swelling). Moderate soreness similar to an intense workout. Keep compression garment on 24/7 except for showering. Days 4-7: Most patients return to desk work and light activities. Bruising becomes visible as swelling begins to subside. Continue wearing compression garment. Weeks 2-4: Resume most normal activities including light exercise. Swelling continues to decrease. Switch to wearing compression garment during the day only. Weeks 4-8: Return to full exercise and strenuous activities. Most visible swelling has resolved. Months 3-6: Final results emerge as all residual swelling resolves and skin fully contracts around new contours.
The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently gone, they cannot regenerate. However, remaining fat cells in the treated area (and elsewhere) can still enlarge with weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight through healthy diet and exercise is essential for preserving your results. Most patients are thrilled with their refined contours and find that clothes fit better, confidence increases, and motivation to maintain results remains high.
Real Patient Results
See the transformative results our patients have achieved
Sensitive Content
This gallery contains medical before and after images
Liposuction
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Liposuction
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Liposuction
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?
No. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure designed to remove localized fat deposits and improve proportions, not to achieve significant weight loss. The ideal candidate is already close to their goal weight but has stubborn areas that don't respond to diet and exercise. Removing large volumes of fat can be unsafe and doesn't address the lifestyle factors that contribute to weight.
What areas can be treated with liposuction?
Common treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks (love handles), back (bra rolls), inner and outer thighs, arms, chin and neck, male chest (gynecomastia), and knees. Multiple areas can often be treated in a single session, depending on the total volume of fat being removed.
Will my skin be loose after liposuction?
Skin with good elasticity typically contracts well after liposuction. However, if you have significant skin laxity (from aging, sun damage, or weight fluctuations), you may benefit from a combination procedure that includes skin removal, such as a tummy tuck or arm lift. We'll assess your skin quality during consultation.
Can fat come back after liposuction?
The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated. However, if you gain significant weight afterward, remaining fat cells throughout your body (including in treated areas) can enlarge. The treated area will still have fewer fat cells than before, so it typically remains more contoured than it would have without treatment.
How is liposuction different from non-surgical fat reduction?
Non-surgical options like CoolSculpting can reduce fat in small areas but remove far less fat, require multiple treatments, and take months to show results. Liposuction removes significantly more fat in a single session with immediate, dramatic improvement. For most patients seeking meaningful body contouring, liposuction remains the gold standard.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Liposuction is commonly combined with tummy tuck (for maximum abdominal contouring), BBL (to harvest fat for buttock augmentation), breast procedures, and body lifts. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time compared to having them separately.
Your Expert for Liposuction
Lawrence C. Kurtzman, MD
MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Why We Excel
- Advanced tumescent technique for maximum safety and patient comfort
- Artistic approach to body sculpting that creates natural, harmonious proportions
- Experience treating multiple areas in a single session for full contouring
- Skilled in combining liposuction with tummy tuck, BBL, and other procedures
What Our Patients Say
Real experiences from Kurtzman Plastic Surgery patients
Ready to Learn More About Liposuction?
Schedule a private consultation to discuss your goals and explore your options with our expert team.