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Liposuction

Sculpt and contour your body for the shape you desire
Do you find yourself spending hours in the gym and following a healthy diet, but are still dealing with those stubborn fat pockets that just won’t budge? If this sounds like you, you may be able to benefit from liposuction, which is a comprehensive solution to get rid of those fat deposits once and for all!

What is Liposuction Surgery?

Liposuction, or lipoplasty, is a body contouring cosmetic surgery procedure to slim and reshape specific areas of the body through fat removal. Many Boca Raton liposuction patients finally have the body that they’ve dreamed of, by eliminating the stubborn fat that diet and exercise have left behind. Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Wellington, and West Palm Beach, because liposuction is so effective at removing excess fat cells.

Patient Results

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Who is a Candidate?

Liposuction is best suited for men and women who are in good health, close to their ideal weight, and who have localized fat deposits in one or more areas of the body. An ideal candidate is:

  • A healthy adult within 30% of his or her ideal weight
  • An individual who has relatively firm, elastic skin
  • A non-smoker
  • An individual with realistic expectations

It’s wise to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss method. Patients who are closest to their normal weight have the best results. If you have very loose skin and/or stretch marks, a different procedure may be more effective for you. Again, Dr. Berman will discuss all the options at your private consultation.

What Areas of the Body Can Liposuction Cosmetic Surgery Treat?

Liposuction can be performed on any area where subcutaneous fat has collected, such as the hips, tummy, arms, buttocks, thighs, beneath the chin, in the knees, and in the back. And, here’s the best part: as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle following your aesthetic surgery to avoid gaining weight, you can generally expect the body shape achieved through liposuction to be long-lasting. It is important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, and patients will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable body weight for long-lasting results.

Liposuction can be performed alone or in combination with other cosmetic surgery procedures like a tummy tuck, based on your individual needs and desired outcome. When you meet with Dr. Berman during your private consultation in our Boca Raton plastic surgery practice, you will be able to discuss the results you can expect and address all of the concerns that are most important to you.

How to Prepare for the Liposuction Body Contouring Procedure

Prior to your liposuction procedure, Dr. Berman will provide you will preoperative instructions and answer any questions that you may have. You will be asked to stop smoking before and after the procedure to ensure optimal healing and should avoid aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal medications that may increase bleeding.

This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis, which means you will return home to heal. In these cases, it is important that you arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you the first night. You should also arrange for childcare and help around the house during your recovery, as you will not be able to achieve these tasks on your own.

How is the Liposuction Performed?

All surgery procedures are performed in our office-based accredited ambulatory surgical facility, which is certified by the American Academy of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities. Further, Dr. Berman has personally selected the most experienced surgical scrub techs, and surgical and recovery room nurses to assist him, to give you the safest experience possible. We use only board certified anesthesiologists, rather than nurse anesthetists. With our accredited surgery center in Boca Raton and Dr. Berman’s 20+ years of experience, our patients are as safe here as in a hospital operating room. In addition, they avoid exposure to hospital-based bacteria. Our patients also have a much more personalized experience. This level of experience is hard to find with our combined 60 years’ experience in in-office ambulatory surgery. Of note, we have a 0% infection rate!

As with most cosmetic surgery procedures, our board certified anesthesiologist will administer local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or intravenous sedation based on what is most appropriate for your traditional liposuction procedure. Tiny incisions are then made in the area from which the unwanted fat deposits are to be removed. Dr. Berman inserts a cannula (a blunt-tipped, hollow instrument connected to a suction device) into the incisions. He will carefully and strategically use the cannula to safely and evenly draw out fatty tissue while leaving your skin unharmed. The exact liposuction procedure varies based on patient needs; ultrasonic liposuction (ultrasound assisted liposuction) and micro-cannula techniques help enable Dr. Berman to achieve such fine results.

Once all areas have been suctioned, steri-strips will be applied to the small incisions. Depending on the part of the body treated, a compression garment may be placed to minimize swelling and aid in healing.

Recovery and Results

Recovery and Results

Depending on how much fat is removed and the area(s) treated, recovery can range from a few days to a few weeks. A compression garment is worn during the recovery phase, which helps control swelling and compresses the skin to adjust to the new body contours.

Over-the-counter painkillers are generally adequate to alleviate any discomfort, which typically subsides completely within a few short weeks. Minor bruising may occur following liposuction, which begins to fade after only a few days, and all swelling within a couple months. The final result of liposuction will be completely evident after 4-6 months, although you will notice more and more of a difference as the swelling goes down.

Most patients are able to resume normal activity within a week following their liposuction surgery. Since everyone is unique, the recovery time and process are a bit different from one person to another. During your follow-up visits, Dr. Berman will let you know when it is safe to resume all your normal, day-to-day activities. Make sure to keep the follow-up appointments so that you get the best and safest results following your surgery. Liposuction can offer long-lasting, permanent results even when diet and exercise have failed to give you the body you want.

Frequently Asked Questions about Liposuction

How do you shower after liposuction?

It is generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours before taking a shower following the procedure. During this initial period, it is essential to keep the incision sites clean and dry to prevent infection. When you do shower, gently rinse your body with lukewarm water and avoid high water pressure directly on the treated areas. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap to cleanse the skin carefully, and pat your skin dry using a soft towel, ensuring you do not rub the affected areas.

How long do you need off work after liposuction?

The amount of time off work you may need after liposuction can vary depending on several factors, such as the extent of the procedure, the specific areas treated, and how labor-intensive your job is. Generally, most people can expect to take about one to two weeks off work to recover from liposuction. During this period, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which gradually subsides as the body heals.

Does Liposuction require general anesthesia?

Some liposuction procedures can be completed under local or regional anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used depends primarily on the location and extremity of the procedure.

Does liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Liposuction is not specifically intended to eliminate cellulite. Cellulite is the result of fat deposits pushing through connective tissue beneath the skin, leading to its characteristic dimpled appearance. While liposuction can reduce the overall amount of fat and improve body shape, it does not directly address the fibrous bands that cause cellulite.

How do I prepare for liposuction?

Preparing for liposuction involves several important steps to ensure optimal results and a smooth recovery process. First, it's essential to maintain a stable weight prior to the procedure, as significant weight fluctuation can affect the outcome. Additionally, you may be advised to quit smoking at least a few weeks before the surgery to promote healing and reduce complications. It's also important to avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding.

Is liposuction an outpatient procedure?

Liposuction is often performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients can return home the same day after surgery. Outpatient liposuction can offer the convenience of shorter recovery times and lower costs compared to inpatient surgical procedures. However, it is important to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure optimal results and minimal risks.

Who is good candidate for liposuction?

An ideal candidate for liposuction typically includes individuals who are in good general health, have stable body weight, and possess specific areas of stubborn fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. You should also have good skin elasticity to ensure the skin contracts well after fat removal, providing a smoother and more defined result. It's also essential for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss method.

Does fat come back after lipo?

It's important to understand that while liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated areas, it doesn't prevent the remaining fat cells from enlarging or new fat cells from forming if you gain weight. For optimal results, it's recommended to maintain a stable weight through diet and exercise. Though the treated areas may be less prone to significant fat accumulation compared to untreated areas, fluctuations in weight can lead to changes in body shape over time.

How painful is liposuction recovery?

Typically, most people experience some level of pain, bruising, swelling, and soreness in the treated areas immediately following the liposuction surgery. The pain is often described as a feeling of significant soreness or bruising, similar to having a tough workout. This discomfort usually peaks within the first few days post-operation but gradually subsides over one to two weeks. Dr. Berman will prescribe medications or over-the-counter pain relievers to any and all alleviate discomfort.

What is ultrasonic liposuction?

Ultrasonic liposuction is an advanced body contouring procedure that utilizes ultrasound technology to break down fat cells, making them easier to remove from the body. Unlike traditional liposuction, the ultrasonic technique incorporates a specialized ultrasound device that emits high-frequency sound waves. These waves liquefy fat cells before the actual suction procedure, resulting in a more efficient fat removal process and potentially less trauma to surrounding tissues.

What areas can I get liposuction on?

Liposuction can be performed on nearly any area of the body. The most common areas include the waist (or “love handles”), arms, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and flanks.

How long does liposuction surgery take?

Liposuction surgery typically takes one to four hours, depending on the areas being treated and the amount of fat being removed. It can also depend on the technique used and whether it is performed alone or in combination with other procedures.

How long does swelling last after liposuction?

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process after liposuction and can last several weeks to a few months, depending on the areas treated and the extent of the procedure. Most patients notice that most of the swelling improves within the first 4–6 weeks, with continued refinement over the following months.

What results can I expect from liposuction?

Patients typically see a slimmer, more sculpted appearance once the swelling subsides. Early results appear within a few weeks, whereas final results become more defined over 3–6 months as the tissues settle. Although liposuction enhances body shape, it is not a weight-loss procedure but rather a targeted fat-reduction treatment.

Are liposuction results permanent?

The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated; however, remaining fat cells can still enlarge with weight gain, which may alter your contour over time. Patients who maintain a stable weight, a healthy diet, and regular exercise typically experience long-lasting, consistent results for many years after their procedure.

Can liposuction be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Liposuction is often combined with other procedures to achieve more comprehensive body or facial enhancement. Common pairings include tummy tuck surgery, mommy makeover procedures, fat transfer to areas like the buttocks or face, and sometimes nonsurgical skin-tightening treatments.

How soon can I exercise after liposuction?

Most patients can resume light walking within a day or two, which promotes circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. More strenuous activities should typically be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks, depending on your surgeon’s guidance.

Why is liposuction considered a contouring procedure rather than a weight-loss solution?

Liposuction is designed to refine shape by removing stubborn fat deposits, not to significantly reduce body weight.

How does fat quality vary by body area, and why does that matter?

Fat density differs throughout the body, requiring customized techniques to ensure smooth, even contouring in each treated area.

Can liposuction enhance muscle definition?

When performed conservatively, liposuction can highlight natural muscle lines by reducing overlying fat without flattening the area.

Why is balanced fat removal more important than aggressive fat removal?

Over-removal can lead to contour irregularities, while even sculpting produces smoother, more natural-looking results.

How does skin quality influence liposuction outcomes?

Skin elasticity plays a key role in how well the skin retracts after fat removal, and some patients may benefit from combining liposuction with skin-tightening treatments.

Learn More About Liposuction Techniques and Our Plastic Surgery Procedures

It’s normal to have many questions and concerns about any cosmetic surgery procedure. Feel free to call our office at 561-678-5704 for more information about liposuction. Men and women from all over South Florida—Boca Raton, Wellington, Ft Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach—have benefitted from Dr. Jonathan Berman’s exceptional skill. The best way to get your questions answered, including those about the financial aspects of a liposuction procedure, is to schedule your personal consultation by completing this online form or by calling our office today.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at  | Website

Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.

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