Questions about Liposuction

What Are The Risks Associated With Liposuction?

Risks and complications may include but are not limited to unfavorable scarring, infections, hematoma, fluid accumulation, skin irregularities, skin looseness, asymmetry and pulmonary complications.

It is important to remember that although significant complications can occur, they are uncommon.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used For Liposuction?

Three types of anesthesia are used with liposuction.  These include local anesthesia with sedation, epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia.  The method used depends on the extent of the procedure and also on patient preference.

What Body Areas Can Benefit From Liposuction?

Liposuction is most commonly used to treat the abdomen, (both upper and lower portions), hips, waist, thighs, buttocks, and the neck.  Other areas commonly treated include the knees, ankles, back, and arms.

Am I A Good Candidate For Liposuction?

In general, the best candidate for liposuction is a person who is in good health, is close to his or her ideal weight, and has one or more areas of localized body fat deposits out of proportion to the rest of their body, which have been poorly responsive to diet and exercise.  Liposuction is best suited for areas with good, firm skin tone without a lot of laxity.

If the skin on the abdomen hangs loose and has stretch marks, liposuction of this area is not recommended because it will result in more loose skin and will not help the stretch marks.  In this situation, a tummy tuck would be a better solution.

How Much Recovery Time Do I Need For Liposuction?

Patient’s recovery time is dependent on the number of areas treated.  There is usually some degree of bruising and swelling. This usually goes away within two to three weeks.  Most patients are able to return to a light work schedule within the first week.  You are free to take showers after two days, but a bath should not be taken for one week.

In addition to swelling in the area treated by liposuction, you may have swelling in a different body area (lower on the body than the liposuction was).  For example, abdominal liposuction may cause swelling in the groin area.  Liposuction of the thighs or legs may cause swelling in the ankles.  This dependent-area swelling is temporary and resolves rapidly however.

You will probably be advised to wear a compression garment for two to three weeks.  By three weeks, approximately 60%-70% of the result will usually be evident.  It takes approximately three months for the final appearance.

Are The Effects of Liposuction Permanent?

The effects of liposuction are essentially permanent.  The new body shape will never resume the pre-operative appearance.  If significant weight gain occurs, all areas will enlarge proportionately maintaining the new post-operative contour.

How Much Will Liposuction Cost?

The cost of your surgery will depend on the number of individual body regions needing liposuction.  Dr. Bottger will give you an itemized quote of costs during your personal consultation.  If necessary we offer affordable financing plans to meet your budget.

How Do You Know How Much Fat To Remove?

The optimum amount of fat to remove in a liposuction procedure is based on a number of factors.  The areas to be treated are marked with the patient in a standing position.  Taking into consideration the patient’s contours and weight, Dr. Bottger uses his experience to generally estimate the amount of fat most likely be removed from each area.  This estimated amount is modified as the procedure progresses and the optimum change in shape is reached.  Generally, in an outpatient setting, no more than five liters of fat is removed at any one time for safety reasons.

Can Liposuction Eliminate Cellulite?

Cellulite, characterized by a superficial dimpling of the skin surface is generally not improved by liposuction. 

If you have any additional questions about the liposuction procedure, contact us or schedule an initial consultation to speak directly Dr. Bottger.

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