Liposuction is a versatile procedure that can address fat deposits throughout the body that are resistant to weight loss and exercise. 

For patients with elastic skin, it can be used to improve the shape of the neck, chest, upper arm, abdomen, back, hips, thighs and calves. It’s not a substitute for weight loss; rather it affects the contour of problem areas.

In contrast to noninvasive fat reduction techniques, liposuction is able to treat larger areas and produces a visible result immediately, in one treatment.

Wake Forest Baptist Health plastic surgeons offer a variety of liposuction techniques, including ultrasonic and power-assisted liposuction. 

Liposuction: What to Expect

Liposuction is an individualized procedure. Our plastic surgeons first examine your areas of concern, and will counsel you on the best treatment for a safe and effective result.

Liposuction is performed under local or general anesthesia. Small incisions are made in the area to be treated, and a saline solution is placed in the area to help with fat removal. Surgeons then use a cannula to withdraw fat. 

The length of the procedure varies depending on the number of areas treated, and whether any additional procedures are also being performed. 

A compression garment is placed after the procedure, and should be worn for a few weeks or longer. Patients may experience bruising, swelling and numbness in the treated areas for a few weeks.