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What is it?
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, neck, and back. The goal is to improve body contours and proportions by targeting areas resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is performed using various techniques, including traditional liposuction, tumescent liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), VASER®, and laser-assisted liposuction (LAL). Each method involves using a cannula, a thin tube inserted through small incisions to suction out the fat.
Liposuction in all of its forms is the removal of fat to create contour changes.
Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction is an effective procedure for individuals looking to eliminate stubborn fat and refine their body contours. One of its biggest benefits is targeted fat reduction, which allows for precise sculpting of problem areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, and back. Unlike traditional weight loss, which can result in uneven fat distribution, liposuction helps create a more proportional and balanced body shape. Many patients find their clothing fits better, and their silhouette appears more toned and defined.
Beyond physical enhancements, liposuction can boost confidence, helping individuals feel more comfortable in their own skin. The results are long-lasting, as fat cells removed during the procedure do not return. While fat cells can enlarge with excessive weight gain, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen can help preserve the outcomes.
Additionally, modern liposuction techniques, such as VASER® liposuction, offer a minimally invasive approach with quicker recovery times. These advancements reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort, allowing patients to resume their daily activities within a short period of time.
Lastly, liposuction is a well-established procedure with high patient satisfaction when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Geldner. With liposuction and the right post-procedure care, patients can enjoy a slimmer, more defined physique for years to come.
Preferred Liposuction Technique
Typically, saltwater fluid is injected into the tissue to stiffen it. The fluid also contains a local anesthetic and a medication to reduce bleeding. This is called a wet technique, superwet, or tumescent. The fat can then be withdrawn using long, thin instruments called cannulae. In some cases, the fat is broken down with ultrasonic energy before it is removed. Dr. Geldner’s preferred technique uses VASER®, a proprietary device that not only breaks down the fat but also tightens skin.
Many years ago, surgeons felt that removing a little fat from various areas was enough. And they were right if the patient did not age, or change their physique. Current trends reflect the fact that it’s not what you take out that matters, it’s what you leave behind. In many cases, liposuction tries to show what’s under the fat. We accentuate the hollows and celebrate the fullness. In some cases, we transfer the fat by removing it from an area of unwanted fullness and injecting it into the places we want to enhance.
Candidates
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Good liposuction candidates are individuals close to their ideal weight but with localized fat deposits that do not respond to lifestyle changes. To achieve optimal results, ideal candidates should have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone. It is important that candidates are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution or an obesity treatment; it is best suited for body contouring.
During the consultation, Dr. Geldner will evaluate the patient’s medical history, current health, and aesthetic goals to determine if liposuction is appropriate. They will discuss the available techniques, expected outcomes, and potential risks or complications. This thorough assessment ensures that the patient is well-informed and can make an educated decision about undergoing liposuction.
Reviews
“Love my kids but couldn’t wait for a Mommy Makeover! I have had 4 children and just wanted my body back. When my husband and I met Dr. Geldner, we were convinced that he was the right choice. Boy, was he ever… I have my shape back and am so proud of how I look again.”
~Patient Review
Procedure
How Liposuction Works
Liposuction is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that targets localized fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise. It is not a weight-loss solution.
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery. It involves using a thin tube called a cannula, which is inserted through small incisions to break up and suction out unwanted fat.
At The Geldner Center, we use advanced techniques, including VASER® liposuction, which uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat for smoother, more precise contouring. Traditional tumescent liposuction, which involves injecting a numbing solution, is also commonly used.
The duration of the procedure varies based on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed, typically lasting one to three hours. After the fat removal, the incisions are closed, and a compression garment is applied to aid healing and minimize swelling.
The results of liposuction become visible as swelling subsides, with optimal results appearing over the following months. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after liposuction helps ensure long-lasting results.
What areas can be treated?
Liposuction is a versatile procedure that can effectively target multiple areas of the body where stubborn fat accumulates. Commonly treated areas include:
- Abdomen and Waist: Reducing excess fat in the midsection for a slimmer profile.
- Thighs: Inner and outer thigh liposuction to create a more toned appearance of the legs.
- Hips and Flanks: Eliminating “love handles” for improved waistline definition and reducing hip size.
- Arms: Contouring the upper arms for a more sculpted look.
- Back and Bra Line: Removing bulges that can appear around the back and bra strap area.
- Buttocks: Enhancing shape and proportion by removing excess fat.
- Neck and Chin: Refining jawline contours by reducing a double chin.
- Knees and Ankles: Smoothing lower leg proportions for a balanced look.
Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs and goals, ensuring natural-looking and harmonious results.
Recovery
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery after liposuction involves a period of rest and careful management of the treated areas to ensure proper healing. Immediately following the procedure, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications and the use of compression garments. These garments help reduce swelling, support the treated areas, and improve contouring results.
Most patients can return to light activities and work within a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the liposuction and the areas treated. However, strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least four to six weeks to allow the body to heal properly. Dr. Geldner will provide detailed postoperative care instructions, including how to care for the incision sites, manage pain, and monitor for signs of infection or other complications.
Common side effects of liposuction include swelling, bruising, numbness, and temporary changes in skin sensation. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve independently over several weeks to months. In rare cases, more serious complications can occur, such as infection, blood clots, or irregular contours. Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Geldner can help minimize these risks.
Patients should attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. Geldner to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. The final liposuction results may take several months to become fully apparent as the body continues to heal and swelling subsides. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is essential to sustaining liposuction results and preventing future fat accumulation. Patients can achieve a more contoured and aesthetically pleasing physique with proper care and adherence to post-operative guidelines.
Risks and Considerations
Liposuction is a relatively safe procedure when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Potential risks include:
- Bruising, swelling, or numbness.
- Contour irregularities.
- Rare complications such as infection or blood clots.
Gallery
Liposuction Before and Afters
In Chicago and Oak Brook
Dr. Geldner is one of the best plastic surgeons in Chicago and Oak Brook and has performed tens of thousands of plastic surgery procedures, including liposuction. Take a look at the results for yourself in our before and after gallery. You can even use our MyFavorites tool to create a collection of the results you would like to achieve and the cases you wish to discuss during your consultation.
This 24 year old mother complained of poor abdominal definition. She had Vaser® liposuction with abdominal etching.
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Case notes from Chicago Lipo Surgeon, Dr. Geldner: "This patient presented to me with the desire to remove areas of diet resistant fat from her...
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This 40 year old wanted to improve the appearance of her abdomen. We elected to perform Vaser® Liposuction of her abdomen and sides with a...
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This 47 year old wanted to tighten her abdomen. We performed Vaser® Liposuction of her abdomen and flanks, and a simultaneous full...
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This 42 year old had an abdominoplasty by another surgeon. She was dissatisfied with her contour and asked for refinement. ...
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This woman was displeased by the appearance of her abdomen and flanks. She underwent Vaser® Liposuction of her abdomen and flanks with full...
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This 50 year old woman wanted to improve the appearance of her thighs. She had extremely loose skin. We performed Vaser®...
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This 42 year old had an abdominoplasty by another surgeon. She was dissatisfied with her contour and asked for refinement. Traditional...
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This 41 year old wanted to improve the look of her abdomen. She first wanted abdominoplasty but then wanted further improvement. She had...
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of liposuction varies based on the treatment area, the technique used, and the complexity of the procedure. At The Geldner Center, we provide personalized pricing during your consultation.
Liposuction is designed for body contouring rather than weight loss. Typically, up to five liters of fat can be removed in one session.
Yes, the fat cells removed during liposuction are gone permanently. However, maintaining results requires a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure; it is designed to contour the body by removing stubborn fat deposits. It works best for individuals at or near their target weight.
Liposuction removes fat but does not address excess skin or muscle laxity. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) tightens muscles and removes excess skin for a more sculpted abdomen.
Liposuction incisions are small and strategically placed to minimize visibility. Any scars typically fade over time with proper care.
The procedure duration depends on the treatment areas but typically lasts between one to three hours.
Most patients experience mild discomfort, which is managed with prescribed medication. Swelling and bruising typically subside within a few weeks.
Some results are visible almost immediately, but the final results appear as swelling subsides, usually within three to six months.
Most patients resume light activities within a few days and return to full exercise in about four to six weeks.
Liposuction removes fat but does not significantly improve cellulite. Additional treatments like skin tightening or cellulite-specific procedures may be needed.
There is no specific age requirement, but candidates should have good skin elasticity and overall good health.
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