What is liposuction?
Liposuction continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States due to its ability to improve one’s self-image and confidence by contouring the body and creating a slimmer, shapelier figure. During the procedure, a slender tube called a cannula is used to suction out unwanted fat from the thighs, belly, hips, flanks, upper arms, buttocks, male chest, or neck. The fat is then discarded, or it can be preserved for use in a fat transfer procedure down the line. Liposuction can be performed on its own, or it can accompany another cosmetic procedure to enhance and refine your outcome. Dr. Rottman offers his patients the highest quality treatments with minimal tissue trauma and a shorter recovery time. His results are consistent and beautiful.
Liposuction treatment areas
Liposuction can be an effective way to tackle fatty deposits in almost every common problem area:
- Back
- Hips
- Flanks
- Bra line
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Buttocks
Unfortunately, liposuction doesn’t resolve cellulite or sagging skin, so is often combined with other procedures to lift and tighten tissue and remove excess skin. A combination of liposuction with a breast reduction, breast augmentation, or tummy tuck may be necessary to produce a trim, sculpted look.
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View GalleryWhat are the benefits of liposuction?
Liposuction reshapes and contours areas of the body by removing unwanted fat from problem areas such as the abs, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, upper arms, cheeks, and neck. Liposuction reduces or removes stubborn areas of fat that aren’t responding to traditional weight loss methods.
- Fast, safe procedure
- Can be done for men and women and in almost every common problem area
- Minimal risk and maximum reward
- Leaves you looking more toned, with a more shapely figure and nicer contours
- Can be done with little bruising and bleeding, using a special tumescent fluid
- Does for the body what exercise and a healthy diet can not always accomplish
- Discreet incisions and little to no signs of having had surgical work done
Am I a candidate for liposuction?
Women frequently choose liposuction to address fatty deposits on love handles, tummy, buttocks, thighs, or bra line fat. Men often are unhappy with a protruding tummy that makes them look older and less attractive. If you exercise regularly and eat properly, but are tired of living with stubborn areas of fat, liposuction could be right for you. You should have a BMI of 32% or less
What can I expect during my consultation for liposuction?
Dr. Rottman can help you decide if liposuction is right for you, and discuss issues such as diet and exercise–which are important in maintaining the trimmer look you achieve with liposuction. He will describe the liposuction technique that will be employed in your procedure, as well as any special instructions you will need to follow prior to and following your procedure.
How can I prepare for liposuction?
Liposuction can be performed as a single procedure, or in conjunction with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or breast augmentation. Depending on the extent of the surgery, it may be performed under local or general anesthesia. To determine whether you are a candidate for liposuction, we might have blood work done or get medical information from your primary care physician.
- Arrange a ride home after surgery
- Pick up or arrange to have picked up any prescribed medications
- Ready your home for rest and recovery (2 to 3 days in most cases)
- Sleep well in the days prior to your surgery
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
What happens during the liposuction procedure?
A narrow tube called a cannula is inserted through tiny, well-hidden incisions in order to break apart and extract the fatty layer that lies beneath the skin. In some forms of liposuction, special fluids are used to help break down fat and reduce swelling and bruising. In others, ultrasound can help loosen up and melt fat away, or laser can be used to loosen and liquify it. Dr. Rottman provides all advanced forms of liposuction in Baltimore and will help choose the best treatment for you.
What can I expect during recovery from liposuction?
Following your procedure it is normal to have mild swelling and fluid retention. A compression garment will need to be worn to reduce the post-operative swelling. You will be able to see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body soon after your surgery and will be able to fully enjoy your new, sleeker contours after about three months of your body contouring procedure.
The scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed so they are hidden from view. Liposuction can reduce the quantity of fatty tissue for the long term. To help maintain your trimmer, sleeker body shape, it is important that you are committed to a healthy lifestyle consisting of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Tips for Your Liposuction Recovery
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to your surgeon's recovery guidelines.
- Rest: Allow your body to heal by avoiding strenuous activities.
- Manage Discomfort: Use prescribed pain relief and follow OTC recommendations if suitable.
- Compression Garments: Wear them as directed to control swelling and support healing.
- Hydrate and Eat Well: Drink water, eat nutritiously to aid recovery.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both can hinder healing; consider abstaining during recovery.
- Wound Care: Follow incision care instructions from your surgeon.
- Manage Swelling: Use ice briefly to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Gradual Activity: Resume activities per surgeon's guidance.
- Sun Protection: Shield treated areas from direct sunlight and use sunscreen if necessary.
- Support System: Seek help from friends or family for tasks.
- Stay Positive: Maintain patience and a positive mindset.
- Attend Appointments: Keep all follow-up appointments for monitoring and advice.
Remember, your surgeon's expertise is crucial during recovery. If you encounter any concerns or unexpected issues, don't hesitate to consult them for guidance.
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Contact UsLiposuction Results
The fat cells removed with liposuction are gone forever. Unfortunately this doesn't mean fat can’t be regained in the same area—it can be, however, most patients find it takes years for it to return and that addressing it with liposuction was the only way possible to remove it. To maintain your results, it’s important to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine.
What is the cost of liposuction?
The cost of liposuction varies from patient to patient and according to the body zones to be treated, the extent of fat removal, and any other plastic surgery procedure performed at the same time. We work with CareCredit® and AlphaeonCredit® to offer our patients convenient monthly payments for their liposuction and other plastic surgery procedures. To learn more, please visit our financing page.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
Although liposuction and tummy tucks are both popular procedures that can help you achieve a leaner physique, they’re quite a bit different. When you undergo liposuction, the sole purpose of the procedure is to remove excess fat from a certain area of your body. Tummy tucks, on the other hand, are significantly more invasive procedures that involve pulling and stitching the muscles to create a flatter, smoother stomach. Tummy tuck procedures also include trimming excess skin to tighten up the belly area.
Liposuction can be performed in many areas of the body, including the hips, flanks, thighs, abdomen, and upper arms. However, the only area where you can undergo a tummy tuck is the abdomen.
Another major difference between liposuction and tummy tucks is the anesthesia used. For liposuction, you will typically be sedated, and you may have a local anesthetic applied to the treatment site. These options won’t be sufficient for a tummy tuck. Because the surgery is so much more invasive, you will need to be put under general anesthesia when undergoing a tummy tuck.
In many cases, liposuction will actually be included as part of a tummy tuck procedure. Ultimately, the two treatments have similarities, but they have very different purposes. Liposuction is a straightforward procedure to remove fat deposits, carrying only minor risk and requiring little recovery downtime. A tummy tuck is a more serious operation to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin, carrying a greater risk of complications and requiring more significant recovery downtime.
Liposuction—Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous is liposuction?
Liposuction is one of the safest and most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries, providing it is done by a board-certified plastic surgeon with considerable experience. Dr. Rottman is one such surgeon and has performed thousands of procedures.
Are the results of liposuction permanent?
Yes, the results of liposuction are permanent in that the fat removed will never return, however that doesn’t mean further weight gain isn’t possible. Liposuction produces results that last for years or longer, and that can be prolonged through a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
How much fat can be removed with liposuction?
In an outpatient setting, no more than 4 liters of fat are removed at any one time. In a hospital with an overnight stay, there isn’t a limit to how much fat can be removed. Please do keep in mind that liposuction isn’t a weight loss procedure but a body contouring one and that patients should be at or near their ideal weight before the procedure.
Does liposuction provide skin tightening?
Liposuction removes fat in order to better contour the treatment area but doesn’t tackle sagging skin or skin laxity. That can be accomplished with other surgical or non surgical procedures.
Will I have excess skin after liposuction?
Liposuction can sometimes leave patients with loose or sagging skin. In most instances, unless there is significant skin laxity, the skin will adjust to the new contours of your body.
How much does it cost to get liposuction on your stomach?
The cost of having liposuction done on the abdomen will vary from patient to patient, largely dependent on how much fat is to be removed. Please call our office for a price estimate.
How long does it take to recover from liposuction?
Most of Dr. Rottman’s liposuction patients return to work a few days to a week after liposuction, depending on how extensive the procedure was and whether it was done as part of other treatments. Bruising and swelling subside over a few weeks.
How much fat can you lose with liposuction?
You can lose a few to several pounds with liposuction but it’s important to understand that it isn’t actually a weight loss procedure. Great lipo results don’t depend entirely on how much fat is removed, but from where it is removed. Liposuction reduces stubborn fat and sculpts your body to look naturally more stunning.
Do I have to be at a certain weight before undergoing liposuction?
Liposuction is best performed when you are at a stable weight, at or near your ideal weight.
Will I have any scars?
A small incision will need to be made in order to remove the fat cells. The incisions can be made in very discreet areas to minimize visibility.
Liposculpture
Liposculpture refers to a technique in which Dr. Rottman removes and sculpts fat in targeted areas of the body to produce a more defined, attractive contour. This procedure is particularly popular with men who want to make their muscle structure look sleeker, firmer, more athletic, and defined.
Liposculpture produces a defined body contour that is often a sought-after look for men of all ages. After liposculpture, the muscles (such as the abs, obliques, and pecs) appear larger, and better defined.
Dr. Rottman, Liposuction Specialist
Rottman Plastic Surgery is a leading cosmetic and reconstructive center in Baltimore. Dr. Rottman is known by his patients for his caring and understanding manner, and his dedication to helping his patients achieve a more positive body image.
He has been named as a “Top Doctor” by Baltimore Magazine for Body Contouring, Cosmetic Surgery and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. You can trust in the exceptional skills of Dr. Rottman, and the care and talent with which he performs his body sculpting procedures.