When it comes to health and fitness, diet and exercise lay the groundwork for success. But no matter how disciplined you are, certain body fat pockets like love handles or double chins just don’t seem to budge. Sound familiar? That’s where spot liposuction comes in. This cutting-edge body contouring solution targets excess fat that resists traditional methods, giving you the sculpted look you’ve been working toward. Ready to say goodbye to those specific problem areas? Call Diehl Plastic Surgery today to explore how liposuction can help you achieve your ideal body shape.
What Exactly Is Spot Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove unwanted fat from targeted areas of the body. It is a common cosmetic procedure in the United States, with over 300,000 operations performed annually at a cost of $2,000 to $3,500. Unlike traditional weight loss methods, which reduce fat across the entire body, liposuction procedure provides precise contouring of specific trouble spots. Certain areas like the lower abdomen, arms, back, and “love handles” are where many people struggle with stubborn fat. While liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, it is the most effective way to target and “spot reduce” fat that hides your muscles that resist diet and exercise. Here’s how it works: A small incision is made near the target area, and a thin tube called a cannula is used to suction out fat cells. Once removed, these fat cells are gone permanently—leaving you with lasting results. With a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, you’ll enjoy a contoured, balanced silhouette.
Where Do You Have Stubborn Fat?
Stubborn fat is a common problem for both men and women in Raleigh, NC. Most of our patients have at least one trouble spot where excess fat seems to gather and is difficult to lose weight. Unlike traditional weight loss method that reduce body fat, liposuction removes fat cells. This allows us to target specific areas. Since unwanted fat cells don’t regenerate, once we remove them, they are permanently gone. If you maintain a consistent weight, you should enjoy long-lasting results from your treatment. Many of our patients will never again struggle with stubborn fat pockets in the areas they treat with liposuction procedure.
Here are some of the most common areas treated with liposuction:
- Lower Abdomen: Smooth out your tummy or eliminate a persistent “pooch.”
- Chin and Neck: Reduce a double chin for a more defined jawline.
- Thighs: Slim down inner or outer thighs for more proportional legs.
- Arms: Address upper-arm fat for a toned, sculpted appearance.
- Chest: Particularly effective for men with excess chest fat.
- Flanks and Back: Say goodbye to love handles and back rolls.
- Knees: Yes, even the knees can benefit from a more balanced shape.
Liposuction gives you a proven solution to finally lose weight and eliminate the fat that has been holding you back and letting you focus on what matters—building a strong, healthy body while we help with the sculpting.
What Happens During Liposuction?
This treatment is performed in our operating suite or in the procedure room, depending on the type of anesthesia selected. On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive at the facility and be escorted to a private waiting room. Patient privacy is very important to us.
Liposuction is performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure, patient preferences, and other factors. We’ll talk about this in detail during your consultation. Small incisions are made near the treatment area. Dr. Diehl carefully places each incision to minimize visibility. A special tube called a cannula is inserted through the incision and used to suction out fat. The treated areas are carefully shaped, to ensure a smooth, even result after treatment. We offer both traditional liposuction and laser liposuction with SmartLipo. After the fat is removed and ideal shape is achieved, the incisions are sutured closed, and the area is wrapped in bandaging. We often use compression garments to ensure proper healing. Patients return home after the procedure. The level of post-operative recovery depends on the type of anesthesia selected. You will go home in compression garments.
Types of Liposuction
There are several types of liposuction, each designed to meet different needs. Here’s a quick look at the most common techniques:
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- Traditional Liposuction: Ideal for removing fat from larger areas, this method uses a vacuum-like cannula to suction fat.
- Laser Liposuction (SmartLipo): Laser energy is a minimally invasive procedure used to melt fat before it’s suctioned out, making the process less invasive and reducing recovery time.
- Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL): This method uses sound waves to liquefy fat, making it effective for areas with denser fat.
- Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): A vibrating cannula breaks down fat more efficiently, making it ideal for larger treatment areas.
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Your surgeon will determine the best approach based on your body type, goals, and the areas you want to target.
What Are the Risks of Liposuction?
Like other cosmetic procedures, liposuction comes with potential risks. While rare, these include infection, irregular contours, numbness, blood clots, and anesthesia complications. Our expert surgeon will walk you through these risks during your consultation and take all necessary precautions to minimize them. Rest assured, liposuction is a highly safe and effective procedure when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.
What Is Recovery Like After Liposuction?
You’ll be back on your feet and enjoying sexier curves shortly after your treatment. Many people are back to work within a week, often sooner. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are common side effects during healing. While you’ll see some results in the first few weeks, the final result typically appear after 6 to 8 months as swelling gradually subsides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I maintain the results of liposuction?
Maintaining a stable weight through diet and exercise is key to preserving your liposuction results. While fat cells are permanently removed, any significant weight gain can affect the appearance of treated areas.
What is non-invasive liposuction?
Non-invasive liposuction refers to non-surgical fat reduction methods, like CoolSculpting, which freezes fat cells to eliminate or remove subcutaneous fat without surgery.
What should I expect during liposuction surgery?
During surgery, you can expect to be under local or general anesthesia while your surgeon makes small incisions and uses a cannula to remove fat. You will likely feel some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, but this can be managed with medication. While you will notice some immediate changes, the final result will become more apparent as swelling subsides and the body heals over the following weeks.
Can you spot reduce fat with liposuction?
Yes! Liposuction is a popular procedure design to remove subcutaneous fat from areas that do not respond to diet and exercise or weight loss procedure, allowing your surgeon to focus on specific areas where fat is stubborn.
Which liposuction procedure removes the most fat?
Traditional liposuction and ultrasound-assisted liposuction are typically the most effective methods for removing larger volumes of fat, particularly from areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. Although liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, it serves as an effective spot reduction technique, on individual needs and the specific areas requiring treatment.
Is liposuction painful?
Liposuction is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, some discomfort, bruising, and swelling are normal, but these symptoms subside with time and proper care.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Diehl
Are you ready to take the next step toward achieving your ideal body? Schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Cynthia Diehl, to explore how liposuction can help you look and feel your best. Let’s make your vision a reality!
