Do You Need Liposuction?

Updated September 28, 2024

Over the last two decades, new technology has allowed the removal of unwanted fat from different parts of your body through various medical treatments. The first procedure to gain popularity was liposuction, so many people immediately think of it as the go-to treatment for unwanted fat. Nevertheless, several different procedures to remove excess fat have gained approval since liposuction first came on the market in 2006. Is traditional liposuction best for you, or will another, less invasive treatment to remove excess fat deposits better meet your needs?

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical approach that removes excess subcutaneous fatty tissue from different body areas. Over the years, liposuction procedures have evolved to include various methods, including water lipo, laser-assisted liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction and several additional liposuction techniques. One technique, called power-assisted liposuction, uses a special thin tube called a cannula that breaks up excess fat cells with tiny vibrations. This allows the device to suction unwanted body fat more efficiently and allows faster healing and minimal scarring.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Liposuction Surgical Procedure?

Generally, the ideal candidate for a liposuction procedure has the following characteristics:

  • Any adult who is within 30% of their ideal healthy weight
  • Physically fit or healthy persons not suffering from any life-threatening disease or pre-existing medical conditions
  • Not addicted to smoking or alcohol

Liposuction Safety and Complications

  • Minor Complications: Minor complications can be caused by unpredictable factors such as a patient's wound healing ability, the surgeon's misjudgment, and the patient's failure to follow instructions.
  • Focal Excessive Liposuction: Focal Excessive Liposuction is the removal of excessive fat from a localized area of the body. Removing too much fat yields an unnatural and unattractive appearance.
  • Hematomas: A hematoma is a lake-like collection of whole blood that has leaked out of injured blood vessels and become trapped inside the body.
  • Temporary Lumpiness: This condition becomes noticeable within one to two weeks after surgery and becomes most pronounced between two to four weeks. This temporary lumpiness results from the normal healing process after liposuction. The intensity and duration of this condition can be minimized using open drainage and bimodal compression.
  • Swelling: Swelling of the legs and ankles can occur following liposuction on any part of the lower extremity. This swelling is usually mild to moderate.

Other liposuction risks can include problems resulting from anesthesia, damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles and organs, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, infections, and thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound-assisted procedures.

Liposuction Recovery and Results

The liposuction procedure is an invasive surgical procedure involving anesthesia. As such, patients can experience complications. Recovery takes about a week. However, the amount of time it takes to return to normal activities and work depends on the amount of fat removed and the number of treatment sites. Swelling and fluid retention, bruising and numbness are common and will subside weeks to months after this aesthetic surgery.

Within days after liposuction body contouring surgery, patients usually see an overall reduction in fullness in the treated area and improved contour. Final results take up to a year following liposuction as the body continues to make adjustments after the procedure.

CoolSculpting is a Non-Invasive Body Contouring Procedure

Several years after the FDA approved liposuction procedures, the federal agency approved other cosmetic procedures designed to remove fat cells from the body. One of the most effective ways to get rid of unwanted fat deposits is through CoolSculpting. This fat removal procedure targets patients within 10% of their healthy weight range yet cannot lose their stubborn fat layer through diet and exercise.

CoolSculpting offers several notable advantages over plastic surgery procedures like liposuction. First, it is non-invasive, so patients do not need incisions, translating to fewer complications. CoolSculpting accomplishes fat removal through paddles that grab loose skin in a targeted area and freeze the fat cells underneath, causing them to crystallize and eventually die. While plastic surgeons indicate that patients will need about a week to recover from liposuction, those undergoing CoolSculpting can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.

Why Should I Consider CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is outstanding for spot reduction of unwanted fat in the body, especially in areas like the stomach and thighs. The ideal CoolSculpting candidate is in good physical health and exhibits localized fat deposits and minimal loose skin. Candidates should also have realistic expectations of what the procedure will do. CoolSculpting is not a weight loss procedure but a way to rid the body of excess fatty tissue in areas like the outer thighs. The same applies to liposuction.

With each treatment, CoolSculpting removes about 25% of body fat in the treated area. Results do not appear immediately but slowly over several months. That's because the body needs as long as four months to eliminate fatty tissue through the natural process of elimination. You will most likely begin to see a difference within three weeks of treatment, but the most dramatic results may take up to three months to appear. To achieve the best results, patients may need multiple treatments to eliminate remaining fat cells. The number of necessary sessions depends on the treatment area.

Which is Better: Liposuction or CoolSculpting?

The answer depends on your aesthetic goals and how much fat you want to eliminate. Liposuction may be the preferred procedure if you have deep pockets of fat. However, if your fat is more localized and you don't want to undergo an invasive procedure, CoolSculpting can address your needs. If you choose liposuction plastic surgery, work with a board-certified plastic surgeon to minimize risks. Whatever method you select, your provider should take a complete medical history to ensure you are a good candidate and educate you on the risks.

In addition, if you are not near your goal weight, continue with a healthy diet and exercise to lose weight, as those with excess weight tend to have fewer post-procedure complications.

Learn More About Body Contouring

If you would like to learn more about refining your body through CoolSculpting, the professionals at our Seattle medical spa can help. Contact VIVAA today at 425-250-9999 or use our online Request an Appointment form.

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Dr. Sidhu
Dr. Ramandeep Sidhu

Author - Dr. Ramandeep Sidhu

SPECIALTIES: Percutaneous aneurysm repair, endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease, treatment for varicose veins, open vascular surgical procedures, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism treatment and aesthetic services.