Liposuction (or liposculpture) is a plastic surgery procedure that removes localized fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise, harmoniously reshaping the body silhouette. It is one of the most performed cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide and represents the ideal solution for fat deposits that, despite a healthy lifestyle, do not respond to traditional methods. It is important to emphasize that liposuction is not a weight-loss method but a body contouring tool that selectively eliminates excess fat from specific areas.
Liposuction is recommended for normal-weight or slightly overweight individuals who present localized fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise: • Localized fat deposits on the hips, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks (the most commonly treated areas) • Double chin and submental fat that weighs down the facial profile • Arms with fat accumulation in the posterior region • Knees with fat deposits that alter limb harmony • Back with fat deposits in the bra area or lumbar region • Ankles with lipodystrophic deposits Ideal candidates are individuals with good skin elasticity and stable weight.
The procedure is not recommended in the following cases: • Obesity, as liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure and cannot replace proper nutrition and physical activity. For obese patients, other therapeutic strategies are more appropriate • Poor skin elasticity, which could prevent the skin from adequately retracting after fat removal, causing irregularities and laxity. In these cases, a skin lift may need to be combined • Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions or coagulation disorders • Unrealistic expectations regarding the amount of fat that can be safely removed in a single session • Ongoing or short-term planned pregnancy
The procedure takes 1-3 hours depending on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat to be removed. For single, limited areas the duration is shorter, while for multiple treatments (for example abdomen, flanks, and thighs in the same session) the time increases. The procedure is generally performed as day surgery. Recovery requires 1-2 weeks, during which wearing an elastic compression garment is necessary to promote skin retraction, reduce swelling, and prevent seroma formation. Return to daily activities occurs after approximately 5-7 days, while sports activities should be avoided for at least 4 weeks.
Yes, the type of anesthesia depends on the extent of the procedure. For small localized areas (such as the double chin or knees), local anesthesia with sedation may suffice. For more extensive areas such as the abdomen, flanks, and thighs, spinal or general anesthesia is used, depending on the surgeon's and patient's preferences. The tumescent technique, which involves infiltrating an anesthetic and vasoconstrictive solution into the treatment area, is always used to reduce bleeding and facilitate fat removal.
Initial improvements are visible within the first weeks after surgery, as soon as the initial swelling subsides. Final results are appreciated after 3-6 months, the time needed for swelling to completely resolve and the skin to adapt to the new body contours. Skin retraction continues progressively in the following months, further refining the result. The improvement in silhouette is significant and long-lasting, provided a stable weight is maintained over time.
Fat cells removed through liposuction are permanently eliminated and do not regenerate. However, remaining fat cells in the treated areas and other body regions can increase in volume with significant weight gain. For this reason, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight after surgery to preserve the results achieved. In case of weight gain, fat tends to distribute differently than before the procedure, depositing preferentially in untreated areas.
Want to learn more about this procedure?