Our surgeons offer an innovative body contouring technique called SAFELipo®, which stands for “Separation – Aspiration – Fat Equalization.” It includes power-assisted liposuction performed with a special vibrating cannula that breaks up the fat. The SAFELipo® technique was originally designed to treat complications from heat-based liposuction methods until doctors realized that it was just a better way to do liposuction from the start. Our surgeons have found that the results achieved with this technique are unparalleled.
Liposuction in Washington, D.C.
Weight and hormone fluctuations, aging, genetics, or pregnancy can all cause the body to harbor fat differently, even becoming resistant to diet and exercise. These stubborn pockets of fat are frustrating, especially when you are diligent about your health. Liposuction is a fantastic body contouring procedure that targets very specific pockets of fat throughout the body, allowing our plastic surgeons to remove unwanted fat while smoothing and contouring the body for a slimming, natural-looking result.
The board-certified and board-eligible plastic surgeons at Center for Plastic Surgery offer advanced liposuction techniques and technologies to provide our Washington, D.C., patients with excellent body contouring results.
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- Liposuction in Washington, D.C.
- What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?
- Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?
- What Are My Liposuction Options?
- Chin Liposuction or KYBELLA®?
- How Is Liposuction Performed?
- What Can I Expect From Liposuction Recovery?
- How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
- Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions
- Interested in Liposuction in Washington, D.C.?
Before & After Photos
What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?
Liposuction has long held the spot for the most popular plastic surgery procedure, for good reason. This body contouring procedure is incredibly versatile, as it can be applied to nearly any part of the body, including the jawline and neck. It also allows your surgeon to create a more cohesive result by “blending” the contours of the body. It can be used alone or in combination with another procedure. Liposuction can achieve the following benefits:
- Permanent removal of stubborn pockets of fat
- Smooths and contours the body
- Can be applied to nearly any part of the body
Our plastic surgeons successfully reduce the appearance of pockets of fat while also slimming and contouring the surrounding areas for a natural-looking result.
Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?
Liposuction cannot change underlying dimensions, but it can improve contour significantly when subcutaneous fat is the problem. The best liposuction candidates are those who are at or close to their ideal body weight and size yet still have persistent areas of unwanted fat accumulation. Candidates with good skin elasticity will likely see better results than those without.
The most common areas that benefit from liposuction include:
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Double chin and neck
We can also use the J-Plasma® treatment to smooth and tighten the skin after fat removal. If you feel that more than one area needs to be corrected, liposuction may be combined with other procedures such as a tummy tuck to maximize your overall benefits.
What Are My Liposuction Options?
“Dr. Samir Rao is a highly skilled and kind plastic surgeon. I wouldn’t see anyone else. My liposuction result is nothing short of amazing.”
Combination Liposuction and Tummy Tuck
Liposuction is commonly paired with other body contouring procedures, including abdominoplasty. As a tummy tuck deals with the midsection, from just under the ribs to the lower abdomen, liposuction is very effective at creating a more cohesive result. While some fat can be surgically excised during a tummy tuck, liposuction allows your surgeon to contour more natural-looking angles and slopes for a more harmonious end result.
Combination Liposuction and Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover is a procedure that incorporates multiple surgeries performed in tandem with the aim of improving a woman’s body after childbirth or aging. This procedure is, at face value, custom. However, liposuction is usually a key choice for many women, as its versatility allows our surgeons to smooth and contour the body, linking the discreet treatment areas for a more natural-looking result.
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Chin Liposuction or KYBELLA®?
Patients with stubborn submental fullness, or a double chin, can benefit from treatment via liposuction or the FDA-approved non-surgical treatment, KYBELLA®. KYBELLA® is the only FDA-approved injection for eliminating double chins. While liposuction is a tried-and-true method of fat removal, some patients prefer a non-surgical option. We’ll break down the pros and cons of both below.
Chin Liposuction vs. KYBELLA® Candidates
Liposuction: Have moderate to severe submental fullness and/or fat along the neck, with moderate skin elasticity.
KYBELLA®: Have mild to moderate submental fullness, with good skin elasticity. Candidates should only have excess fat under the chin—KYBELLA® injections are not approved to treat any other location. Candidates who wish to avoid surgery usually choose KYBELLA® as a minimally invasive alternative.
Chin Liposuction vs. KYBELLA® Downtime and Results
Liposuction: Submental liposuction requires about a week of downtime, with most patients returning to normal activities after that point. Most patients will be cleared to resume more rigorous activities after about two weeks. Submental liposuction permanently removes subcutaneous fat under the chin, revealing the angles and contours of the patient’s lower face for a more youthful result.
KYBELLA®: There is no downtime associated with KYBELLA® injections. You will be able to resume normal activities immediately after your 30-minute session. Some patients will experience some redness and swelling at the injection site, but this is usually minimal. Patients can enjoy a smoother, more contoured chin after about two to four sessions, although some patients may need up to six sessions for desired results.a
How Is Liposuction Performed?
Your Liposuction Consultation
As with all of our procedures at Center for Plastic Surgery, liposuction is performed as an individualized procedure designed specifically for the patient. As such, the consultation is crucial in determining your surgical plan for liposuction. Your liposuction consultation is also your opportunity to get to know the surgeon who will be performing your procedure, ask them any questions you may have—especially regarding results—and voice any concerns you have.
Our body contouring experts are highly trained and experienced, and they also have your best interests in mind. Your plastic surgeon will walk you through the steps of the procedure, where your incisions will be placed, what type of anesthesia will be used—all of the details that piece together your surgical plan. They will also be able to advise you on some important decisions you’ll need to make, including where you would like to be treated and whether or not you want to combine liposuction with another procedure, such as a tummy tuck.
Our support staff will also be ready to prepare you for your role prior to your surgery, discussing compression garments, additional costs for medications if necessary, follow-up appointments, and financing information. At CPS, your entire process is streamlined for your peace of mind and continued support.
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What Can I Expect From Liposuction Recovery?
Immediately after your liposuction procedure, you will be placed in an elastic support garment, similar to a girdle, while you are still asleep. In the case of facial liposuction, you will be given a compression strap under the chin, which serves a similar purpose. This garment will cover and compress the treated areas to limit fluid accumulation and provide gentle, balanced pressure, assuring a smooth final contour. You will wear this garment continuously for two to four weeks, except when bathing.
Your surgeon will give you specific aftercare instructions, which are crucial to your safe and comfortable recovery. Be sure to follow these instructions to the best of your ability to ensure that you see the best possible results following liposuction. Additionally, liposuction recovery and aftercare will vary greatly—more than other procedures—to account for the differences in treatment areas. You will have to take different precautions after submental liposuction than abdominal liposuction, for example.
Some patients experience bruising and swelling after liposuction. Others experience “skin rippling.” These conditions will improve considerably in the first few weeks, but results can take up to three months or longer to be fully visible. While experiences vary, most patients can resume normal activities, including walking and driving, within five to seven days. You should postpone strenuous exercise for three weeks.
Liposuction Recovery Timeline
You will likely experience a different recovery process than the following, but as a general outline, here’s what liposuction recovery might look like:
Week One:
- Most patients will experience swelling, bruising, and the majority of their discomfort in the first four to seven days.
- If used, drains, dressings, and sutures will likely be removed after the first week.
- Patients must wear their compression garments day and night unless showering.
- Patients should slowly incorporate light movement, such as walking, to improve circulation.
Week Two:
- Patients are usually feeling much better at this point.
- Depending on their jobs, many patients will be cleared to return to work.
- Many patients continue to wear compression garments, limit exercise, and rest as much as possible.
Week Three:
- Bruising should be significantly improved.
- Swelling likely remains.
Month One:
- Your surgeon will likely allow you to reduce your compression garment time, or clear you to remove it.
- Patients may gradually increase their physical activity, as per their surgeon’s instructions.
Month Three and Beyond:
- Swelling should be gone, or at least greatly reduced.
- Final results may be visible, or almost visible.
- Scars should become lighter and more flat.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
The cost of liposuction in Washington, D.C., depends on the specifics of your surgical plan: the size, location, and number of treatment area(s), the type of anesthesia used, and whether or not you have combined liposuction with another procedure.
At CPS, liposuction prices start at $7,000 per individual area of the body. The cost will be determined at the time of consultation based on the particulars of the patient’s case. You will receive a personalized cost estimate after your consultation with one of our providers.
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Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions
Is liposuction permanent?
When fat cells are removed from the body, as with liposuction, they are permanently removed—fat cells do not “grow back.” So, in this sense, liposuction is permanent. However, the surrounding fat cells can expand, resulting in subsequent fat accumulation in the treatment area.
That being said, with proper diet and exercise, liposuction is readily maintained and can be a long-lasting, even permanent, procedure.
How can I maintain the results of my liposuction?
One of the reasons we require candidates to be close to their ideal weight is that liposuction is not a weight loss solution. It is a body contouring procedure that refines and enhances the body’s curves by removing very specific pockets of fat. And because fat cells can continue to expand and reverse the effects of liposuction, maintaining your results is very important.
Some ways you can maintain your liposuction results are through diet and exercise. Find what works for you and be consistent. Maintaining your liposuction results can be as simple as incorporating good health habits early on in your process (maybe even before your consultation!) that can easily be carried past recovery and into your daily routine.
How can I avoid liposuction scars?
Unfortunately, any time an incision is made on the body–just like with any cut or injury–there is a risk for scarring. The good news is that liposuction requires very small incisions. However, avoiding overly visible scars is a multistep process that involves both your surgeon and you.
For our part, our surgeons only make incisions where absolutely necessary and in the most subtle locations possible. Additionally, our surgeons are highly skilled and make extremely careful and meticulous incisions and sutures to ensure a small scar.
The rest is up to you! Proper incision care is key—listen to your surgeon’s instructions carefully. You can also limit visible scarring by avoiding unnecessary sun exposure. Lastly, once your scar is fully healed, you can take additional steps for scar care, such as using scar ointments, silicone scar patches, and even laser resurfacing.
I have loose skin. Will this affect my liposuction result?
Skin laxity, or loose skin, is a common effect of the aging process, but it can also vary based on a person’s genetics. Eliminating fat from the body, too, can result in the skin remaining loose or stretched out, which is a common issue with liposuction. Compression garments are key in helping the skin “snap back” into place, but patients with more moderate skin laxity may not be candidates for liposuction.
However, there are always options. J-Plasma® skin tightening is a minimally invasive treatment that our surgeons commonly pair with surgical procedures to treat the skin and improve the final surgical outcome. If you would like to assess your skin laxity or your options for skin tightening either before, after, or alongside liposuction, our experienced board-certified surgeons will be happy to advise you.
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Interested in Liposuction in Washington, D.C.?
If you would like to learn more about how this versatile procedure can help reduce stubborn pockets of fat and smooth the body for cohesive contours, call Center for Plastic Surgery today at (301) 652-7700 or fill out our online contact form to get started.