Liposuction

Are you unhappy with stubborn fat on your body that doesn’t seem to go away despite all of your best efforts? This is a common issue for countless men and women, but the good news is a popular procedure known as liposuction exists, and it may be just what you’ve been looking for to finally achieve your goals for your figure.At Northstate Plastic Surgery in Chico, CA, we proudly offer liposuction procedures performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons. If you’re ready to explore your options for body contouring, we warmly invite you to contact our office today to schedule a consultation and get started on the journey to getting the body you have always wanted!

What is Liposuction?

Also known as lipoplasty, liposuction is a body contouring surgery that is designed to sculpt various areas of the body, eliminating unwanted pockets of exercise and diet-resistant fat from the buttocks, hips, love handles, saddlebags, calves, ankles, breasts (including male breasts), back, thighs, arms and neck. It may be combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck, to create the desired shape, and it is one of the safest and most popular cosmetic procedures available today.

A Closer Look at Areas Commonly Treated With Liposuction

• Arms: Arm liposuction involves using a thin cannula to suction out excess fat from the upper arm region. This can help create a more tapered, contoured shape from the shoulder down to the elbow. In some cases, patients may also benefit from skin tightening procedures if there’s mild skin laxity.
• Thighs: Inner thigh fat can cause chafing and discomfort, while outer thigh fat, sometimes referred to as “saddlebags,” can make it difficult to find clothing that fits comfortably. Liposuction can target both areas, depending on your anatomy and treatment goals. Treating the inner thighs may also slightly improve the appearance of the thigh gap for some patients.
• Abdomen: The abdomen is one of the most frequently requested areas for liposuction. Subcutaneous fat in this area often collects both above and below the belly button. Stomach liposuction can help flatten and reshape this region.
• Chest and Back: Liposuction can be used on both the upper and lower back, as well as in the chest area. In men, it is often used to reduce the appearance of gynecomastia, a condition where excess fat or glandular tissue causes breast enlargement.
• Under the Chin: Excess fat under the chin can create a double chin and reduce definition along the jawline. Chicken and neck liposuction removes fat deposits and eliminates the double chin in patients with good skin elasticity.

What Liposuction Cannot Address

Contrary to popular belief, liposuction is not designed to be used for weight loss. Although it may be performed after weight loss in order to sculpt certain stubborn areas, it’s typically reserved for individuals who are overall healthy and have reached or are very close to their goal weight. It is also not designed to improve loose skin. If the skin has lost elasticity, it may not contract well after fat is removed, which can lead to sagging in the treated area. Liposuction does not treat stretch marks since they are a skin issue, not related to fat beneath the surface. It is most effective for removing stubborn fat deposits when a patient is already close to their ideal weight.

When to Consider Liposuction

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if:

• You have localized areas of fat deposits that are disproportionate to the rest of your body.
• You would like more definition or slimmer contours in certain areas of your body.
• Your skin elasticity is good

It’s important to note that results vary from patient to patient. If you’d like more information, you may want to research The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and/or The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

How to Prepare for Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, and it will require some preparation. Some of this will be done during a consultation, where we talk about your medical history and areas of unwanted fat. Certain medications should be avoided before liposuction to reduce bleeding and bruising. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, St. John’s Wort, fish oil, turmeric, and products that thin the blood. If you smoke, you will need to stop well in advance since smoking increases the risk of complications.

Arrange for a ride home and several days off from work to give yourself time to rest. Take out any prescriptions and follow any other instructions that we give you during your consultation.   

Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

A consultation is the best time to learn more about liposuction. We will provide all of the information you need, but asking these questions can help you understand the treatment process and recovery.

Consider asking:

• Am I a good candidate for liposuction based on my body type and health history?
• What type of anesthesia do you use for liposuction? 
• How long will recovery take, and what kind of downtime should I plan for?
• Will I need to wear compression garments afterward, and for how long?
• What are the risks or complications I should be aware of?
• Can I see before-and-after photos of previous liposuction patients?

What to Expect From Your Liposuction Procedure

During Liposuction

We perform liposuction using small incisions near the treatment zones, typically just a few millimeters in length. After injecting the treatment area with tumescent fluid, we insert a thin, hollow tube called a cannula. The cannula is connected to a suction device that removes unwanted fat from beneath the skin. We carefully move the cannula back and forth to break up the fat and shape the area. Depending on how much fat is being removed and how many areas are being treated, the procedure can take anywhere from one to several hours.

What Is In Tumescent Fluid?

The tumescent fluid that we use contains a mix of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine. Saline acts as a sterile carrier fluid, lidocaine is a local anesthetic that numbs the area and epinephrine helps constrict blood vessels to reduce bleeding and swelling. The fluid causes the fat layer to become firm or “tumescent,” making it easier to remove with the cannula. It also reduces the need for general anesthesia in some cases and can make recovery smoother. 

What to Expect After Liposuction

After liposuction, swelling and bruising are common and expected. Mild discomfort or soreness can occur in the treated areas, which is usually managed with prescribed or recommended pain medication. You may notice fluid drainage from small incision sites during the first day or two. In the first few days after the surgery, we will have you limit your activity levels to light movement to support circulation. Once your surgeon says it is safe, you can go back to work and resume other activities. This timeline depends on the extent of the treatment and your individual healing process.

Aftercare Instructions Post-Liposuction

During liposuction recovery, you will be asked to wear tight-fitting elastic clothing called compression garments to support your new shape and prevent fluid from building up. Additional care guidelines may include:

• Staying hydrated and eating healthy food
• Keeping incision sites dry and clean
• Attending follow-up appointments
• Sleeping in a slightly elevated position

If you have any discomfort after your surgery, you can apply ice to reduce swelling. Protect your skin with a cloth and ice the area for 15-20 minutes at a time. Soreness can usually be managed fine with over-the-counter medication. 

Liposuction Results

Initial results are visible once swelling begins to subside, though your final outcomes may not be seen for several months as the area continues to heal. After surgery, it can take up to a year for all of the swelling to go down. The best way to enjoy long-term results is to keep your weight stable and focus on healthy habits.

Surgeries Commonly Combined With Liposuction

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles. It is often combined with liposuction to improve the contour of the waist and upper abdomen. Liposuction can be performed in the abdomen or in other areas like the thighs or buttocks during the same surgery. 

Facelift/Neck Lift

Liposuction is sometimes included as part of a facelift or neck lift to remove fat from the lower face, jawline or under the chin. Removing this fat can improve definition along the neck and jaw, while the lift addresses sagging skin and tissue.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures often used after pregnancy to help address common changes. This surgery may include a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast procedures and labiaplasty, depending on what each patient would like to address. These surgeries are usually performed during one surgery and with one recovery period.

Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia can involve excess fat, excess skin and excess glandular breast tissue. When all of these concerns are present, we often recommend a combination of techniques, including removal of breast tissue, skin excision and liposuction to treat everything at the same time and make the chest flatter. 

FAQs About Liposuction

How much does liposuction cost?

The cost of liposuction depends on several factors, including the number of areas being treated, the technique we use and whether we are adding additional surgeries or treatments. Fees are calculated to include anesthesia, facility costs, pre-op testing and post-op garments. We will provide you with a quote during your consultation once we learn more about your situation.

What are the risks of liposuction?

As with any surgery, liposuction carries some risk. Possible complications include infection, fluid buildup, contour irregularities, temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation. There are also certain risks that come with anesthesia, which differ depending on the type used. These risks can be reduced with certain precautions, such as providing a detailed medical history to make sure you are a good candidate and choosing an experienced surgeon.

How much fat can be removed with liposuction?

There are general guidelines for how much fat can be safely removed in a single session. In most cases, this ranges from two to five liters, though the amount varies depending on body size and health status. Removing too much fat at once can increase the chance of complications, so safety is always the priority.

Will I have visible scars after liposuction?

Scars from liposuction are small and discreet. The incisions used to insert the cannula are usually just a few millimeters in length and are placed in less noticeable areas. Any scars that do result tend to fade and become less visible with time.

Can fat return after liposuction?

Once fat cells are removed through liposuction, they do not come back. However, we leave fat cells behind, and these can still become larger if you gain weight, which can impact your results. We recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle after your surgery to enjoy long-lasting results.

Will I need more than one liposuction procedure?

Most patients see the results they want after just one session. Others may benefit from a second procedure depending on how much fat needs to be removed or how the body responds. We will discuss realistic expectations and whether staged treatments make sense for your case.

How old do I need to be for liposuction?

Patients should be at least 18 to be considered for liposuction, but there is no specific upper age limit. Instead, candidacy is based on overall health, skin elasticity and the ability to safely undergo surgery. Many patients consider liposuction in their 20s through their 60s or beyond, as long as they are in good health and have realistic expectations. Younger patients often have more skin elasticity, which can help the skin contract after fat removal, while older patients may benefit from combining liposuction with other procedures if skin laxity is present.

What are the weight and BMI requirements for liposuction?

Most ideal candidates are at or near a stable, healthy weight and are bothered by localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Patients with higher BMIs may still be candidates in certain situations, but outcomes are generally more predictable when weight is stable and close to the goal. The best way to find out if liposuction is a suitable option is to schedule an appointment and talk to a surgeon about your situation. 

About Our Aesthetic Services in Chico, CA 

At NorthState Plastic Surgery in Chico, we offer a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including liposuction, to help meet your individual goals. Dr. Kevin D. Myers is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive training from Columbia University and Montefiore Medical Center in New York, along with an advanced fellowship in hand and microsurgery from the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco.

His approach is patient-focused, with an emphasis on communication, education and realistic planning. Chico offers the perfect backdrop for his practice, combining a strong community atmosphere with access to expert surgical care. Whether you are interested in body contouring or reconstructive options, we provide services with the depth of training and care you deserve.

Is Liposuction Right for You?

Liposuction could be right for you if you are close to your goal weight, but you still have areas with fat that isn’t budging. During a consultation at Northstate Plastic Surgery in Chico, CA, you can get all the facts about the liposuction procedure, including whether it may work in your case. Contact us today at 530-345-5900 or through our website to schedule an appointment and learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!