Most areas of the body can be treated with liposuction, provided there is enough fat and other tissue to support the procedure. Commonly, liposuction tends to focus on the abdominal region, hips, thighs, knees, “love handles” (posterior waist), buttocks, arms, neck, and elsewhere.

Liposuction procedures are done in our fully certified out-patient surgical center. We always use board-certified anesthesiologists and certified registered nurses.

It typically lasts between one and three hours, depending on the plan agreed upon by the patient and Dr. Varkony.

Liposuction is considered minimally invasive. Most liposuction procedures only require an incision for the liquid infiltrating device and cannula, and downtime is restricted to a few days. For comparison, a tummy tuck procedure requires a longer incision and the recovery period is notably longer.

Patients are typically able to return home or to their hotel room the day of the procedure. In some situations, however, patients may want to stay the evening under supervision in a post-operative facility. Of course, you will need to be driven back to your home or hotel room by someone, usually a friend or relative.

The discomfort level is typically mild, can be effectively dealt with medication, and should lessen fairly rapidly. Moreover, the advanced liposuction techniques discussed above should help to reduce the intensity and duration of any post-operative discomfort

Yes. It is important to have someone with you during the first 24 hours following your procedure. This ensures that, in the rare event of a complication, medical attention can be delivered promptly. In most cases, a friend or relative is sufficient but, if desired, we can refer you to a nurse who can stay with you overnight.

Most people with sedentary jobs can get back to their normal working life within a few days. However, patients should avoid any strenuous activity for at least one to two weeks.

General anesthesia is used during most liposuction procedures, which means patients will be unconscious and free of pain. In some shorter procedures, other types of sedation with local anesthesia may be used instead. Regardless, patients will always be kept comfortable and free of pain during and immediately after the procedure.

While liposuction can occasionally reduce the appearance of cellulite in some patients, it is primarily a skin condition and not a type of body fat. Therefore, patients should not expect any significant reduction of cellulite following liposuction.

The fat cells that are removed do not return, as the body stops manufacturing new fat cells in adulthood. On the other hand, consuming more calories than you burn will cause the body to store the excess calories as fat, just as before. Therefore, patients who overeat will experience weight gain, but differently than before. This includes the possibility for the disproportional distribution of fat if you gain a lot of weight. Patients who obtain liposuction need to continue their prior diet and exercise regimen.

While Smart Lipo will shrink the skin somewhat, liposuction is purely intended to remove fat and improve the body’s overall shape. Loose skin can be addressed through tummy tucks and various body lifts. In some cases, it may be best to get another procedure and, in other cases, combining them may be a viable strategy.

If the skin’s elasticity is good, it should not be a problem. Although liposuction can remove up to 12 pounds of fat, it usually removes only three to four pounds of fat in many people, so many patients notice no difference in skin looseness. If elasticity is problematic, however, Dr. Varkony may suggest combining or replacing the treatment with a lift or tummy tuck.

Abdominal liposuction is only intended to remove excess fat from the abdominal area, and that is typically sufficient if the muscles and skin have overall good tone. When skin tone and muscles are problematic, tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and tightens muscle tissue at the site. Oftentimes, however, liposuction is involved in some capacity.

Liposuction costs vary significantly based on the type of liposuction and the number of areas that are being treated. Procedure length as well as facility and anesthesia-related fees will all affect the total cost of a procedure. It’s therefore not possible to provide an accurate figure online. A consultation with Dr. Varkony and our staff can provide an accurate cost estimate for liposuction.