Liposuction is a surgical approach to removing excess subcutaneous fat. By removing unwanted fat from specific areas of your body, the procedure slims and reshapes the area to provide more attractive body contours and better proportions. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise.
What liposuction can treat:
- Thighs
- Hips and buttocks
- Abdomen and waist
- Upper arms
- Back
- Inner knee
- Chest area
- Cheeks, chin and neck
In general, good candidates for liposuction include:
- Those at or near their goal weight but who have pockets of excess fat in particular areas
- Those with firm, elastic skin
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smoker
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring
Liposuction vs. CoolSculpting
Both CoolSculpting® and liposuction will remove fatty tissue. The CoolSculpting device is designed to treat focal pockets of fat. The applicators reduce about 20%-25% thickness with each cycle over several months. In areas of substantial thickness, a single CoolSculpting session may not be enough, and multiple applicators are generally needed to create smooth transitions between areas. For patients looking to treat excess fat over a larger area of the body, liposuction may be the more suitable choice. Liposuction also has fat reduction limits, albeit much higher, and results are sometimes evident immediately. Furthermore, liposuction is commonly performed in conjunction with other surgical procedures like a neck lift, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, or mommy makeover.
What does the liposuction procedure involve?
Liposuction procedures usually take one to four hours, depending on the areas being treated and amounts being suctioned. Patients are given a fluid pain reliever and epinephrine to restrict blood loss and bruising through a small incision. A thin tube (a cannula) attached to a machine creates a strong vacuum and Dr. Doolabh manipulates it within the fat layers under the skin, suctioning up the fat. Depending on the areas to be shaped, the innovative ultrasound technology, VASER LipoSelection™ may be recommended to emulsify fat for easier, less traumatic reduction. For areas with soft tissue laxity, Dr. Doolabh may also perform a final application of Renuvion® Cosmetic Technology, a radiofrequency helium plasma treatment, for enhanced body contouring and a firmer tissue appearance. Because nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue remain relatively intact, patients report minimal pain and bruising.
Are there non-surgical weight loss options?
Surgery is not for everyone and carries significant risks. Dr. Doolabh is happy to offer a medication-assisted weight management program that uses under-the-skin injections of FDA approved Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for safe, sustainable weight loss.
Interested in learning more about liposuction?
Call (904) 854-4800 for an introductory consultation.
Before & After Photos
More Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of liposuction treatment will depend on your specific body goals and the volume of excess fat you wish to have removed. To determine the exact cost of treatment, we invite you to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Doolabh in Jacksonville, FL. During your consultation, Dr. Doolabh will help develop a personalized plan to satisfy your unique cosmetic goals. The expected procedure cost can then be provided at that time.
No. Liposuction is not a weight reduction procedure and is not a reasonable treatment for obesity. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, assisting the patient in removing those unwanted and usually stubborn fat deposits.
Liposuction helps to improve the shape of the body, not the skin. However, skin with good resilience may contract down, approximately 30%, as fat tissue is removed through liposuction procedure. We offer different treatments for additional tissue contraction and skin tightening, such as enhanced body contouring with Renuvion®. The Renuvion® device is passed under the skin through the same liposuction entry sites, decreases bruising, without adding discomfort or time to recovery. Learn more on the Enhanced Contouring page.
Liposuction patients often resume normal activity a week after their procedure but continue to wear a snug elastic dressing for at least six weeks that promotes the skin to shrink to fit its new contours.
The key to increased healing and decreased pain during recovery is to minimize inflammation, so eating clean and staying well hydrated is important. To minimize swelling, Contemporary Plastic Surgery provides ultrasound therapy to our patients during their postoperative care process. Wearing compression garments and postoperative lymphatic massage can also help to contain swelling. Swelling may worsen with exercise and heat from being outdoors, in pools or saunas. Bruising can be reduced by avoiding blood thinners before surgery (e.g. alcohol, certain medications, aspirin, ibuprofen products), taking Arnica Montana supplements, and using topical bruising gels.
We hope the information on our website helps you understand a little more about liposuction and assists you in making a better choice for your body contouring goals.
Why Choose Contemporary Plastic Surgery for Jacksonville Liposuction Treatment?
Dr. Vaishali B. Doolabh of Contemporary Plastic Surgery specializes in body sculpting procedures such as liposuction, offering individualized treatment plans to help patients achieve their unique cosmetic goals. Dr. Doolabh is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been performing liposuction treatment in Jacksonville for over 20 years. As part of the Medical Advisory Board for Renuvion® Cosmetic, Dr. Doolabh also helps develop protocols for enhanced contouring technology. Contemporary Plastic Surgery offers fully-equipped AAAASF-accredited surgical operating suites, with a separate preoperative and recovery room unit, within the facility. The Contemporary Plastic Surgery family includes an experienced operating team of registered nurses, surgical specialists, and anesthesia providers for your safety.