Patients and plastic surgeons now have access to several different types of liposuction. While the purpose of every type of liposuction is improving body contours, they achieve this goal in slightly different ways. There is no evidence yet that there is a significant difference in effectiveness between these types of liposuction. What matters most is that the surgeon performing the procedure is trained and experienced.

At Banff Plastic Surgery, we primarily offer “tumescent” or suction-assisted liposuction (SAL). The procedure begins with the injection of a solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine into the problem area. This numbs the tissue and minimizes bleeding. A small incision is made in the skin and a long, narrow tube called a cannula is inserted. The cannula is moved methodically back and forth in the treatment area to dislodge excess fat cells. The loosened cells are then removed from the body using a surgical suction device. Tumescent liposuction and SAL are the most widely used and time-tested liposuction techniques.

While we do not currently offer them, there are other liposuction techniques you may have heard about. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) or Vaser uses low-frequency ultrasound energy to emulsify the fat before it is removed via suction. There are also techniques that use a vibrating cannula or laser energy to aid in fat removal. Some of these alternatives can be equally effective in experienced hands, but we caution patients to beware of names such as “smart” or “laser.” These names are used mainly for marketing purposes. They do not offer a lower risk of liposuction side effects, nor do they provide any better or easier results. Safety is of primary importance at Banff Plastic Surgery, so we will ensure that your chosen procedure is likely to meet your goals with a very low risk of complications.

We often have patients tell us “I have my mother’s thighs” or “I have my grandmother’s hips.” These women have been unable to “spot-reduce” with diet and exercise and often turn to liposuction to address their problem areas. Liposuction can be very effective in certain areas of the body, particularly the lower abdomen, hips and outer thighs. At Banff Plastic Surgery, it is mainly used as an adjunct to complement breast and abdominoplasty surgery. It can help clothing fit better and improve how a woman feels about her body shape, balancing proportion and restoring confidence.

It’s important to remember that liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle or a treatment for obesity. It can slim and reshape specific areas of the body, but it is not a weight loss procedure. Patients who have the best experience with liposuction are typically satisfied with their weight before surgery. For these patients, liposuction is “the icing on the cake” used to refine isolated problem areas that have not responded to diet and exercise.

Many patients interested in improving the appearance of their abdomen want to know whether liposuction or a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) will give them a better result. The simple answer is, it depends on the patient. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and can offer a beautiful outcome for the right candidate.

If you currently have good skin and muscle tone, and are only concerned about reducing fat, liposuction may be an effective choice for you. Liposuction cannot correct loose and sagging skin or repair stretched abdominal muscles. If you have loose abdominal muscles and/or a significant amount of excess skin in addition to unwanted fat, a tummy tuck may be better suited to your needs. Abdominoplasty is a more invasive surgical procedure that involves a longer and more uncomfortable recovery, but it can achieve more dramatic improvements than even the most aggressive liposuction procedure. Liposuction and abdominoplasty can be combined for patients who require the most comprehensive treatment.

Liposuction is a safe, effective procedure with a relatively short recovery time. Most liposuction procedures are done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, so you can go home later the same day. The incisions are very small and the risks of surgical complications are very low. However, there can be significant bruising and swelling and you may be quite sore for a week or more. Although not necessary for the final result, most liposuction patients wear a compression garment (similar to Spanx) for about four weeks after surgery to help manage the swelling and help their body adjust to its new contours. It takes about six weeks for the swelling and bruising to settle and about six months for the areas to soften.

You can get back to your normal routine quite quickly after liposuction. Liposuction recovery time varies depending upon which areas are treated and how many areas are treated. In general, most of our patients take about a week off work and regular activities. It is essential to allow yourself ample time for a safe and healthy recovery process.

Once your final results are in place, you can enjoy them for many years to come. Liposuction removes fat cells from the treated area permanently — once they are gone, they will not grow back. Your new body shape will remain relatively stable as long as you maintain a similar weight. If you gain a significant amount of weight in the future, the remaining fat cells in the treated area may expand or your body may store excess fat in other areas. It is important to continue making healthy choices for a long-lasting result.

Liposuction can be a life-changing procedure for patients who have struggled to achieve a body they love. If you would like to discuss your body contouring options, please call us today at 403-762-2055 to learn more.