Liposuction involves suctioning away excess fat through a thin tube known as a cannula. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and requires one or more tiny incisions in the treatment area so that doctors can access fat. It can be performed on nearly any area of the body but is most often used to target the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks.

Liposuction removes fat cells permanently, allowing muscle tissue to become more prominent and resulting in a fitter, more toned look. The visible results many people notice after undergoing liposuction may also spur an increase in self-esteem.

To be an ideal candidate for lipo, you should be:

-- Very close to your ideal body weight
-- In good health, with no underlying medical conditions that would prohibit you from receiving anesthesia
-- Committed to a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain your results

Stop smoking and refrain from taking medications that might interact negatively with anesthesia. For some procedures, you may also need to arrange time off from work or find someone to help you with household chores until you have fully recovered.

One of our staff members will confirm your procedure and review your medical chart for possible complications. Your surgeon will mark the area where lipo is to be performed with a magic marker, indicating the location of incisions. You will lie on a table, where you will receive local anesthesia intravenously or through an injection into the treated area.

The length of your surgery will depend on the area you are having suctioned and the number of fat cells you wish removed. Larger areas of the body, such as the thighs and buttocks, tend to take longer than smaller areas, such as the upper arms. Most liposuction procedures take on average between one and a half and two hours.

You will need to wear your compression bandage continuously for a specified period of time, typically one to two weeks. During that time, avoid getting your incisions wet to keep dirt and bacteria from entering your wound. Use over-the-counter medication to reduce swelling and help manage your discomfort.

This varies from one patient to the next, and will largely depend on the location of your incisions.

You will notice a reduction in the size of your body part almost instantly; however, the full results will not be noticeable until after you remove your compression dressing.

Liposuction provides permanent results, provided you do not gain an excess amount of weight in the future.

Lipo can eliminate fat but does not necessarily tighten the skin. If you still notice sagging skin following liposuction, you may want to consider a thigh lift or body lift.

Because you may have different needs than any other patient, we will not be able to discuss the exact cost with you until after your consultation. Cash, personal checks, and credit cards are always accepted for any of the procedures we offer, and many of our patients will also qualify for low-interest financing.