Liposuction FAQs: The Plastic Surgery Center of Maryland

Some FAQs on Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. Whether you have stubborn fat as a result of pregnancy, weight loss, or age, liposuction is the best way to manually remove excess fat from the body that won’t budge with diet and exercise. Below is a list of some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to get you started on your research.

Is Liposuction Dangerous?

If you’re considering getting liposuction, this question may be at the top of your list. Like any invasive surgery, there are some risks that come with getting liposuction. However, credible plastic surgeons use the most advanced technology and practices to minimize these risks for you. You should familiarize yourself with common side effects and treatment expectations before you commit. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon can usually answer all these questions for you and address any further concerns you may have.

Where Is Liposuction Done?

While it can be done virtually anywhere, liposuction is usually done on the following parts of the body:

  • Abdomen
  • Waist
  • Hips
  • Thighs
  • Knees
  • Upper arms
  • Chin
  • Neck

Who Gets Liposuction?

Liposuction is pretty common these days and can be done on a minor part of the body that has been affected by age, or in addition to other plastic surgery procedures. Some people get it to remove a bit of fat that has resisted diet and exercise, and some have benign fatty tumors that need to be removed.

What Happens During a Liposuction Procedure?

Liposuction is a procedure used to sculpt areas of the body or get rid of stubborn excess fat that has not responded to diet and exercise. There are a few different techniques that can be used, but the most popular is to create a small incision near the fat deposit and suck out the fat pocket with a thin tube. The surgeon removes these sections of fat by moving the tube around and targeting specific areas of the body. Some procedures use lasers or ultrasounds to liquefy the fat, which makes it easier to remove.

How Long Does Liposuction Take, and How Long Does It Last?

Usually done as an outpatient procedure, liposuction doesn’t involve lengthy hospital stays, unless the surgeon is removing large amounts of fat and uses general anesthesia or sedation. After surgery, the area that was treated is wrapped tightly to reduce swelling and is worn for 3 – 4 weeks. The effects can be seen immediately and last as long as the person maintains their body or succumbs to the natural aging process.

What Are the Side Effects or Risks of Liposuction?

Most people are able to get up and move around after the procedure is finished, but a lot of bruising and swelling can be expected in the first 7 – 10 days. Common side effects include:

  • Numbness, soreness, swelling, and bruising around the area of the incision
  • Minor scarring where the incision was made
  • Fluid drainage from the incision site for several days
  • Looseness of the skin where fat was removed

Always Consult a Doctor before Liposuction

There are special cases that make the risks of liposuction higher, including obesity and high blood pressure. In some cases, fat can grow back where it had been removed, deeper in the body and closer to your organs. Most surgeons agree that the best candidates for liposuction are those who are generally healthy but have a few problem areas that are a result of dramatic weight loss or due to the natural aging process.

The majority of liposuction surgeries end up going smoothly and producing the wanted effect. Sometimes you can see a contouring affect right away, and some patients continue to see results as much as a year after getting the surgery.

If you have any other questions about liposuction, feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosenberg.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at



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