Liposuction or Liposculpture is consistently one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. It does not remove excess skin nor is it a weight loss procedure, but rather liposuction is used to improve the appearance of *certain problem areas. The best candidates are those who have reached their goals in terms of *weight loss through diet and exercise yet still have areas of fat that just won’t go away. The most common areas of concern are the chin, abdomen and waist, and inner and outer thighs.

Liposuction is usually done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis and typically takes an hour depending on how many areas need to be done. Small incisions are placed in the natural folds of skin near the area to be treated. A special solution is infused throughout the fat to facilitate removal and limit bleeding. Different sized cannulas (long hollow tubes) are used to suction out the fat, making multiple passes through the tissue in different directions to achieve the best result. A compression bandage will be placed following surgery and should be worn at all times for the next 4 to 6 weeks, except to shower.

Laser Liposuction is also offered by the Plastic Surgery Center of Hattiesburg. With laser liposuction a small laser fiber is inserted under the skin to break up the fat. Because the tip of the laser generates heat, it is then used to tighten the skin from underneath. A traditional small liposuction cannula is then used to remove excess fat.

* Because fat is not very dense, it is unlikely that you will notice much difference in terms of your weight. *More commonly, you will notice a change in the way your clothes fit.

*Results can vary from patient to patient and there is no guarantee of specific results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How soon will I see results from Liposuction?

Following liposuction, improvements in the contours of the treated areas will be seen almost immediately.  It will take some time for the swelling to go away before the final results can be appreciated.

What are the risks of Liposuction?

As with any operation there are risks such as bleeding or infection.  Temporary changes in the sensation of the treated areas is expected.  The skin may loosen some, particularly if there are stretch marks in the area.  Every effort is made to minimize the likelihood of an irregularity of the contour of the skin.  More serious complications such as a blood clot are less likely.

Do I need sedation for Liposuction?

For a small area, liposuction may be done under local anesthesia.  For larger areas, sedation or general anesthesia provides the most comfortable experience.

What is the recovery from Liposuction?

Following liposuction we recommend wearing some compression garments over the treated areas.  You can expect some initial swelling and tenderness that will gradually resolve.  Light activities of daily living are encouraged.  We prefer that you avoid strenuous activity for approximately 4-6 weeks.

The Plastic Surgery Center in Hattiesburg MS specializes in Liposuction and Laser Liposuction and can answer any questions or alleviate any concerns you may have about these procedures. Before making that choice, we invite you to contact our office by completing a form or calling us at (601) 296-3405 to speak with someone at the center. We look forward to hearing from you!