Will I be able to see the results of Liposuction right away?

It may take 6 or more months for 100% of the swelling to fully resolve. Only then will you be able to see the final results of your surgery. You will begin to see initial results in a few weeks after your surgery as the body heals and swelling and fluid retention begins to subside.

Do I need general anesthesia for Liposuction?

In most cases, Liposuction can be done using local anesthesia and sedation. Dr. Subbio may suggest a general anesthesia for some patients, however.

Will I look thinner after Liposuction?

Yes. While this is not a weight loss surgery or a substitute for weight loss, you will lose inches and look slimmer after liposuction. Candidates for this surgery should be near their ideal weight and have good skin elasticity. If you have loose skin in any of the areas where you’d like to have liposuction, you may need a different procedure (such as a Tummy Tuck) in order to reduce both excess fat and skin.

How long will my Liposuction results last?

Liposuction results are permanent, but new fat deposits can develop. If you maintain a steady weight and exercise regularly, you will be less likely to need Liposuction again.

How long before I can exercise after liposuction?

We ask that you refrain from strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 3-6 weeks depending upon the extent of your Liposuction.

Does liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Sometimes, it can improve the appearance of cellulite if the cellulite is in the area to be treated. SmartLipo is a technique that can tighten the skin and improve cellulite. It is important to include cellulite in your planning process for liposuction, and Dr. Subbio will be mindful of that during your consultation.

Will Dr. Subbio help me decide if Liposuction is right for me?

Absolutely! During your consultation for liposuction, Dr. Subbio will ask you what specific spots you would like to see changed. Then, he’ll tell you exactly which procedure will give you the results you’re after, and he’ll explain what you can expect.

Liposuction

Philadelphia, PA

Introduction

Refine Your Contours with Liposuction

At Subbio Plastic Surgery in Philadelphia, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Subbio incorporates advanced liposuction techniques into transformative procedures such as Tummy Tucks and Mommy Makeovers. While Dr. Subbio does not perform standalone liposuction, he utilizes this technique to enhance body contouring results as part of comprehensive surgical plans.

Liposuction Results

Liposuction B&A

View Results

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure where stubborn pockets of fat are sucked out of the body through a tube and vacuum device. It is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the world, and it has evolved over the years to take advantage of advances in technology. Liposuction is frequently used to enhance the results of other body contouring procedures, including:

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Liposuction can help refine the waistline and remove excess fat around the abdomen for a smoother, more toned result.

Mommy Makeover: Liposuction is often combined with procedures like breast augmentation or lifts to restore pre-pregnancy body contours.

If you’re considering liposuction alone and don’t think you need a full Tummy Tuck, it’s important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Subbio first. He will assess your needs and determine if whether liposuction alone will achieve your desired results or if a tummy tuck would provide a better outcome.

A woman poses in natural light, wearing a fitted white crop top and high-waisted bikini bottoms, highlighting her silhouette. - Liposuction in West Chester Pike Newton Square, PA

Liposuction Vs. Weight Loss

Liposuction is not a weight loss solution – it’s a body contouring procedure designed to remove stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise. If you’re looking to lose a significant amount of weight, lifestyle changes or medical weight loss options may be more appropriate before considering liposuction.

At Subbio Plastic Surgery, we offer medical weight loss injections to help patients jumpstart their weight loss journey. These treatments can help curb appetite and promote gradual, sustainable weight loss.

Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck

Another common misconception is that liposuction alone will offer the same benefits as a tummy tuck. In reality, these are very different procedures, each with their own benefits and results. While Liposuction removes fat, it does not address excess skin or muscle laxity. A tummy tuck is often required to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove loose skin, making it a preferred option for patients seeking a flatter, firmer abdomen.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Liposuction First Step

Types of Liposuction

Liposuction is hardly a new procedure in the plastic surgery world. Over the years, there have been multiple innovations to the standard model of liposuction.

Dr. Subbio often use tumescent liposuction, where a fluid with anesthesia is used to break down fat for easier and less painful removal.

For larger volumes of fat or for fibrous body areas, Vaser liposuction may be used. Vaser is a technique in which an ultrasound probe is inserted beneath the skin to “liquify” the fat before it is suctioned.

During your consultation for liposuction, Dr. Subbio will help you understand the options available to you. Our staff will answer all of your questions, so you can make informed choices about which type of procedure might be right for you.

The Liposuction Procedure

Small incisions of about 1/4-inch each are made in the areas to be treated. Dr. Subbio will make every effort to place the incisions in discrete locations where the scars can be easily covered with clothing. These might include natural body creases, the area low on the abdomen above the groin, the belly button, or under the chin, for example.

A tube called a cannula is inserted into the incisions and attached to a suction device that removes the fat. Dr. Subbio uses the tumescent technique, which is the preferred Liposuction method in which tumescent fluid is used to numb the area, reduce bleeding, and loosen the fatty tissue. He then moves the cannula in and out of the incision to break down the excess fat as it is suctioned out. The incisions are either closed with sutures or bandaged for natural healing.

Length: 1 to 2 hours (or more for extensive procedures)
Anesthesia: Local or general, depending on the extent of the procedure
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient
Extensive procedures may require a short in-patient stay
Results: Permanent (if sensible diet and exercise are maintained)

Your Liposuction Recovery Guide

You will be able to walk the next day, but please do take it easy. Our liposuction patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness for about two weeks. Sutures will either dissolve on their own, or we’ll remove them about a week after your surgery.

If you have extensive Liposuction, drains may be placed in some of the incisions to catch fluids. We will remove these within a week after your surgery. Depending on the area and extent of your Liposuction, you may need to wear a compression garment for 2-4 weeks to keep swelling to a minimum.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost In Philadelphia, PA

As part of your consultation, we will be able to provide you with a detailed estimate of the costs of your procedure, as well as options for alternative treatment options based on cost.

At Subbio Plastic Surgery we also have financing options available for patients who qualify. We don’t want financial obstacles to come between you and your ideal body. Our friendly staff can help you find a financing option that works for your situation so you can get the care you deserve.

Liposuction Risks and Side Effects

Liposuction is generally regarded as a low risk procedure, especially when it is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio. However, as an invasive procedure, liposuction does have potential risks and side effects.

The most common side effect of liposuction is bruising around the treatment area. Dr. Subbio takes special care to minimize this risk by using tumescent liposuction; a technique where a fluid mixed with a topical anesthetic is used to break apart fat below the skin. This allows it to be more easily and painlessly removed, and reduces the risk of side effects.

Other potential side effects include discoloration and sagging of the skin, scarring, worsening of cellulite, swelling, infection, and changes to skin sensation. In rare cases, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary complications have been noticed following liposuction.

Dr. Subbio takes special care to use proven techniques to minimize these risks. That’s why it is so important to find a proven plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio to perform your liposuction in Philadelphia.

Liposuction Scars

Liposuction scars are very uncommon with a trained plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio. This is because liposuction incisions are small (usually less than an inch long), Following your surgery, you will likely have a wound that scabs over, leaving a small scar which will fade over time.

Dr. Subbio knows how to place his liposuction incisions in areas where scarring is less likely, and less visible if you wind up having scars that take longer to heal. Dr. Subbio also provides his patients with detailed aftercare instructions to minimize recovery times (and the appearance of scars).

Liposuction Results

Liposuction results may not be visible immediately after the procedure, due to swelling or bruising that lasts for the first few days. As the healing process reduces these aftereffects, your new body will begin to take shape. Your swelling will go down over the next 1-3 months, revealing a slimmer looking you.

You may also see some skin looseness following your procedure. Depending on the style of liposuction you had and other factors (age, skin laxity) your skin will tighten some following your procedure. If your skin does not snap back the way you envisioned, you may be a candidate for further skin tightening procedures following your liposuction. Dr. Subbio will help you determine if skin tightening may be necessary as part of your procedure during your consultation.

Liposuction FAQ’S

Yes. While this is not a weight loss surgery or a substitute for weight loss, you will lose inches and look slimmer after liposuction. Candidates for this surgery should be near their ideal weight and have good skin elasticity. If you have loose skin in any of the areas where you’d like to have liposuction, you may need a different procedure (such as a Tummy Tuck) in order to reduce both excess fat and skin.