Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to get rid of unwanted fat. Both diet and exercise can fall short when it comes to reaching your fitness goals, especially when pregnancy, aging, genetics or weight fluctuations can cause fat to be disproportionately stored throughout the body, leading to unflattering contours. Liposuction can help even out these problem areas and sculpt a slimmer, more balanced silhouette that you can feel confident about showing off.

There are several different choices available for your surgery, starting with the various different liposuction methods that may be used to achieve your goals. At PURE, we utilize a variety of techniques for sculpting new body contours, including tumescent liposuction, power liposuction, high-definition VASER liposuction and Total Definer HD Lipo. Each method uses a hollow tool called a cannula to eliminate unwanted fat, but they differ in their approaches and final results.

Am I a candidate for Liposuction?

If you’re bothered by stubborn pockets of unwanted fat, you might be a good candidate for liposuction. However, it’s important to know that liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, and the best results are achieved when paired with a balanced diet and exercise. If any of the following applies to you, book a consultation to learn more about this procedure. 

• You have unwanted fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise in common problem areas such as the back, abdomen, hips, thighs or flanks
• You’re unhappy with pregnancy-related body changes
• You’ve recently lost weight and want to address stubborn areas
• You don’t feel confident in bathing suits or certain clothing styles
• You’re in good overall health and have realistic expectations 
• You understand liposuction is not a shortcut to weight loss
• You’re at or near your goal weight with a healthy BMI

What should I expect at my consultation?

When considering liposuction, the first step is booking a consultation with one of PURE's experienced plastic surgeons. During your in-person or virtual consultation, our team will evaluate your unique concerns and recommend the most suitable treatment option for achieving your goals. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, discuss your potential results and view our gallery of before and after photos so you know what to expect.

If you decide to book your surgery, our team will also provide you with a list of things that can be done ahead of time to ensure that everything goes smoothly. This includes:

• Attending all appointments with your surgeon
• Resolving any medical concerns before surgery (mammograms, physicals, etc.)
• Finishing losing weight for the best results
• Scheduling your appointment with your PCP to get cleared for surgery
• Making travel plans if visiting us from out of town
• Packing your surgery bag (comfy socks, lip balm, personal care products, etc.)
• Arranging for a ride to and from surgery

As the date of your surgery nears, you’ll be given a date and specific instructions to follow. These may include your lab orders, specifics related to your medical needs and avoiding certain medications. Liposuction will be performed as an outpatient procedure at our surgical suite in Miami, Florida.

How does Liposuction work?

Liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort during surgery. Your surgeon will recommend the best type of anesthesia based on your goals and treatment plan.

While the exact technique will vary depending on which type of liposuction is performed, the general approach is similar for all types of liposuction. First, your surgeon will infuse the treatment area with a tumescent solution to aid in the fat removal process. Then, they’ll insert a hollow tube called a cannula through small, strategically placed incisions to begin the fat extraction process, moving it back and forth to dislodge unwanted fat cells. If advanced methods like VASER or high-def lipo are being used, they’ll be employed at this time.

As your surgeon extracts unwanted fat cells, they will sculpt areas of your body to ensure balanced, aesthetically pleasing contours. Once a sufficient amount of fat has been eliminated, your incisions will be closed, and you’ll be brought to a recovery room to be monitored for side effects as the anesthesia wears off. After your surgery, you may be wrapped in a compression garment to reduce swelling, promote healing and encourage skin retraction for the best results.

Liposuction times can range from minimal to prolonged depending on the number of areas you are treating. If your surgery is more involved, it could take up to two hours to finish.

Liposuction Recovery

You will be fitted with a special wrap or compression garment after surgery to promote healing, contour your body and reduce side effects like swelling. Post-op lymphatic massages are also an important part of your recovery, as they help decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of fibrosis. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions for a smooth recovery and be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Your well-being is our number one priority!

Your recovery from liposuction should go very well. You’ll experience pain and swelling for a few weeks after surgery, but this is normal and can be managed with rest and medication. Pain maintenance after surgery will be discussed with your surgeon. You may also have bruising where your incisions were made. Full recovery can take up to three months, but you should be able to return to a normal routine just a few days after surgery. Until cleared by your doctor, you’ll want to avoid exercise, sexual activity and lifting at least for the first six weeks.