Liposuction

What is liposuction?

Medically termed lipoplasty, liposuction is a procedure in which fat is removed from one or more areas of the body - such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs or hips - to slim and create desired contours for those areas.
What does liposuction improve?

Liposuction can:

  • Remove excess fat from targeted areas.
  • Create a slimmer, more balanced overall appearance.

Liposuction is most successful when a patient's overlying skin has sufficient elasticity to shrink evenly and smoothly over the new contours. The procedure should not be used as a one-and-only weight loss solution, but rather combined with sound nutrition and exercise. 

How is the procedure performed?

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure that can usually be performed with local anesthesia or with oral sedatives and pain relievers, unless it is combined with other procedures, in which case general anesthesia may be required. Dr. Moosavi is specially trained in SAFELipo. This patented technique involves loosening, emulsifying and separating out unwanted fat cells before gently removing them and equalizing the thin, remaining fat layer without generating heat. This keeps important blood vessels, skin and other tissues safely intact.

What are the risks?

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Infection
  • Change in skin sensation
  • Poor healing
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Potential damage to underlying organs, tissues
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac or pulmonary complications
  • Rippling of loose skin, worsening of cellulite
  • Asymmetries or irregular contours
  • Irregular pigmentation

What can be expected after the surgery?

Will I have bandages/drainage tubes?

Elastic bandages and/or a compression garment may be used over the treated areas to reduce swelling and help shape skin into the body's new contours. Also, drainage tubes may be used to remove excess fluid.

How soon until I can return to work?

Every patient is different. Heed the surgeon's advice about when to return to work and resume your typical activities following surgery.

How soon until I see results?

It could take weeks, or in some cases, months for swelling to completely subside and your skin to shrink and get settled around your renewed shape.

Is liposuction covered by insurance?

Liposuction surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is generally not covered by insurance companies.