Liposuction
in Grand Rapids, MI
Liposuction, commonly known as “lipo,” is a fat removal surgery that targets specific areas of the body using a specialized device. It can be performed as a stand alone procedure to sculpt and contour the body, or in tandem with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, face lift, or breast reduction for more robust results.
As one of the most commonly performed procedures at the Centre for Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons have utilized liposuction in countless cases throughout decades of practice.
Why Consider Liposuction?
Let’s face it—fat is stubborn. Diet and exercise can be transformative, but it’s not unusual to struggle with areas of persistent fat deposits. Over time, many people develop pockets of fat in areas of the body like the abdomen, hips, legs, and neck that are resistant to even the most regimented diet and exercise routines. In healthy adults who are within a close range to their ideal body weight, liposuction can help to sculpt and contour the body to more aesthetically pleasing proportions.
What to Expect with Liposuction
Depending on your specific goals, you may undergo liposuction on its own or along with another surgical procedure. During your consultation, we’ll be exploring the options that will best suite your desired outcome. It’s likely that we will be taking photos when during your first appointment. This is an essential part of the surgical process. We understand that this can feel a bit uncomfortable, but we will do everything possible to make you feel relaxed.
Your liposuction surgery will likely be performed in the privacy of our onsite surgical facility. You will be made comfortable with the use of anesthesia. The device used in liposuction consists of a small thin metal tube (a cannula) that is attached to a suction mechanism. Small, discrete incisions will be made in the treatment area. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, we utilize two main types of liposuction procedures:
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is a procedure in which a solution of diluted anesthetic is injected into the area of fat you wish to be removed, allowing your surgeon to effectively target and treat that area.
Ultrasonic Liposuction
Ultrasonic liposuction involves using a specialized cannula that emits ultrasonic energy—especially effective for targeting areas of fibrous fat in the back and chest, which can otherwise be difficult to remove.
Liposuction Recovery
During your surgery, we will be placing a compression garment on your body over the treatment area(s). Small sections of gauze will be situated over your incisions under the garment. Since you will be under anesthesia, you’ll feel very groggy after your liposuction procedure. It is vital that you have a caretaker to accompany you during your surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours following. Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort from liposuction. Your body will likely feel sore and achy for about a week after your procedure. It is possible that your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you feel more comfortable.
You will need to wear your compression garment(s) continuously (except in the shower) for at least six weeks. This is to help control swelling and to aid your body in healing in a uniform manner. It is vital that you follow your post-op instructions carefully as this ensures your best chances for a smooth recovery. Most patients can expect to return to work within a week of their liposuction procedure.
Ideal Candidate for Liposuction
As with all body-contouring procedures, the best candidates are healthy, non-smoking individuals who are maintaining a stable weight. Those with great muscle tone and skin elasticity will experience the most dramatic results. Liposuction cannot improve the appearance of cellulite or loose skin. It is important to remember that liposuction is meant to contour the body and is not a weight loss procedure. It’s best used to remove the squishy, subcutaneous fat that sits on top of the muscle. Individuals who are concerned with hard, visceral fat that sits beneath the muscle are not liposuction candidates.
Liposuction in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Before & After
Chin Liposuction Patient 120
This 27-year-old woman (5' 6 ", 160 pounds) was seeking a more proportionate contour for her neck below the chin after finding that diet and exercise alone did not address her concerns. She was particularly focused on reducing the diet-resistant fat in this area. She underwent liposuction of the chin (submental) region, with a total of 70 ccs removed. The after photos, taken three months post-procedure, highlight the refined contour of her chin and neck. She was very pleased with the results, which aligned with her expectations and boosted her confidence in her overall appearance.
Tummy Tuck (Extended) Patient 129
This case features a 37-year-old woman (5'7", 155 pounds) who sought to improve the overall contour of her abdomen after multiple pregnancies with C-section deliveries. She underwent an extended tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with liposuction to the abdomen and muscle repair. A complex scar revision was performed 13 months later to enhance the texture and tone of her scar. The after photos, taken 18 months after her initial procedure, highlight the outcome of her final results.
Chin Liposuction Patient 121
This 30-year-old woman (5'5", 180 pounds) sought to enhance the contour of her jaw and neck after finding that diet and exercise alone did not achieve her desired results. She underwent liposuction of the chin (submental) area. The after photos, taken three months post-procedure, showcase the improved contour of her jaw and neck. She was very pleased with the outcome, feeling that her presurgical goals had been successfully achieved.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
The total cost of liposuction is a bit dependent on your specific needs. It is based on the total number of areas you wish to have treated, and whether it is being combined with another procedure. The best way to get an idea of how much it will cost is to contact us for a detailed discussion about your goals. However, we understand that cost is a concern for most. Visit our price estimator to learn what average patients pay for liposuction.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction
What is liposuction, and what can it do for me?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn pockets of fat to sculpt and refine your body’s contours. It’s ideal for areas that just won’t budge with diet and exercise, like the belly, love handles or thighs. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, our board-certified plastic surgeons have performed liposuction for decades, both on its own and alongside procedures like a tummy tuck.
What areas of the body can liposuction treat?
Liposuction can treat most areas where stubborn fat collects, including the abdomen, waist and flanks (love handles), hips, thighs, upper arms, back, chest, and the chin and neck. Many patients treat two or more areas in the same surgery for a more balanced look. For the jawline and neck, see our chin liposuction page.
Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
You’re likely a great candidate if you’re a healthy, non-smoking adult at or near a stable weight with specific fat deposits that diet and exercise haven’t changed. Good skin elasticity and muscle tone help your skin smooth down nicely over your new contours. Liposuction isn’t designed for weight loss, loose skin or cellulite, and we’ll be honest with you if another option would serve you better.
What's the difference between tumescent and ultrasonic liposuction?
Both techniques remove fat through small incisions with a thin tube called a cannula, and your surgeon will choose the best one for each area. With tumescent liposuction, a diluted anesthetic solution is placed in the treatment area first to reduce bleeding and discomfort. Ultrasonic liposuction uses gentle ultrasonic energy to loosen fat before removal, which is especially helpful for dense, fibrous fat in areas like the back and chest.
How much does liposuction cost in Grand Rapids?
Your cost depends mostly on how many areas you treat and whether you combine liposuction with another procedure. To see what a typical patient at the Centre for Plastic Surgery pays, try our quick online cost estimate, or contact us for a detailed quote after your consultation. We also offer monthly payment plans through trusted medical lenders, so you can spread payments over time.
Is liposuction safe?
Yes. Liposuction is a safe, well-established procedure for healthy patients when it’s performed by a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, your procedure takes place in our onsite surgical facility, and we review your health history carefully beforehand to keep you safe.
What are the risks of liposuction?
Most patients recover smoothly, but it’s important to understand the possible risks. The most common are bruising, swelling and temporary changes in skin sensation. Less common risks include uneven or irregular contours, infection and reactions to anesthesia. We’ll walk you through every risk in detail and explain how we minimize each one.
What is liposuction recovery like?
Most people feel sore for about a week and are back to their normal routine soon after. Here’s what to expect:
- First 24 hours: You’ll need a caretaker to drive you home and stay with you.
- First week: Expect soreness, bruising and swelling; prescribed pain medication can keep you comfortable.
- At least 6 weeks: You’ll wear a compression garment to control swelling and help your skin adapt to your new shape.
We’ll see you for follow-up visits to make sure you’re healing well.
When can I go back to work and exercise after liposuction?
Most patients return to work within about a week, sometimes sooner for desk jobs. Light walking is encouraged right away because it helps circulation and swelling. Most people can ease back into more strenuous workouts after about 2 to 4 weeks, once your surgeon gives you the go-ahead.
When will I see my liposuction results?
You’ll notice a change right away, but swelling hides your final result at first. Swelling gradually fades over several weeks to months, and most patients see their most dramatic results around 4 to 6 months after surgery. Wearing your compression garment as directed helps you get there.
Are liposuction results permanent?
Yes, the fat cells removed with liposuction are gone for good. The fat cells that remain can still grow if you gain weight, so keeping a stable weight with healthy eating and regular exercise is the best way to protect your results.
Will I lose weight with liposuction?
Not much. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure, so the goal is better shape and proportion rather than a lower number on the scale. It also can’t remove deep visceral fat around your organs. It works best when you’re already close to your ideal weight.
Will liposuction get rid of loose skin or cellulite?
No. Liposuction removes fat, but it doesn’t tighten loose skin or smooth cellulite. If loose skin is your main concern, a tummy tuck, arm lift or thigh lift may be a better fit, often combined with liposuction. We’ll help you find the right approach at your consultation.
Can I combine liposuction with other procedures?
Absolutely, and it’s very common. Liposuction is often paired with a tummy tuck to refine the waist and flanks, with breast procedures as part of a mommy makeover, or with a facelift or breast reduction. Combining procedures means one surgery and one recovery, and your surgeon will recommend a safe plan for your health and goals.
Can men get liposuction?
Yes. Liposuction is a popular choice for men, most often to treat the abdomen, flanks and chest. For enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia), liposuction is frequently combined with removal of firm breast tissue for a flatter, more masculine chest. Learn more on our men’s body procedures page.
How do I choose the right liposuction surgeon in Grand Rapids?
Look for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who performs liposuction often and can show you before-and-after photos of patients with goals like yours. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons have decades of liposuction experience and operate in our QuadA-accredited onsite surgical facility on Paris Avenue SE in Grand Rapids. Browse our before-and-after photos, then call us at (616) 454-1256 to schedule your consultation.