• Thigs
• Hips and buttocks
• Abdomen and waist
• Upper arms
• Back
• Inner Knee
• Chest area
• Cheeks, chin and neck
• Calves and ankles

The ideal candidates to undergo liposuction are all those people who are relatively normal weight but have accumulated fat in localized areas. If a person has good general health, psychological stability, and realistic expectations, they are considered a good candidate. The most important thing to achieve good results is to have firm and elastic skin, since sagging skin is not redistributed over the new body contour and may require another surgical procedure to remove excess skin). Liposuction is not recommended for people who have had a recent surgery in the area to be treated, people with poor circulation in that area or with heart or respiratory problems.

During the first consultation, the plastic surgeon will evaluate the general condition of the patient, the existing fat deposits and the tone and firmness of the skin. It is necessary for the patient to state their expectations to obtain an honest evaluation and for the surgeon to be able to show the available alternatives more in accordance with their wishes.

Healthy, non-overweight patients with localized excess fat and elastic skin are the best candidates for liposuction. Liposuction is performed in the operating room, within a clinic. This should never be done in a place other than the operating room since it’s the only place that has the appropriate aseptic conditions and equipment for this type of procedure. Regularly the patient is discharged immediately, however in some cases a stay of 2 to 3 days may be necessary.

A liposuction lasts around 2 hours, but this time can vary (from 30 minutes to several hours) depending on the area and the amount. First a small incision is made, wide enough to be able to insert a hollow tube known as a liposuction cannula. The other end of this cannula is attached to a machine that produces a vacuum or a special syringe. The surgeon moves the cannula between the fatty deposits located under the skin, breaking the fat and sucking it out. During liposuction, fluid is lost along with the fat, so it is necessary to replace it immediately to avoid a “shock”.

If the procedure does not require a long time, that is, if the amount of fat to be removed is not excessive, local anesthesia plus sedation can be used. In some cases, epidural anesthesia can be used. If the liposuction will be performed in large areas or several areas, it is more common to use general anesthesia. This is at the discretion of the plastic surgeon who will be in charge of carrying out the procedure.

After liposuction, drainage tubes can be placed under the skin for 2 to 3 days to decrease the probability of fluid build-up. The use of a girdle, stockings or an elastic bandage over the treated area for 2 or 3 weeks to control swelling and bleeding and to help the skin adapt to the new contour is extremely necessary. Antibiotics can also be given to prevent any type of infection. The areas where the procedure was performed will most likely be swollen and bruised, and the patient may have a burning sensation. The surgeon will prescribe medications to relieve pain after surgery. Loss of sensation in the area is totally normal and is not permanent.

Walking as much as possible is very important to avoid the formation of venous thrombi in the legs, however strenuous activities should be avoided for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. The stitches will be removed between 5 and 10 days. The swelling and bruising will disappear in the first month or two after liposuction; however, patient may experience minimal swelling for 6 or more months.

Liposuction is a very effective choice to provide a new body contour with minimal scarring. The results can be permanent as long as you maintain a proper diet and exercise regularly. Liposuction scars are minimal and strategically placed to be hidden, even when wearing a bikini. Most patients who undergo this procedure are quite satisfied with the results.