Do you have areas of stubborn fat that just do not seem to respond to diet and exercise? In conjunction with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a liposuction session at Nuance Cosmetic Surgery in Folsom may be the solution you need to get back on track to your desired body size through liposuction.
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment. During your consultation, you will meet board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Sumida and create a customized surgical plan that outlines your personal expectations.
What is Liposuction?
One of our most frequently requested body procedures at Nuance, liposuction removes fat in order to contour and slim certain areas of the body. It is performed on an outpatient basis using general or local anesthesia. This procedure may be used to extract localized fat deposits from:
- Thighs
- Buttocks and hips
- Upper arms
- Back
- Abdomen and waist
- Chest area
- Inner knee
- Calves and ankles
- Cheeks, chin and neck
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Although Dr. Sumida will determine during your consultation whether liposuction is right for you and your body, good candidates for this procedure usually include people near a normal weight range who have the elasticity to their skin and realistic expectations for an improved body contour.
Individuals with significant loose skin, ongoing weight fluctuations, or untreated medical conditions may be advised to consider other procedures that better suit their goals. Dr. Sumida will carefully evaluate your health, skin tone, and aesthetic priorities to help you decide whether liposuction is the best option.
What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?
Long-Term Fat Reduction
Liposuction can help remove stubborn fat deposits that have resisted healthy lifestyle habits. Once these fat cells are removed, they do not come back, which means the treated areas can maintain a leaner contour. The procedure allows you to refine specific zones rather than providing general weight loss. Consistent weight maintenance can help preserve these results for the long term.
Improved Proportion and Symmetry
Sometimes patients have more fat in areas like the abdomen or waist, which can make the body look out of proportion. Slimming these areas can create a smoother line from the abdomen, waist, and hips and help everything look more balanced. Liposuction can also be used for small bulges in areas like the flanks or under the chin that may make the area look less symmetrical or less defined.
Complements Other Procedures
Liposuction can be performed alone or alongside other surgical treatments for comprehensive body contouring results. It is often combined with tummy tucks, breast enhancement, or facial contouring to refine results and improve definition. The procedure can also aid in enhancing the outcome of reconstructive or cosmetic surgeries by removing localized fat pockets that may interfere with smooth contours.
Who Can Benefit From Liposuction?
Post-Partum Women
Pregnancy often changes how the body stores fat, especially around the abdomen, hips, and thighs. The liposuction procedure can help smooth and refine these areas after childbirth when natural efforts have already restored general fitness. Women who have finished having children may find that liposuction helps them regain more defined contours and restore a balanced silhouette.
Men With Gynecomastia
Hormonal shifts or weight fluctuations can cause excess fat to build up in the chest area, which can create the appearance of enlarged breasts. Liposuction can help flatten and contour the chest by reducing unwanted fat that contributes to this condition. Men often choose this option when glandular tissue is minimal, and the excess tissue is primarily fatty.
Patients After Weight Loss
Even if you have lost significant weight, there can still be bulges of fat left behind that refuse to budge. If you are at your goal weight and still want to refine your shape, liposuction can help areas like the flanks, thighs, or abdomen where fat pockets are common. Liposuction can be a final step for many in their weight loss goals, but it is not a weight loss treatment in itself.
Consultation and Assessment
Your consultation for liposuction begins with a discussion about your goals and areas of concern. We evaluate your medical history, current health, and the specific regions you’d like to refine to determine if the treatment suits your body type and expectations. During this visit, you can learn about different techniques, recovery timelines, and what kind of results are realistic for your body type. We may also use photos or digital imaging to help you visualize possible outcomes and guide your treatment plan, and we may take “before” photos to compare after your surgery. We are here to give you clear information that takes your situation into account so you can make an informed decision about this surgery.
Preparing for Liposuction
You will be advised prior to surgery whether any changes need to be made to your daily life, but in some cases, you may need to stop smoking, adjust certain medications, and avoid using anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and herbal supplements before undergoing liposuction. Before your procedure:
- Arrange transportation and support: Have someone available to drive you home after surgery and assist you during the first 24 hours while you rest and recover.
- Maintain a balanced diet and hydration: Nourish your body with healthy foods and fluids in the weeks before surgery to promote healing and overall wellness.
- Follow all pre-operative instructions: Review the guidance given during your consultation carefully, including any fasting or hygiene steps required.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing: Choose garments that are easy to remove and will not place pressure on the treated areas.
- Prepare your recovery space at home: Set up pillows, compression garments, and prescribed medications within easy reach to make your rest period more comfortable.
- Plan for time off work or strenuous activity: Give yourself adequate downtime to allow your body to recover properly and avoid unnecessary strain.
What to Expect During Liposuction
On the day of your liposuction, we will make markings on your skin to guide our fat removal and make sure the results look balanced. You will receive anesthesia for comfort, which may include local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia will depend on the treatment area and the extent of the procedure.
Next, we will inject a tumescent solution that contains a mix of saline, lidocaine to numb the area, and epinephrine to minimize bleeding and swelling. We will insert a small cannula through tiny incisions and will move it back and forth across the treatment area to remove the excess fat. Once we reach the desired amount and contour, we will apply dressings and compression garments to support healing. After surgery, you’ll spend time in our recovery area as the anesthesia wears off, and once you feel alert and stable, you can return home with a friend or family member.
What to Expect After Liposuction
Some soreness, swelling, and bruising are expected as part of the normal recovery after liposuction. These sensations feel similar to muscle soreness or fatigue. We will have you wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support your new shape as your body heals. You can expect some bruising and tenderness, but these sensations gradually fade as the tissues settle.
We usually recommend taking a few days to rest before easing back into light activity. Most patients start to feel more like themselves within a week, though returning to full activity may take a bit longer. As the swelling goes down, you’ll begin to notice smoother, more defined contours.
How is the Recovery Process?
Liposuction involves multiple incisions on specific areas of the body in order to maximize body reshaping and contouring. Recovery involves wearing a compression garment in order to control swelling for three to four weeks, with normal activity possible after that time. Benefits will become more and more apparent as your body heals, but full liposuction results will be observed after about three months.
Provided that you maintain a stable weight and a lifestyle of general fitness, the effects of liposuction are long-term. Significant weight fluctuation may have consequences for your results, and the aging process may also cause the treated areas to lose some of their firmness.
Doctor Sumida and Nuance’s experienced medical team will advise you during your healing process on proper aftercare for your incision sites. This will reduce your risk of infection or adverse side effects. During your consultation, Dr. Sumida will inform you of the possible risks associated with this procedure and discuss liposuction vs. tummy tuck.
How to Maintain Your Liposuction Results
You can help preserve your liposuction results by maintaining healthy daily habits that support long-term body balance. Choose whole, nutrient-rich foods and limit processed or high-sugar options that can contribute to fat buildup. Regular physical activity, such as strength training and low-impact cardio, keeps your metabolism steady and helps maintain muscle tone beneath the treated areas.
Make sure to stay hydrated and care for your skin with moisturizers or gentle exfoliation to keep the areas that have been treated with liposuction smooth and firm. Focus on building consistent routines rather than strict short-term efforts to keep your results stable.
What Is the Difference Between Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck?
Liposuction can remove excess fat, but it does not repair abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes both excess fat and stretched skin while tightening the underlying muscles to create a flatter, firmer midsection. We often recommend liposuction when the concern is localized fat with good skin elasticity, while a tummy tuck is better suited for loose or sagging skin after pregnancy or significant weight changes. In some cases, we combine both procedures. Call us today to learn more about the difference between liposuction vs. tummy tuck.
Combining Liposuction With Other Procedures
Fat Transfer
Fat removed during liposuction can be purified and reinjected into areas that need volume, such as the face, breasts, or buttocks. We carefully process the fat to purify it and prepare it for injection, and then reintroduce the fat. Fat transfer can also improve skin texture and softness in the areas where volume is restored.
Tummy Tuck
Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are frequently paired to create a flatter, more sculpted midsection. We use liposuction to remove excess fat in addition to tightening the abdominal muscles and removing stretched skin. Combining these techniques allows us to shape areas that are not usually addressed during a tummy tuck, like the flanks, hips, or back.
Skin Tightening
When skin has lost some elasticity, liposuction can be complemented with a skin-tightening treatment to refine the surface and enhance firmness. We may use radiofrequency or other methods to encourage collagen production and smooth the treated area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction
How Much Fat Can Be Removed During Liposuction?
The amount of fat removed depends on your body type, treatment area, and overall health. We aim for proportionate improvement rather than removing the maximum possible amount. Removing too much fat during liposuction can increase surgical risks. General guidelines limit fat removal to around five liters, or 11 pounds, during liposuction. We will discuss realistic goals and what to expect during liposuction recovery so you understand how your body will adjust.
How Visible Are Liposuction Scars?
Incisions for liposuction are very small and are usually hidden in natural creases or less visible areas of the body. Scars tend to fade as healing progresses, and most become barely noticeable with the right care. We will give you detailed aftercare instructions to support the best possible outcome for your skin.
Is Liposuction Painful?
You can expect some soreness and tenderness in the treated areas, and you may feel like you have had an intense workout. We use anesthesia during the procedure and provide pain management options for comfort during your recovery. The discomfort is manageable and will gradually improve as the swelling decreases.
What’s the Difference Between Liposuction and Non-Surgical Fat Reduction?
Liposuction physically removes fat cells through small incisions, while non-surgical treatments like EMSCULPT NEO® use heat and electromagnetic energy, or other methods, to break down fat cells so they can be processed naturally by the body. Liposuction procedures allow for more precise and direct contouring and immediate fat reduction, while non-surgical options offer milder results over multiple sessions. We help you decide which method aligns best with your goals and tolerance for downtime.
When Can I Return to Work or Exercise?
You can usually return to desk work after a few days once your energy begins to return. We encourage you to start light walking early in recovery to keep your circulation strong and promote healing. More intense activities should wait until you feel fully comfortable, and we confirm that your body is ready. You can expect to get back to your normal routine within a couple of weeks, depending on the treatment area and how much fat we removed.
Can Liposuction Tighten Loose Skin?
Liposuction removes fat but does not directly tighten the skin. When skin elasticity is good, it can contract naturally to fit the new contour. We will evaluate your skin’s condition during consultation to recommend the best approach for you.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
The cost of liposuction varies depending on the size and number of areas treated, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is combined with other surgeries. During your consultation, Dr. Sumida will provide a personalized estimate based on your goals and the time required for surgery. Fees typically include anesthesia, facility costs, and post-surgical care.
About Nuance Cosmetic Surgery
At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery Medical Center, we provide comprehensive plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery services for patients throughout Folsom and the greater Sacramento area. Our AAAASF-certified surgical center and full-service skin fitness program allow us to give you a complete aesthetic experience in one comfortable setting. Dr. Kenneth Sumida is a board-certified plastic surgeon who leads our practice with decades of experience and a passion for patient education.
Reduce Unwanted Fat Pockets With Liposuction in Folsom, CA
Liposuction should not be used as a weight loss solution, but rather in conjunction with a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise. If you are ready to take the next step in getting rid of fat and feeling better about your body, contact Nuance Cosmetic Surgery today for liposuction in Sacramento and meet Dr. Sumida, one of the top Plastic Surgeons in Folsom, CA (near Sacramento).
