30 mins - 2 hours
From $4,000+ per area treated
1 week Basic
4 weeks Full
Our Vision for Liposuction
Medically reviewed by Christopher J. Ewart, MD and Michael S. Tarakji, MD, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons — Updated August 2026
Our goal is to provide superior results while not compromising on patient safety, comfort and experience. While we cannot guarantee that every patient will have the perfect experience, we strive to make that happen. Body contouring with liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that are difficult to improve with dieting and exercise. The most important decision is choosing the surgeon. This determines your results more than the type of liposuction.
We also offer Lipo 360 — circumferential liposuction of the abdomen, waist, flanks, and back in one session for a complete midsection contour.
Risks and How We Minimize Them
Every surgery carries risk. For liposuction the main ones are contour irregularities, seroma, temporary numbness and firmness, and — rarely — deeper complications. How we minimize them: conservative, even fat removal by board-certified plastic surgeons; honest candidacy screening (liposuction is contouring, not weight loss — and if skin laxity is your real issue, we will steer you to BodyTite or surgery instead of overselling lipo); compression protocols and early walking; nicotine rules (we recommend quitting 4-6 weeks ahead and require a minimum of 2 weeks nicotine-free); and our QUAD A accredited surgical facility.
Common Concerns
- I can’t get rid of this excess fat
- I exercise and diet with no results
- Stubborn areas
- I carry my weight in my hips
- I lack motivation when I look in the mirror
- How can I lose inches off my waist
- Saddle bags and love handles
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. It’s a body contouring procedure — not a weight-loss solution.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Near ideal body weight: Within 20-30% of your target weight
- Good skin elasticity: Skin must retract to new contours after fat removal
- Localized fat deposits: Love handles, abdomen, thighs, arms, chin, bra rolls, or flanks
- Good health and non-smoker
Liposuction Is NOT For
- Weight loss — it removes 1-10 pounds of fat, not 50+
- Cellulite — liposuction doesn’t improve dimpling (ask us about Avéli instead)
- Skin tightening — loose skin needs different treatments (ask about BodyTite)
Age and Skin Quality
There’s no strict age limit, but skin elasticity decreases with age. Older patients or those with looser skin may benefit from combining liposuction with skin tightening (BodyTite) or surgical skin removal.
Who Should Wait
Delay if you’re actively losing weight, planning pregnancy, have significant skin laxity in the area, or have BMI over 35.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.
Are there different types of liposuction?
- Tumescent Liposuction
This is the most common type of suction performed. Fluid is injected into the fat to minimize bleeding, then the fat is removed with suction cannulas. - VASER Liposuction (Ultrasonic)
Ultrasonic heat breaks down the fat and also can provide skin tightening when needed. New and advanced liposuction method. - Laser Liposuction (Smart Lipo)
Removes fat and provides heat through a laser. Same results as VASER and ultrasonic liposuction. - Power-assisted Liposuction (PAL)
This technique uses a motorized cannula to help break up the fat cells more effectively.
How many inches can I lose?
Abdomen & Love Handles
Liposuction to these areas can significantly reduce your waistline circumference. The number of inches lost depends on how much excess fat you currently have. On average, patients lose around 3-5 inches from their waistline just from liposuction alone.
Army Tape Test
Reducing inches around the waist can often help military personnel pass the tape measure test. Liposuction is usually the best surgical procedure to achieve this result.
Should I be awake or asleep for liposuction?
- Local Anesthesia — For those patients who have reservations about being “put to sleep” or have small areas that need to be treated. Medication can be taken to help you relax during the procedure.
- IV Sedation | Twilight Anesthesia — Requires placement of an IV and some blood work. You are given medication so that you are comfortable, gently fall asleep and have minimal to no recollection of the procedure.
- General Anesthesia — An anesthesiologist will provide complete general anesthesia to put you to sleep. For larger areas of liposuction. Potential for improved results.
Surgery Center
All procedures including local liposuction are performed at our AAAA certified ambulatory surgery center. Feel confident about your safety.
What is liposuction recovery like?
Liposuction recovery is generally easier than many surgical procedures, but varies based on the number of areas treated and volume of fat removed.
Days 1-3: Immediate Post-Op
Expect significant swelling, bruising, and soreness at treated areas. Tumescent fluid drains from incision sites for 24-48 hours — this is normal. Compression garments are worn immediately and continuously.
- Pain is moderate — typically managed with medication transitioning to OTC by day 2-3
- Walk gently every few hours to prevent blood clots
- Compression garment 24/7
- Stay hydrated
Week 1: Early Recovery
Bruising peaks around days 3-5. Swelling makes you look larger than your pre-op size — completely normal and temporary. Most patients return to desk work by day 3-7.
Weeks 2-4: Progressive Improvement
Bruising fades. Treated areas may feel hard, lumpy, or numb — normal, resolves over weeks to months. Light exercise resumes around week 2-3.
Weeks 5-8: Contour Emerging
Approximately 60-70% of swelling has resolved. New contours become visible. Full exercise resumes at week 4-6. Lymphatic drainage massage helps accelerate healing.
Months 3-6: Final Results
By month 3, approximately 80-90% of final results are visible. Final contour is typically achieved by month 6. Don’t judge results until at least month 3 — early swelling is misleading.
Every patient heals differently — your surgeon will give you personalized guidance at your consultation. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.