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Liposuction

If you have stubborn fat in specific body areas that does not seem to respond to diet or exercise, consider the potential of liposuction. This popular procedure helps you achieve a more desired contour by addressing isolated deposits of fat. Our experienced plastic surgeons at The Ottawa Clinic most often perform liposuction on such areas as the thighs, buttocks, lower abdomen, flanks, hips and waist; however, this treatment can be performed on virtually any body area. For decades, liposuction has helped millions of patients eliminate areas of extra fat with beautiful results.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction is an extremely versatile procedure that can be custom-tailored to address a wide variety of patient concerns. Localized fat deposits may develop in nearly any part of the body, and liposuction can effectively eliminate these excess fat cells. Additional benefits of this common cosmetic procedure can include:

  • Enhanced definition and contours at the treatment area
  • A slimmer, more toned appearance
  • Improved fit of clothing
  • Boosted confidence
  • Minimal downtime and recovery
  • Long-lasting results

Some patients choose to combine liposuction with an additional body sculpting procedure such as tummy tuck or arm lift surgery for an even more significant transformation.

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

While liposuction can be a great option for people who are having trouble losing excess pockets of fat, we emphasize that liposuction is not a weight loss technique and cannot treat obesity. The ideal candidate has limited pockets of fat with good quality elastic skin (i.e. minimal overhang or stretch marks). Ideal candidates for liposuction typically share these common qualities:

  • Stubborn, excess fat in isolated areas of the body
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a nutritious diet
  • Good overall health

In general, ideal candidates for liposuction have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 35. Patients with a higher BMI are at greater risk of developing complications as a result of liposuction. The best way to determine your candidacy for liposuction is to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.

What Liposuction Alternatives Are Available?

If you are not a good candidate for liposuction or would prefer a less invasive option, The Ottawa Clinic offers alternative options to help sculpt areas with excess fat. CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment that delivers controlled cooling to destroy the targeted fat cells, which are gradually processed out of the body. For patients wanting to reduce excess fat beneath the chin, specifically, BELKYRA is a beneficial injectable treatment. By carefully administering BELKYRA’s deoxycholic acid-based formula, fat is slowly broken down which helps create a slimmer neck profile. The best fat reduction treatment for your unique case will be discussed during your consultation when your surgeon has had the chance to perform a physical evaluation and discuss your goals with treatment.

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What Does the Liposuction Procedure Involve?

To perform the liposuction procedure, your plastic surgeon will make small incisions through which the thin suction cannulas can be inserted. Using careful guidance and suction, fat is gently removed from under the skin, gradually resculpting the target areas.

Liposuction can be a less invasive alternative to other surgical procedures, but it can also be used in combination with other treatments. This is often done with such procedures as abdominoplasty, breast lift, and breast reduction for a more comprehensive enhancement.

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What Can I Expect in My Liposuction Recovery?

During your recovery from surgery, the treated areas are secured in compression garments to help control swelling. Should you experience any pain or discomfort, medication can help make recovery more comfortable. It is normal to experience mild bruising, but this should quickly fade. Patients can typically resume normal activities within the first week, but you should refrain from exercise and other strenuous activities for at least three weeks.

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What Will My Liposuction Scars Look Like?

Since liposuction is a type of surgery, incisions are made and will result in minor scarring. However, since the cannulas used to extract the fat are small, the resulting incision lines are typically small and heal well. To minimize the appearance of your scars, our plastic surgeons are careful to make incisions in areas that can easily be concealed. After your liposuction procedure, you will be provided with post-operative wound care instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery. Your scars should gradually fade over the course of the first year as your body continues to heal, becoming lighter and smoother.

Is Liposuction Permanent?

Once we reach our adult age, the number of fat cells in our body remains stable for the rest of our lives. When we notice weight gain from excess fat, this is due to the fat cells increasing in size. Conversely, when we lose weight, the size of the fat cells decrease.

Liposuction targets troublesome areas of the body that tend to store excess fat. By removing the fat cells in a specific area of the body, the patient’s total number of fat cells is permanently reduced, and the ability to regain weight in that area of the body is diminished.

However, patients are still able to gain—and lose—weight after liposuction. While the number of fat cells cannot increase, the remaining fat cells may still grow bigger. On the plus side, patients who lose additional weight after liposuction may notice the results of their liposuction improve. Some patients even find that losing weight is easier after they have undergone liposuction.

The best way to maintain the results of liposuction is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Diet and exercise are key components to the longevity of a patient’s results.

What Risks Are Associated with Liposuction?

As with any surgery, there are risks to undergoing liposuction. This is why it is important to seek a highly qualified plastic surgeon to ensure your safety. Our surgeons perform in-depth consultations with each patient to determine if they are a good candidate for liposuction, or if alternative options may be better suited for their needs. Liposuction will only be recommended if it can help patients while ensuring as little risk as possible.

Temporary side effects that can occur after liposuction include numbness, itchiness, swelling and bruising. Though rare, more severe side effects can occur, and these will explained to you in detail during your consultation, allowing you to make an informed decision about your care.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

Liposuction fees are highly variable and depend on the area of the body treated and the amount of fat to be removed. Fees are typically $6,500 or higher depending on the number of body parts treated. Your total cost may vary based on your surgeon’s expertise, the geographic location of the practice you are visiting, the body area being treated, and how many areas you want to address. At The Ottawa Clinic, our fees are standardized, and we will provide you with an itemized cost estimate before your procedure to ensure you know what to expect. Unfortunately, liposuction is typically not a covered procedure under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). If you would like financial assistance to help cover the total cost of your liposuction, our staff would be happy to go over financing options that can divide your cost into smaller, monthly payments.

For more information about liposuction, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.