Where Can Stubborn Fat Be Removed With Liposuction?

For many of us, diet and exercise aren’t enough to help us achieve the body we want, no matter how hard we work. Stubborn pockets of fat can be caused by genetic and environmental factors we have no control over. That’s when it may be helpful to look into liposuction.

The doctors at ENT Facial Plastics and Sleep Disorder Center perform liposuction surgery on patients looking to remove excess fat from trouble spots in Atlanta, GA. But liposuction isn’t suitable for everyone.

Below, we’ll look at what liposuction can and can’t do when it comes to removing stubborn pockets of fat.

How can liposuction help with fat removal?

Liposuction is an effective way to remove some stubborn fat and contour the body in an aesthetically pleasing way. Even when we take good care of our bodies and target areas with exercise, pockets of fat may remain in the flanks, belly, buttocks, and thighs, and keep us from getting a lean look.

It’s frustrating to look in the mirror and know you’re working hard only to remain self-conscious about a few small areas. That’s why liposuction is performed to suction out subcutaneous fat (or “flab”).

After making an incision, the doctors at ENT Facial Plastics and Sleep Disorder Center in Atlanta insert a small cannula to reach the fat that lies right underneath the skin. Surgery typically takes between 1 – 3 hours, and recovery can take anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.

But liposuction can’t remove all fat and it is ideal for patients who are already close to their goal weight.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction to remove stubborn fat?

It’s important to remember that liposuction is not the same thing as weight loss surgery. In fact, it’s not recommended for people who are more than 30 pounds away from their goal weight.

Liposuction can only remove subcutaneous fat, not visceral fat. Usually, when we are 20 – 30 pounds over goal weight, some of that fat is visceral, meaning it’s buried deep and tightly surrounds our organs. Attempts to use suction on that fat would result in organ damage.

Subcutaneous fat is right under the skin and can be safely suctioned out. It may result in bruising and swelling for 1 – 2 weeks, but that is a side effect that is managed with rest.

Where on the body can liposuction be applied to remove fat?

While some areas are more common for liposuction, you might be surprised by how many areas can be sculpted with liposuction surgery.

These include:

• Hips

• Thighs

• Chest

• Back

• Buttocks

• Flanks

• Abdomen

Recovery will depend on where you have the surgery, and your surgeon will talk to you about any risks involved in removing fat from your target areas using liposuction.

Remove stubborn fat with liposuction in Atlanta GA

The doctors at ENT Facial Plastics and Sleep Disorder Center have two locations where patients can receive liposuction surgery. Schedule a consultation in Atlanta, GA if you have questions about if you’re a good candidate, or if liposuction or another similar treatment can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.