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137 Portsmouth Avenue Stratham, NH 03885
(603) 775-7444

Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Skin & Laser Center

Liposuction

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the nation, liposuction is a targeted fat reduction method that was first made available in the 1980s. This body contouring technique has undergone numerous advances throughout the years that have enhanced the treatment’s safety, efficacy, and results. Our plastic surgeon in New Hampshire, Dr. Richard Zeff, has extensive experience performing liposuction. His skill and attention to detail helps him achieve exceptional outcomes for our patients.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction involves the insertion of a cannula, or small suction tube, into the treatment area to break apart and remove fat cells. The surgery differs from other cosmetic procedures in that it specifically targets isolated buildups of fat, which can be found on various areas of the body and can sometimes be challenging to eliminate via diet and exercise alone. Liposuction can be ideal for both women and men, and has been utilized as a successful body contouring treatment for decades.

Liposuction can be an effective treatment on its own, or it can be combined with other body contouring or skin rejuvenation procedures. For example, since excess fat pockets can often result from pregnancy and childbirth, liposuction is often selected for inclusion in our mommy makeover treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Because basic shape is genetically determined, most people have little control over where fat settles on their body. Rather than changing the shape, weight loss and gain simply change the degree of disproportion. However, liposuction can reduce diet- and exercise-resistant fatty tissue and improve the contour of the body with long-lasting results. When fat cells are removed, as happens with liposuction, they cannot spontaneously redevelop. Therefore, “problem” areas that are out of proportion with the rest of the body can be permanently modified to achieve a more desirable result.

“I was very self-conscious of my mid area after giving birth to my son. I finally found the courage to call about liposuction. The minute I walked in the door Dr. Zeff’s staff made me feel very welcomed and at ease, and at that moment I knew I came to the right place. From my first appointment to my last, I can truly say how pleased I was of the process and the results. I finally have my confidence back! I always recommend this practice to my friends and family.”
L.D. – Hampton, NH

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction can be a very safe and effective procedure in the hands of an experienced, attentive, and caring plastic surgeon. It can reduce unwanted fat in areas such as the:

  • Belly
  • Thighs
  • Hips
  • Buttocks
  • Back
  • Arms
  • Armpits
  • Neck

The ideal candidate for liposuction should be in reasonably good health, should not be a smoker, and should have realistic goals and expectations about the outcome of this surgery. Please keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. Good candidates for this treatment are typically individuals who are at or close to the average healthy weight for their size and body type, but are experiencing local pockets of excess fat that are not responding to diet and exercise.

What Does the Liposuction Procedure Involve?

At our practice, Dr. Zeff utilizes the skills of a trusted, board-certified anesthesiologist to minimize discomfort and to help ensure you have no memory of the actual operation. He will insert the liposuction cannula into a small incision created on or near the treatment area. This tube will be used to help break up the fatty tissue as well as to remove it. Every patient is unique, and the volume of fat removed will depend on your treatment plan. In general, this procedure can eliminate up to 10 pounds of fatty tissue; however, your body contouring needs, rather than the scale, will determine the amount of excess fat to be extracted. Once the process is complete, a single suture typically will be sufficient to close each incision.

“I am very happy to recommend anyone to Dr. Zeff. I have exercised for years, and I was not able to shed a certain portion of my abdominal fat. Dr. Zeff skillfully performed surgery on me that left me with a visibly improved look. 1 year later I am still smiling and have this wonderful sense of confidence. Dr. Zeff is an artist at his best. Together, Dr. Zeff and his staff took wonderful care of me.”
K.L. – Marlborough, MA

What Is the Recovery Time After Liposuction?

You should be able to return home the same day as the surgery. You will experience some bruising, tenderness, and mild discomfort, which should subside quickly. We can prescribe medication to manage your pain. Recovery will vary depending on your rate of healing, but most patients can return to most activity in less than one week. However, in the event you combine liposuction with one or more procedures, such as tummy tuck surgery, post-bariatric body contouring, or breast surgery, the healing process will be extended. Your surgeon will discuss the particulars of your plan during your initial consultation.

Recovery depends on the extent of the liposuction. There are usually at least three to five days of discomfort and two to three weeks of bruising. The improvement in shape is obvious almost immediately. Mild, painless swelling can last several weeks. Most people can return to work in less than one week.

Will I Have Scars from Liposuction?

Liposuction usually requires at least two tiny incisions for each area treated. While they never disappear completely, these scars are very small and hard to see, as Dr. Zeff carefully makes all incisions as inconspicuous as possible.

How Long Do Liposuction Results Last?

Because the number of fat cells has been permanently reduced in these areas, the fat will not return as you might expect. In fact, if you gain weight, the fat will grow more evenly depending on the number of fat cells removed and the distribution of fat remaining in your body. That said, Dr. Zeff strongly recommends that you maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to maintain the results of liposuction.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The cost of liposuction depends on the number of areas to be treated, as well as the size of those areas. It is also important to be aware that there is a safe limit to the amount that can be removed in one operation – generally between three to five liters of fat.

Dr. Zeff would be happy to provide you with a concrete quote during your first meeting. In the meantime, feel free to explore our plastic surgery financing options. We proudly work with a number of third-party financiers with programs to help eligible patients pay for their cosmetic surgery through installments.

Additional Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to get liposuction?

You must be at least 18 years of age to undergo liposuction, as is the case with most major cosmetic surgeries. Keep in mind, however, that Dr. Zeff takes many factors other than age into consideration when determining candidacy for liposuction, namely overall health and realistic expectations for the surgery.

How much fat can be removed with liposuction?

In general, liposuction can eliminate 8 pounds of fatty tissue; however, your body contouring needs, rather than the scale, will determine the amount of excess fat to be extracted. Every patient is unique, and the volume of fat removed will depend on your treatment plan.

How much weight can you lose with liposuction?

While liposuction can effectively reduce buildups of isolated fat, it is not a weight loss procedure. In fact, Dr. Zeff advocates that patients should be at or near their ideal weight before undergoing liposuction for their own safety. That said, Dr. Zeff is often able to contour the post-bariatric and weight loss physique with liposuction, arm lift surgery, and other body enhancement procedures.

How can I reduce swelling after liposuction?

Some degree of swelling is normal for the first few weeks after liposuction, but patients may be able to ease this side effect by using cold compresses or reducing salt in their diet. If you desire, Dr. Zeff can also prescribe a compression garment to mitigate excessive swelling as you heal.

Schedule an Appointment

We would like to hear from you! Feel free to contact our plastic surgeon if you are interested in learning more about the advantages of body contouring through liposuction. Dr. Zeff is committed to providing effective, personalized liposuction and other plastic surgery options at his conveniently located Stratham, New Hampshire center.

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