If you’re anything like millions of other Americans, you may struggle with stubborn deposits of fat around your body that won’t seem to go away, despite your best efforts in the gym and in the kitchen. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez and the caring team at Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA understand how frustrating it can be to continue to put the work in without seeing the results you want. Fortunately, liposuction can offer a safe, effective, and convenient solution for finally eliminating unwanted fat deposits. To better determine if liposuction is right for you, it is helpful to first have a basic understanding of the procedure itself, including what it is, how it works, and what kinds of results are possible.

What is liposuction? 

Liposuction is, in short, the surgical removal of fat. During a liposuction procedure, the surgeon will make a tiny incision near the target area through which the handheld wand, or cannula, will be inserted. The fat is then vacuumed out of the body, and the incisions are closed with sutures. As a primary procedure, liposuction is used to eliminate small to moderate pockets of fat that don’t respond to traditional diet and exercise in the same way, or at the same rate, as the rest of the body. As a secondary procedure, liposuction can serve as the initial step in a more complex surgery. For example, fat transfer procedures like the Brazilian butt lift utilize liposuction to harvest the fat that is later injected into the patient’s buttocks.

How much fat can be extracted during liposuction?

It is extremely important that patients considering liposuction understand that it is not designed to be a weight-loss tool or a large volume fat removal method. Instead, the primary purpose of liposuction is to remove relatively small deposits of stubborn fat. While the amount of fat that can be safely removed depends on a variety of factors, including the patient’s weight, most surgeons abide by the guidelines that deem 5,000 mL – or roughly 11 pounds – of fat removal to be reasonably safe.

During your initial one-on-one consultation, Dr. Sanchez will thoroughly evaluate your case, discuss your goals, and be able to give you a better idea of how much fat he may be able to realistically extract during liposuction. Ideal candidates for liposuction should be at or near their goal weight, usually within about 20 pounds. For patients needing to lose a more significant amount of weight, Dr. Sanchez may recommend natural or alternative weight loss methods before liposuction is pursued.

Is liposuction permanent?

Arguably the most commonly asked question by potential liposuction patients is whether or not their results will be permanent. The answer is: yes and no. Technically, the removal of fat that occurs during liposuction is permanent, in the sense that the fat cells extracted from the body will never return. However, the surrounding fat cells can swell with future weight gain, and new fat cells can be generated. For this reason, it is essential that patients maintain a stable weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly in order to prolong their results. Patients who avoid significant weight fluctuations should be able to enjoy their liposuction results for many years to come.

Where can liposuction be used? 

One of the most exciting aspects of liposuction is that it can be used on areas across virtually the entire body. Common areas that are treated with liposuction include:

• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Hips
• Thighs
• Flanks
• Upper back
• Neck

Can liposuction be combined with other procedures? 

Absolutely! In fact, the majority of patients who undergo liposuction do so during a larger combination surgery, such as a mommy makeover. Some of the other procedures that are often performed alongside liposuction include:

• Breast augmentation
• Breast lift
• Tummy tuck
• Thigh lift
• Brazilian butt lift

Your initial consultation at Sanchez Plastic Surgery is the perfect time to discuss all of your concerns and goals with Dr. Sanchez. Using this information, he will be able to recommend a custom surgical plan that will best meet your needs and help you achieve the results you are after.

What should I look for in a Baton Rouge liposuction surgeon? 

As with any procedure, choosing a qualified, certified, and experienced physician is paramount. The professional team at Sanchez Plastic Surgery boasts an impressive satisfaction rate, with patients absolutely loving their results time and time again. Call our convenient Baton Rouge office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Erick Sanchez today, and discover how the body you’ve always wanted may finally be within reach!