Liposculpture, Information, Prices, and Results. How long does it last?

Liposculpture is a cosmetic procedure to remove localized fat from the human body. It is used to get rid of annoying abdominal fat, eliminate accumulated adipose tissue in the saddlebags, and firm up the buttocks. It can enhance muscle definition because it removes obstacles between the skin and muscle.

This cosmetic surgery procedure is intended for both women and men. Both genders can benefit from the technique to sculpt the shape of the legs and arms but also other areas such as the chest or hips. Additionally, it is slightly cheaper than liposuction.

What is liposculpture like?

It is actually a simple process, although it should be performed by an experienced professional. They should clearly explain the entire procedure and the results you can expect.

People who undergo liposculpture for the first time usually do not clearly understand the differences from other methods such as liposuction. So, we will explain what liposculpture is like, how long the process takes, whether there is post-operative care and recovery, and then discuss the advantages and disadvantages. We will also share our opinion on real alternatives for weight loss and reducing localized fat.

The first step is to visit an aesthetic clinic. There, they will attend to you and clearly explain the process you need based on your expectations. Some people want to remove a few centimeters from their abdomen, while others feel that their buttocks have an inadequate volume. That is why it is important to emphasize that each person will have different results and a different post-operative recovery. If you sculpt your figure in one area or another, you will experience discomfort in different places.

Once you have spoken with the specialist, they will schedule an appointment for the procedure.

On the day of the liposculpture, lying on a stretcher, a cannula is used to perform the fat extraction. The procedure is done through mechanical suction. This means that the end of the cannula must be connected to a negative pressure pump, which will suction out the fat deposits in the area that bothers you. It is somewhat similar to liposuction and works by scraping away adipose tissue.

Although we have mentioned that it is a simple process, it requires time to be done correctly. The fat extraction process is manual and takes between 2 and 4 hours to complete. Depending on the amount of adipose tissue you want to remove, as well as your goals, more or less time may be needed to sculpt your figure. The thickness covering the hips, the abdominal wall, or any sculpted area also influences the duration.

Does it hurt?

During the entire liposculpture procedure, the treated area will be numb. The cannula inserted under the skin injects a saline and anesthetic solution that ensures you do not feel anything. You may perceive the procedure, but at no point will you feel pain.

The saline solution is designed to reach the fat material, detach it from the skin, and break it down. This makes it much easier to suction it out without damaging too many tissues connected to the epidermis. Additionally, thanks to the anesthetic, any potential discomfort is blocked, so you will experience a strange sensation because your body is being manipulated, but at the same time, you do not feel anything. And you know that afterward, you will have a better figure.

Before liposculpture

To properly perform the entire procedure, the areas where the surgeon will work must be marked. These are agreed upon during the initial consultation. They correspond to your interests and the modifications that will suit you best. In reality, this is the first step of liposculpture. Once the marks are made with a marker, it will be much easier to guide the procedure when extracting the fat tissue.

Some people, due to feeling apprehensive or being very nervous, may take a muscle relaxant to keep the abdominal area or the treated area relaxed. This prevents the muscles from contracting and makes body contouring much easier. However, you must discuss this with the person performing your liposculpture. If they find it appropriate, they will recommend it, but you should not take anything on your own. Anesthesia will be used during the procedure, and it could interact with or enhance the effects of certain medications. So, discuss any doubts and let them know if you are taking any medication.

Once everything is clear and the areas are marked, the suction process begins, as we have previously explained, to reduce localized fat. With this method, you can reduce several centimeters, but remember, it is not a weight-loss treatment—it is for sculpting the figure. You can highlight your abs, glutes, and compress the hips, but you will not experience overall weight loss. For that, you must turn to other methods and weight-loss diets.

Before completing the liposculpture, a review is conducted to ensure all the fat tissue has been removed. The area is palpated to verify that it has a smooth and even appearance—just as you desired. If necessary, a little more fat can be removed while you are still on the stretcher, with the area numb, using the cannula.

After liposculpture

When everything is finished, you must wear a compression bandage or a support mesh. It is similar to a girdle and serves to compress the skin against the tissue that was detached. Since several centimeters have been removed, it must be worn for about 10 days. This helps achieve a better body contour and gives your skin a firmer and smoother appearance.

Once you have the compression bandage on, you can go home. At this point, you will continue to feel numb in the treated area and may start to notice swelling. This is normal due to the manipulation with the cannula. As the hours pass, you will feel some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off.

Recovery

In the hours immediately following the procedure, it is normal to experience discomfort. You may feel pain and swelling in the abdomen, buttocks, saddlebags, or the treated area. The tissues have been affected, and the recovery process is beginning.

At this stage, you may experience mild to moderate discomfort. Usually, oral painkillers prescribed and recommended by the surgeon are enough to alleviate them. In most cases, this is sufficient to feel better.

During the first 24 hours, it is best not to do anything—simply rest and relax at home. After 48 hours, you can resume your daily routine, return to work, and continue with your normal activities.

In the two days following the liposculpture, some fluid remains in your body. This fluid needs to be drained through small openings strategically placed on your skin to allow for proper drainage. These help remove any remaining saline solution and facilitate the natural healing process. Additionally, any fluids produced by the body due to minor wounds can be expelled to aid healing.

To sleep, you should cover your mattress. There is a chance of staining it during the night, so using an absorbent cover or something similar is recommended. Although you will wear dressings or gauze to absorb the drainage fluid, since you will be lying down for many hours, some fluid may still leak out. The cover helps maintain hygiene during the healing process of liposculpture.

The dressings should be changed daily while you have the drainage openings.

After seven days, you will return to normal. If bruising appears, it will last for about two to three weeks before gradually disappearing.

Differences between liposculpture and liposuction

Both techniques are based on the same premise: removing adipose tissue through scraping or inserting a cannula under the skin’s surface.

The difference between liposculpture and liposuction is that the former is a procedure for removing a greater amount of fat. It is more aggressive, making the recovery slightly more painful and prolonged. In contrast, liposculpture is more delicate.

In this sense, we could say that the purpose of liposculpture is to correct any imperfections after a liposuction procedure. However, it is also suitable for people who have never undergone liposuction. The main point is that it reduces a smaller amount of adipose tissue but can reach areas that other methods cannot. We could say that it is the little sister of liposuction.

Is liposculpture worth it?

There are different reasons why someone might choose liposculpture, but the most common is the desire to eliminate fat deposits that negatively affect one’s appearance.

Sometimes, despite maintaining a daily exercise routine and following a strict diet, certain areas of the body store fat because they are naturally predisposed to do so. Liposculpture works in situations where no matter how much dieting is done, it is impossible to reduce love handles or decrease the layer of fat that makes you feel uncomfortable and affects your aesthetics.

A bloated stomach, wide hips, oversized buttocks—there are countless reasons, just as there are individuals. The only person with the right reasons is you. Let yourself be guided by your thoughts and the specialist’s advice to reduce clothing sizes and improve your life.

But remember

It is a method for reducing fat, not for losing weight.

How much fat can I lose?

The removal of 5 liters is considered the maximum limit in a single session. However, for those with greater overweight issues, multiple sessions can be performed over several days. This means the amount removed could be 6, 8, 10 liters, depending on the case.

Typically, between 3 and 4 liters of body fat are removed in a single session. After seeing the real results and forming your own opinions, you can decide if you want another session to enhance other areas of your body.

What is the outcome?

The best liposculpture results occur when there is an excess of localized fat and certain areas with unbalanced fat distribution. Some women accumulate fat in the saddlebags but not in the rest of the body. Some men store it in the lower abdomen while maintaining a firm chest, defined biceps, and a slim physique. In these cases of imbalance, the procedure can yield optimal results.

It is also important to mention that although the procedure removes excess fat from the body, if the underlying muscles are not well-developed, they will not be defined after fat removal. Six-pack abs are achieved through daily effort, repeated exercises, and a balanced diet. Then, if necessary, liposculpture can help make them more visible. The same applies to other parts of the body. If you have strong and toned glutes, removing excess fat will make them look lifted and as you desire.

Regarding liposculpture results for fat removal and weight loss, as mentioned earlier, the numbers can vary. There is no exact figure, but the average loss is around 2 to 3 kilograms. It largely depends on the individual and body shape. However, after the procedure and some time, the results become evident. There is a noticeable improvement, and your body will look firmer.

How long does it take to see results with liposculpture?

After 48 hours, you can already see a visible improvement. However, you need to wait about a month for the approximate results of liposculpture. After this period, at three months, you can see the final outcome. The reason for this is that after removing localized fat, some swelling may appear, and it takes time for it to subside completely. Additionally, the internal tissues need to go through the healing process and reattach to the skin. This allows all tissues to integrate as one and the muscle fibers to become more visible.

With liposculpture on the legs, the recovery period may be longer. Some people experience swelling in their legs and ankles for up to six months. The abdomen, in some cases, also takes a similar amount of time. However, these are just estimates, and as the days pass, you will notice continuous improvement.

In all cases, after the second month, a gradual and continuous evolution begins.

Can skin sag?

Athletic individuals with good muscle tone will achieve the best results with liposculpture. When the fat layer is removed, the skin becomes tighter and more attached to the muscles. If you are in good shape, you will not have any issues. If not, it may be advisable to exercise for a few months beforehand.

For individuals over 50, a similar situation can occur. The ideal candidates are people under 50 years old, as this provides the greatest dermo-aesthetic benefits.

Despite this, in some cases, loose skin may appear due to the removal of tissue. When this happens, surgery can be performed to reduce skin folds. Generally, this is avoided by calculating the maximum amount of fat that can be removed in one session based on the individual’s characteristics. This is why the number of liters or the weight loss achieved is relative to each specific case.

Liposculpture risks

• Infection: Although rare, it is possible. It can be treated with antibiotics and, in some cases, through aspiration or drainage.
• Allergic reaction: Some people may have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia used during the procedure. If you notice any reaction, such as rashes or redness, consult a doctor immediately.
• Bruising: In the manipulated areas.
• Skin peeling: This is very rare but can occur in some individuals.
• Venous thrombosis: A potential risk in all surgeries. Although modern techniques have reduced the likelihood of a blood clot forming, it is still something to consider.
• Some complications, such as organ perforations or fluid imbalances, may occur when deep liposuctions are performed. To avoid unnecessary risks, liposculpture should always be carried out in properly equipped hospitals.

It is important to be aware of this information to maintain realistic expectations and avoid false hopes. Although it is a highly effective method that significantly improves a person’s physique, enhances appearance, and boosts confidence, the potential risks should always be considered.

What is the price of liposculpture?

The cost varies depending on the technique used and the treated area. Certain areas, such as the abdomen and buttocks, have evident price differences. To know the exact cost, these factors must be evaluated first. However, prices typically range between $1,000 and $3,000. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate, and a specialist must assess your case to determine the exact price.

If you want a general idea and a complete list of liposculpture and its cost, you can check it out.

If you want to learn more, we encourage you to consult a liposculpture specialist.

References
* Marco Gasparotti, Luiz Sérgio Toledo Springer-Verlag, Carson M. Lewis. Superficial liposculpture: manual of technique. 1993.
* Drs. Jr. and Kim, William R. Cook, K. Cook. Manual of Tumescent Liposculpture and Laser Cosmetic Surgery. 1999.
* Gardner, DJ & O’Rahilly, E & Gray, R. Anatomy: A Regional Study of Human Structure, 1969.