Types of liposuction, prices, results, and before and after photos

The liposuction is a treatment to remove belly fat, lower and upper abdomen, legs, double chin, and even to remove adipose tissue from the arms in both women and men. Often called liposculpture, it is a cosmetic procedure where localized fat deposits are absorbed, improving the body and face appearance and greatly enhancing diet results.

It is completely compatible with other weight loss remedies and uses the technique known as liposuction, which has been around since 1977, when Dr. Yves Gérard Illouz began applying it to people interested in reducing several centimeters from their belly and enjoying a flat abdomen.

But as mentioned, it can be applied throughout the body and, although it is not a treatment for obesity or for weight loss, in practice, through enzymatic liposuction, laser or non-surgical, as well as some modern techniques called “3D” or “HD“, corresponding to the same surgical procedure but with some modifications that allow for medical-aesthetic advances, it is possible to lose several kilos.

However, the goal of liposuction is not weight loss, but rather it acts as a remedy for localized fat. This fat, in most cases, is almost impossible to remove by other means, which makes it so valued for its effectiveness against hard-to-eliminate adipose tissue.

Many people have questions about the before and after results of undergoing liposuction, about its price, and it is very common to receive questions like How much does liposuction cost? Is it better than liposculpture? Should I do it with laser or traditional…

Well, to answer all these questions, we have created this article. We recommend reading it carefully if you are really interested in undergoing it, or browsing through the index below, so you can get all the answers to your questions about liposuction.

What is liposuction

Considered a surgical intervention, liposuction is a procedure that removes accumulated fat from various areas of the body. It consists of introducing a fine cannula under the skin to suction out the fatty tissue.

This cannula or fine tube can be used in areas like the abdomen, where overweight is common, in the double chin area to eliminate the double chin, and also, it is very common to define the arms and legs since many people tend to gain weight in these areas, and through diet, they lose weight from the whole body but are unable to define these body parts.

Types of liposuction

• Enzymatic liposuction.
• With laser.
• Non-surgical.
• 3D and HD (High definition).

Enzymatic liposuction

It is one of the most innovative techniques and is in high demand since it avoids some of the drawbacks of traditional liposuction, many of its side effects, and also allows for a much faster recovery.

Enzymatic liposuction involves introducing enzymes subdermally, under the skin, which act by breaking down the adipose tissue, that is, the accumulated fat. The enzymes cause the fat within the cells to move to the exterior, allowing the body to expel it through urine, thus facilitating the reduction of centimeters in the abdomen or the area of the body where it is applied.

The advantages of this method are that it is much less aggressive, reduces the amount of fat in the desired body areas, and allows for correcting asymmetries.

Generally, it is recommended to start dieting to increase its results, avoid fatty foods, eat grilled meats and fish, and also do some exercise to tone the treated area and stimulate muscle formation, which will help you achieve a flat and firm abdomen, as well as free from flaccidity.

Laser

Instead of using a traditional cannula, laser technology is employed with an appropriate wavelength to liquefy the fat. This makes its extraction much easier and less painful, producing a skin tightening effect that helps eliminate flaccidity.

The laser liposuction is an advanced technique for body sculpting, often referred to as SlimLipo or lipolaser.

The advantages of laser liposuction are many, and here are some of them:

• Less recovery time.
• Fewer side effects (bruising, swelling, pain, etc.).
• Eliminates the need for substances to liquefy the fat.
• Less pain.
• Smaller incisions.

Like other methods or types of liposuction, the “laser” involves inserting a small tube under the skin, reaching the area where we want the fat to disappear. It is ideal for sculpting the flanks, buttocks, improving the appearance of the thighs, or losing weight in the arms and legs.

For more delicate areas, such as the neck where the double chin appears, the chin, or facial areas, laser liposuction can also be used.

Non-surgical

Known as ultrasonic hydrolipoclasia, non-surgical liposuction is a technique that works to eliminate localized fat and slim body areas that are difficult to reshape with diet and exercise.

The non-surgical liposuction can be applied to the flanks, hips, saddlebags, and practically anywhere on the body to reduce the fat deposits formed by our genetics.

The advantages and benefits of this method are greater than, for example, those of enzymatic liposuction or laser liposuction. It is suitable for treating cellulite and fatty areas of the body.

Its functioning is similar to the use of enzymes but instead of using these protein molecules, ultrasound is applied, which targets the adipose cells, making them stop storing nutrients and fat.

It is worth mentioning that this type of non-surgical liposuction also requires injecting a substance under the skin, specifically a physiological serum that may contain different active fat-burning substances.

The elimination of liquefied tissue is carried out through the lymphatic system, just like other metabolic waste. This makes it necessary to use lymphatic drainage to activate and increase its expulsion through natural methods.

3D, HD or High Definition

With a rather geek name and using technological marketing, 3D liposuction is a body contouring treatment. According to experts, it has better results than traditional liposuction, but is it true? Is it that good? Well, let’s take a look at this in this section…

Known as “3D“, “4D“, “HD liposuction“, and even “high definition“, 3D or High Definition liposuction makes use of ultrasound. It works by selectively melting fat, something similar to what hydrolipoclasia does, which we explained in the section “Non-surgical liposuction.”

To perform this procedure, it is necessary to adjust the ultrasound wavelength. This way, it will only target the tissues we want—fat—and the other parts of the body will remain intact, without damage or suffering from issues like inflammation, bruising, or pain.

This is a big advantage because it mitigates many of the side effects of liposuction as we know it. It accelerates recovery, so there is also less time to see the results.

This type can be considered within non-surgical liposuctions, often referred to as 3D Liposculpture.

Liposuction Prices: How Much Does It Cost?

As you can imagine, with different types of liposuction, there is also a variety of prices. The least invasive ones are cheaper due to having fewer complexities, but also, their results are generally somewhat less.

The prices for the different types of liposuction are:

• Enzymatic Liposuction: $2,200.
• Laser Liposuction: $2,500.
• Non-surgical Liposuction:
  • Ultrasonic: starting at $250.
  • Aspirative: starting at $320.

Keep in mind that these prices are indicative, meaning you might find liposuction priced at $1,100 or $3,200 depending on the area you wish to treat, as well as how much fat will need to be extracted or liquefied.

Abdominal liposuction tends to have somewhat higher costs because most people accumulate more fat tissue in this area. Next in line are the legs and thighs. In many cases, it can reach up to $3,000 or even exceed this amount.

Liposuction Results (Before and After)

Although the suction or aspiration of fatty material from the body takes about an hour, to see the results of liposuction, you will have to wait several weeks.

When the subdermal tissues are broken, they need to heal, absorb any edema if present, and reduce inflammation, which is very common in most people.

If you want to know when you will see the results of liposuction, we must indicate that it will be at 3 months. Before that, you may begin noticing how the body compresses and the skin becomes firmer, but a few weeks after performing it, the final result will not yet be complete.

Some people get discouraged when they see that they haven’t achieved what they wanted, but it’s important to note that, within an approximate time frame of 3 to 6 months, they will start noticing how they really have a more toned figure, with less flaccidity and a firmer abdominal wall. So, if you are looking for a quick fat-loss treatment, this may not be the right choice. However, if you are looking for something more long-term, an effective remedy for localized adipose tissue on the belly or buttocks, and don’t mind waiting, it might just be the right option.

Remember.

The definitive results of liposuction take time, so don’t let them tell you otherwise.

As a general rule regarding effects and results, we can say that:

• Most people complete their results between 6 and 12 months after having the liposuction.
• 100% have less fat in the treated areas.
• There are good results against cellulite.
• The results are permanent, though you need to maintain a healthy diet to avoid gaining weight in that area again.

And to show you some real examples, below are some photos.

Photos of Liposuction Results

Is It Worth It After Seeing the Before and After?

It really is, although as we’ve already pointed out, it’s important to be aware of the procedure you’re about to undergo. Liposuction before and after, as seen in the photos above, has quite acceptable results, but you should never forget that recovery can be slow, causing several days off work and considerable post-procedure pain.

Some people report not having felt any discomfort, even saying that after undergoing abdominal liposuction, they didn’t experience the bruising that many people do. However, this is something to consider and not overlook.

Now that we know “what liposuction is“, “how much it costs“, and “its results“, let’s take a look at the areas where it’s most common to have it done.

Body Areas for Liposuction

It can practically be performed on the entire body, but some areas are more commonly targeted because the body naturally tends to accumulate fat there more than in other areas.

Although liposuction is most common in the abdomen and lower belly, in the saddlebags, hips, legs, thighs, knees, and calves, we will explain and describe the most common areas for fat removal.

Abdomen

The most widespread and the one most people request. Abdominal liposuction has very good, positive, and favorable results for slimming the figure.

This method removes fat from the abdominal wall, giving it a firmer and more aesthetic appearance.

The abdomen is an area of the body that tends to accumulate a lot of fat, and some people, no matter how much they diet, can’t slim down.

With abdominal liposuction, a slimmer appearance is achieved, and various techniques we’ve explained, such as laser, enzymatic, and also the non-surgical liposuction, can be used.

Chin and Double Chin

Another area where many people accumulate fat is under the chin, all around the neck. This is problematic because even if they lose weight, they will still appear overweight, and exercises to reduce the double chin are practically impossible.

With double chin liposuction, the facial contour slims down, rejuvenates, and improves the symmetry of the entire face. This type of liposuction has been performed for a long time and achieves extraordinary results.

After some time, the skin around the chin almost adheres to the bone, leaving only a few millimeters of thickness, which gives an impeccable appearance.

Breast or Chest Liposuction

Through a small incision in the armpit area or the fold beneath the breast, excess fat from the breasts can be removed. Breast liposuction is an effective method with very good results for reducing breast volume, improving the physical appearance, and eliminating sagging or flabbiness of the chest.

A cannula is used to detach the adipose tissue and extract the fat that has accumulated over time.

The advantages of breast liposuction are that it only affects the fatty tissue, does not damage the connective tissue of the breast, and improves the overall appearance. It is ideal for women with large breast volume who suffer from gigantomastia or breast hypertrophy. It also works for men with abnormal breast growth as it is fully compatible with male gynecomastia surgery.

Buttocks

Fat accumulation in the buttocks and the narrowing of the sides are treated through gluteal liposuction. This surgical technique is one of the ways liposuction can be performed. Many women use this procedure to remove several kilos of fat in liquid form.

Recovery and the post-liposuction period are similar to abdominal liposuction. It’s important to note that after scraping the adipose tissue in the gluteal area, there will be discomfort when sitting.

The discomfort disappears after several weeks, and over time, the body restructures the tissues and firms the buttocks. The final result of buttock liposuction is evident and very favorable.

Legs

Just like with the other types mentioned, leg and calf liposuction is a medical-aesthetic treatment used to remove fat from the limbs.

Generally, when someone gains weight in their legs, it is quite difficult to redefine them, often requiring specialized aesthetic treatments.

Liposuction for the legs works on the desired areas, reducing the volume of the thighs, ankles, slimming the knees, and even improving the appearance of the buttocks. In many cases, it is used for the entire limb, meaning that while the fat is dissolved from the thighs, it continues through the buttocks, and if necessary, also to the ankles to harmonize the entire leg.

Leg liposuction can be done in the following areas:

• Thighs.
• Saddlebags.
• Calves.
• Knees.
• Lower legs.
• Ankles.
• Buttocks and subgluteal area.

Is Liposuction for Men?

It works just as well for both sexes, so both women and men can benefit from this treatment. Liposuction for men is a way to eliminate fat accumulation in the abdomen, making the stomach flatter and firmer.

Men are often predisposed to accumulate fat reserves in the abdominal wall, so performing liposuction in this area reduces the bulging and thickness that prevent abdominal muscles from being visible.

As with other areas, it is ideal to follow a diet for better results, and if combined with exercise, it is much more likely to make the torso stand out more.

Men can undergo liposuction in:

• Abdomen.
• Legs.
• Buttocks.
• Sides.
• Chest and breasts.
• Double chin.
• Etc.

All body areas with large amounts of fat are targets for liposuction. It is available in its 3D version, with laser…

Does it Leave Scars?

To perform the aspiration of adipose tissue, several incisions of about 4 millimeters are made. These are strategically placed to make them less noticeable.

Since the incisions made for liposuction are so small, their healing and the subsequent regeneration of the skin are usually complete, leaving no marks or scars. Only in certain cases may small marks remain, but due to their size, they will be almost invisible.

Does Liposuction Hurt?

It’s important to differentiate between the time during the liposuction procedure and the time afterward.

While the procedure is being done, there is no pain because an anesthetic aqueous solution is applied. This numbs the treated areas to facilitate the procedure and ensure the person’s comfort.

However, after liposuction, it is quite common to experience some discomfort, and many people feel pain a few hours after the procedure. Some individuals may develop sharp pain, especially when moving.

To relieve these unwanted effects, oral painkillers are often recommended, which can be used in the following days.

In any case, the clinic will guide you and indicate whether or not you should take them.

How Many Kilos Are Lost?

Although there is no exact weight loss figure since it depends on the individual’s body structure and the amount of accumulated fat tissue, liposuction can lead to losing several kilos.

The estimated weight loss may range between 4 and 6 liters of liquefied fat, taking into account that the substances applied to liquefy the fat are included in this material.

Some people may only need to lose half a kilo, while others may lose 2 to 3 kilos.

What is important is not to focus on how much weight you can lose with liposuction, but how many centimeters you can reduce.

Does it Work for Flaccidity?

If you notice skin flaccidity, this method will not address those symptoms. There are other treatments that stimulate collagen formation and activate elastin. In some cases, to remove excess or sagging skin, a tummy tuck and liposuction may be recommended to achieve a flat belly.

Use Local or General Anesthesia?

Depending on the type of treatment chosen, you will need a specific type of anesthesia.

The most common is local anesthesia, as it avoids many risks and, generally, there is no need to put the patient to sleep.

General anesthesia is a decision made by the surgeon, who will evaluate its suitability based on the extent of the liposuction to be performed.

Risks of Liposuction

As we have seen differences in recovery and results depending on the type of treatment chosen, when we look at the risks of liposuction, we find that some are less invasive and therefore less aggressive on health.

The risks and possible unwanted effects include:

• Thrombosis.
• Phlebitis.
• Pulmonary embolism.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Infection.

It should be noted that due to current medical practices and systems used, these cases are exceptional. It is very rare for complications of this kind to occur. However, they can happen, and for this reason, it is important to work with qualified and experienced professionals and to visit clinics where we know they will provide quality service. This will resolve any situation that may arise quickly.

Nevertheless, before undergoing the procedure, you will always be fully informed about liposuction and its risks, as well as everything related to this treatment.

Where to Get It Done

This decision should be heavily influenced by where you live. The normal and logical choice is to go to one of the best liposuction clinics in Madrid if you live in this city, or if you’re from another location like Barcelona, Alicante, or even if you’re in another country, go to the nearest one.

In large cities, you will always have several options more or less nearby. However, in countries like Colombia or Peru, although clinics are common, in some cases, they are scarce, so it’s more likely that you will need to travel a certain distance to find a good place.