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Liposuction

Even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, many people find that certain areas of the body simply do not respond to their efforts. Fat deposits in the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, or chin can feel stubbornly resistant to change, regardless of how much work goes into a wellness routine. Liposuction offers a way to address these areas directly, refining body contour and helping patients achieve a shape that more accurately reflects the effort they put into their health.

Dr. Dami Lee, our experienced plastic surgeon in Denver, approaches liposuction with precision and an eye for proportion. Rather than simply removing volume, she focuses on sculpting the body in a way that looks balanced and natural. Every procedure is tailored to the individual patient, taking into account their existing anatomy, their goals, and the overall harmony of their figure.

Liposuction At a Glance

Potential Benefits:: Smoother, more sculpted contours in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, chin, or others.
Candidates:: Adults at or near a healthy and stable weight (for approximately six months at least) who have localized fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise, and who have good skin elasticity.
Procedure:: A surgical body contouring treatment that utilizes thin cannulas to remove stubborn, diet-resistant fat deposits to improve the shape and definition of targeted areas. This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Recovery:: Most patients return to light daily activities within one to two weeks, with a full return to exercise after approximately four to six weeks or as recommended by Dr. Lee.
Experience:: Dr. Dami Lee uses advanced liposuction techniques and a detail-oriented approach with the goal of achieving refined, natural-looking body contour results.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction is one of the most versatile body contouring procedures available. Its primary strength lies in its ability to precisely target isolated areas of fat that resist change through lifestyle efforts alone.

The potential benefits offered by liposuction include:

Improved contour and definition in the treated areas
A slimmer, more proportionate silhouette
Reduction of stubborn fat in the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, back, chin, or other region
Clothing that fits more comfortably and flatters the body
Renewed confidence in appearance

It is worth noting that the fat cells removed during liposuction do not return. While remaining fat cells can still enlarge with significant weight gain, the structural improvement to body contour achieved through the procedure tends to be long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight.

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction works best for patients who are close to their goal weight but are frustrated by specific areas of fat that diet and exercise have not been able to address. It is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss solution, and the best results are seen in patients who approach it with that understanding.

Good candidates typically:

Are at or near a healthy, stable weight
Have localized fat deposits in one or more specific areas
Have reasonably good skin tone and elasticity
Are in good overall health
Have realistic expectations about what the procedure can and cannot achieve

Skin quality is an important consideration. Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten loose or sagging skin. Patients with significant skin laxity in the treatment area may need to consider whether an additional procedure, such as a tummy tuck or another body contouring option, might better address their concerns.

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck Surgery

One of the most common questions patients ask is whether they need liposuction, a tummy tuck, or both. While the two procedures are sometimes confused, they address different concerns and are not interchangeable.

Liposuction targets localized fat deposits and is typically ideal for patients who have good skin elasticity and want to refine their contour without more extensive surgery. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, goes further by removing excess skin, repairing separated abdominal muscles, and reshaping the midsection more comprehensively. It is often the better option for patients who have experienced significant changes to the abdomen following pregnancy or major weight loss.

For some patients, combining liposuction with a tummy tuck produces the most complete and harmonious result. Dr. Lee evaluates each patient individually and provides an honest recommendation based on anatomy and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What Does the Liposuction Procedure Involve?

Liposuction is performed under anesthesia, with the type determined based on the extent of treatment and patient preference. The procedure begins with the injection of a tumescent fluid into the treatment area. This solution helps minimize bleeding, reduces discomfort during recovery, and makes fat removal more precise and efficient.

Small, discreet incisions are then made in the treatment area, through which a thin tube called a cannula is inserted. Dr. Lee uses the cannula to carefully loosen and remove the targeted fat, sculpting the area with attention to smooth, even contours. Incisions are typically small and placed in inconspicuous locations whenever possible.

The length of the procedure depends on how many areas are being treated, but most liposuction surgeries are completed within one to three hours.

What Can I Expect During Recovery from Liposuction?

Recovery from liposuction is generally straightforward, and most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the process is.

In the first few days, it is normal to experience swelling, mild bruising, and some soreness in the treated areas. Patients are typically asked to wear a compression garment during the early weeks of recovery, which helps reduce swelling and supports the tissues as they conform to their new contour.

Most patients feel comfortable returning to light work and daily activities within one to two weeks. More physically demanding activities and exercise can typically resume after four to six weeks. Swelling should continue to decrease gradually over the following months, and the final results of liposuction generally become fully visible around the three to six-month mark.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The cost of liposuction at our practice is dependent on a variety of factors, including the area being treated. For instance, the cost of in-office submental (under the chin) liposuction typically starts at approximately $4,250; however, the price can be different for liposuction performed in other areas. The total cost of liposuction is also affected by variables such as the number of areas being treated, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is performed in combination with another surgery. A detailed cost estimate is provided during your personal consultation so you have a clear picture of the total investment involved. A member of our team can answer any questions you may have about payment options and ways to make this treatment as convenient for your budget as possible.

Key Takeaways

Liposuction removes stubborn, localized fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise
It is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss treatment, and works best for individuals who are at or near a healthy weight
Results can be long-lasting when a stable weight is maintained following surgery
A tummy tuck may be a better option for patients with loose skin in the abdomen or weakened abdominal muscles
Most individuals are able to return to light activity within one to two weeks after liposuction surgery
Every procedure is customized to the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals

If you would like to learn more about liposuction or find out whether it is the right option for your goals, we encourage you to contact our Denver practice and schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Lee.