Lipoplasty, commonly known as liposuction, is a versatile technique we can use to surgically remove unwanted fat deposits by suctioning them away. The main objective of this procedure is not to reduce your weight, but to improve the contours of your body. Everyone has a fixed number of fat cells, which can increase in size with weight gain. By aspirating specific areas of fat cells, liposuction appears to prevent recurrence of these fat deposits (though this cannot be guaranteed).
In addition to being performed on its own, we can combine liposuction with procedures such as tummy tucks and breast lifts to contour and enhance your results. In some cases, the fat we remove can be saved and injected into another area of the body that would benefit from enhanced volume. This is known as fat grafting.
Real Patient Results
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Non-Surgical Body Contouring
In addition to liposuction, we offer CoolSculpting®—a non-invasive fat reduction treatment with no downtime. Whether you’re looking for targeted fat removal or a ‘touch up’ after surgery, we provide both surgical and non-surgical options to help you achieve your body contouring goals.
Who is a good candidate for a liposuction?
Each person has a unique pattern of fat distribution, and in cases where a patient is unhappy with how their distribution affects their shape, liposuction can help by targeting specific areas in a way that diet or exercise cannot. Liposuction is most appropriate for patients who are already close to their ideal weight and are seeking sleeker contours or the reduction of disproportionate fat deposits. Results can vary with skin quality and your skin’s ability to “redrape and tighten” following the procedure. There are non-surgical treatments, such as radiofrequency, that may enhance liposuction results. If you have significant amounts of lax skin, your surgeon may recommend a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift, in addition to or instead of liposuction.
What will my liposuction surgery be like?
Liposuction is performed under general or sedative anesthesia in our fully accredited in-house operating facility and can take 1-3 hours depending on your personal treatment plan. Small incisions (typically less than a centimetre in length) are made near the area of lipodystrophy (excess fat). Tumescent fluid is then injected to aid in fat cell removal, and a cannula is used to suction out the fluid and fat. Following surgery, our attentive medical team will monitor your initial recovery in the calm, comfortable setting of our in-house recovery room.
How long is the recovery from liposuction?
Our dedicated nurses will instruct you and your caregiver on postoperative care and management before leaving our clinic. You will leave with a supportive/compression garment in place. Our nurses will see you in-clinic typically 10-12 days after surgery, and subsequently as needed to support your recovery journey. Mild to moderate bruising, swelling, and discomfort is normal after liposuction. You may notice a small amount of drainage from your incisions. You’ll be able to remove your dressings and shower after 48 hours.
Light activity like walking is encouraged while you are healing, but you must refrain from strenuous physical activity (elevating your heart rate) for approximately 3-4 weeks. Most patients return to physical jobs and start to reincorporate physical activity around 2-4 weeks post-op and gradually work up to their normal activity level. Supportive garments must be worn for at least six weeks.
As with any surgery, the healing process can vary from patient to patient and your final results will depend on many individual factors. It is important to be patient with your body and allow yourself time to rest and recuperate. Liposuction can take many months to fully heal and settle, and your results may continue to improve for up to a year.
Your Questions Answered
We strive to ensure our patients are thoroughly informed and equipped with the resources they need to make the best decision for themselves. Your consultation will include a discussion of your goals, your health history, education on your procedure(s) of interest, and a detailed explanation of potential benefits, risks, and complications. Your surgeon will also perform a full exam of the proposed surgical area. For more information, you can also review our guide to the surgical process from consultation to recovery.
Prior to booking, you should ensure you have a responsible adult available to care for and assist you after surgery. This includes preparing meals, caring for your pets or children, cleaning, and assisting with postoperative care. You must be accompanied for at least 48 hours following your procedure.
As with any procedure, post-operative complications after liposuction are rare but possible. These may include bleeding (hematoma), blood clots (PE or DVT), infection, asymmetry, contour abnormalities/dimpling, delayed healing, and/or unsatisfactory scarring. Our skilled surgical team prioritizes your safety and meticulously works to minimize these risks. You may experience altered sensations such as numbness or tingling for several weeks or months, which are normal and should resolve with time.
For patients who are interested in targeted fat reduction but do not wish to undergo surgery, we offer CoolSculpting® as a non-invasive treatment option with no downtime. This would be indicated for specific targeted areas, and/or ‘touch up’ treatments following surgical liposuction. Patients who have excess skin as well as fat may choose to explore a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift depending on their area of concern.
