Liposuction in Charleston, SC

Do you have stubborn fat pockets which don’t seem to respond to diet and exercise? Are these challenging areas detracting from the results you’ve worked so hard to obtain? Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure which sculpts the buttocks, abdomen, and thighs to remove unwanted fat cells, leaving you with well-defined results. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse offers liposuction for patients who live in Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction can target the unsightly bulges and stubborn fatty deposits that no amount of diet and exercise can overcome. Diet and exercise contribute greatly to your overall health, and they are a great start to achieving the body you desire but are often not enough. Liposuction can help you finally get the better looking, leaner, and shapelier body you desire.

Liposuction Case 1

Before

After

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How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Charleston?

The cost of your liposuction procedure will depend on the volume of fat to be removed. Cost will be discussed with you prior to the procedure. For your convenience, Port City Plastic Surgery accepts payment by cash, credit card, and check. We have financing options available to make paying for your procedure more affordable.

What To Expect After Liposuction?

Women in side view

After a liposuction procedure, the length of your recovery and the discomfort you experience depend on the size of the area treated. Compression garments are used to reduce discomfort and help the body heal into the desired shape. These may need to be worn for as long as six weeks to ensure comfort and the best possible results. Discomfort is minor and typically controlled with oral medication.

Ultrasound treatments can be used to reduce bruising and discomfort, speed healing, and reduce residual lumps. Normal activity can be resumed almost immediately. Some people feel well enough to return to work a day or two after treatment, but strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided until healing is complete.

Will I Have Scars After Getting Liposuction?

You will have minimal scarring following liposuction, as incisions are made in strategic locations throughout the body to facilitate the procedure. As the ultimate goal of any cosmetic procedure is to improve body image, Dr. Widenhouse takes great care in placing and suturing these incisions in order to minimize their appearance.

When Will I See The Results?

The results of your liposuction procedure will be a smoother body contour. Final results may take up to six months to achieve.

What Are Possible Complications Of Liposuction?

There are some possible complications which may result from the liposuction procedure, including:

Infection
Numbness
Internal puncture
Fat embolism
Contour irregularities
Fluid accumulation
Kidney and heart problems

How Long Will The Results Of Liposuction Last?

The results of liposuction are fairly long lasting. Should you gain weight in the future, fat deposits can still grow but will be unlikely to reach their former size.

Benefits of Liposuction

Marked belly fat

Liposuction is an effective, flexible, and safe treatment for the removal of fat deposits. Liposuction is a not a weight loss procedure, but it can significantly reduce localized fat deposits to improve your overall body contour. It can be used on nearly every area of the body, including:

Neck
Chin
Upper arms
Chest (it is often used for gynecomastia)
Back
Abdomen
Hips
Thighs
Buttocks
Knees
Calves
Ankles

Dr. Widenhouse might recommend SmartLipo™ for some of these treatment areas, depending on the ability of your skin to retract, the amount of fat to be removed, and your desired results. The results of liposuction are long-lasting. Weight gain can still make your fat deposits grow, but they will be less likely to grow to their former size or shape.

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Liposuction?

The ideal candidate for liposuction is generally in good health and has realistic expectations for the procedure’s capabilities. Ideal patients maintain a healthy weight but do have isolated areas of the body where fat cells persist.

What Do I Need To Do Before Liposuction?

Marked thigh

Prior to liposuction, you’ll meet with Dr. Widenhouse to discuss the procedure. He’ll evaluate your physique and health history, letting you know if liposuction is an ideal solution to the challenges you face. In some cases, liposuction may not be appropriate, and an alternative procedure may be proposed.

What Should I Expect On The Day Of My Liposuction?

First, the area to be treated is injected with a solution that loosens the fat and numbs the area. This technique is known as tumescent liposuction. The solution is composed of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine.

Then several small incisions are used to insert a hollow needle, known as a cannula, into the fat deposit. The loosened fat is drawn through the cannula with suction.

Oral or IV sedation can be used to help the patient remain relaxed during the procedure. In cases where large pockets of fat are to be removed from numerous locations, IV sedation may be more appropriate.

How Long Does It Take To Perform Liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction can take up to five hours to complete, depending on the volume of fat which is to be removed.

Liposuction FAQs

How much weight can you lose with liposuction?

While liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, patients can expect to lose a few pounds from the treatment. Generally, patients experience between two and five pounds of weight loss after their liposuction procedure.

Does liposuction permanently remove fat?

Yes! Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the body, which means that your results can be permanent, too. However, the liposuction treatment does not prevent fat cells from re-accumulating in the treatment area. In order to achieve permanent fat reduction, patients are encouraged to maintain healthy diet and exercise habits following their liposuction treatment.

How bad does lipo hurt?

Liposuction treatments are performed with anesthesia, which prevents any pain during the procedure. However, you can expect some pain in the days following treatment as you progress through your recovery period. We will provide you with pain medications as well as recovery guidelines to help you manage and reduce this pain as much as possible.

What is better, lipo or tummy tuck?

Both lipo and a tummy tuck are effective solutions for enhancing the contours of the body. However, the key difference is that liposuction only removes fat from the abdominal region. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, removes and tightens excess skin, as well as tightens the abdominal muscles. Liposuction may be better for patients who want to reduce stubborn fat, while a tummy tuck may be better for patients who want to achieve a toned abdomen. These treatments can also be combined for greater results.

Does lipo leave scars?

Like any surgical procedure, liposuction will inevitably leave scars in the treatment area. However, with the advances of liposuction technology and the skill of our surgical team, we make every effort to keep these scars as small and inconspicuous as possible. During your consultation, we can further discuss how to minimize scarring from your lipo procedure.

Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse is passionately committed to reflecting your inner beauty. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, our team offers full body plastic surgery, emphasizing overall health and wellness to the residents of Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina. Contact Port City Plastic Surgery today!