Liposuction

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Liposuction Surgery (“lipoplasty”) is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently removes areas of localized fat Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Liposuction ASPS Go to Source from the body. This cosmetic treatment is sought by many people in order to improve the contour of their body when regular diet and exercise have failed to achieve the results they desire. Dr. Sarah Mess is a Columbia, Maryland, liposuction specialist offering Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) tumescent liposuction to provide patients with a more slim and attractive body contour.

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Ideal Candidates for Liposuction Surgery

Candidates for liposuction Surgery are in good overall health and are close to their Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Who is a good candidate for liposuction? ASPS Go to Source ideal body weight. Liposuction is not to be viewed as a form of weight loss surgery, and patients should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. Patients with a BMI of 35 or above are typically not candidates for large volume liposuction.

Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body, including the:

  • Abdomen
  • Chest
  • Thighs
  • Hips
  • Buttocks
  • Face
  • Arms
  • Back

Liposuction Options

Dr. Mess is proud to offer PAL, Vaser Lipo, and Renuvion Skin Tightening at her surgery center in Columbia, MD.

Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

PAL is a body contouring procedure that utilizes a vibrating cannula to break down and remove stubborn fat more efficiently. The rapid movement of the cannula allows for greater precision, reducing trauma to surrounding tissues and shortening recovery time. PAL is ideal for targeting areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and back, offering effective fat reduction with smoother contouring results. This technique is often preferred for its ability to handle larger volumes of fat while maintaining a high level of control during the procedure.

Vaser Lipo

VASER Lipo is an advanced body contouring procedure that uses ultrasonic technology to break down and remove stubborn fat deposits with precision. This technique targets unwanted fat while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, making it ideal for sculpting areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and neck. In addition to fat reduction, VASER Lipo promotes skin tightening in the treated areas, enhancing overall results.

Renuvion Skin Tightening

Renuvion is a cutting-edge skin contraction treatment that uses helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to tighten and firm skin more effectively than traditional laser liposuction. It offers superior skin retraction by targeting deeper layers of tissue, resulting in more precise, natural-looking results. Ideal for areas like the neck, arms, and abdomen, Renuvion provides enhanced skin tightening without the need for extensive incisions, making it a better option for those seeking optimal skin contraction outcomes.

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Preparing for Liposuction Surgery

Prior to the procedure, patients will need to get a medical assessment and stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, which can increase bleeding during surgery. It is also imperative that individuals stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery in order to reduce the risks of complications. Following Dr. Mess’ preoperative and postoperative instructions is necessary for a safe and effective procedure.

The Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction surgery is performed under local or twilight anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The length of the procedure will depend on how many areas of the body that fat is removed from. After Dr. Mess makes an incision in the targeted area, a small, thin tube will be inserted underneath the skin and moved around to separate fat cells from the tissue. Then a specialized power suctioning device is used to permanently vacuum out fat cells. After the liposuction procedure is performed and the body is sculpted into a more attractive contour, Dr. Mess will close the incisions with sutures.

Recovery After Liposuction Surgery

As soon as surgery is complete, the incisions will be bandaged and wrapped with a specialized compression garment to help minimize swelling and bruising. Medication can be prescribed to alleviate pain or discomfort apparent after surgery. Temporary drainage tubes may also be needed to remove excess fluid and reduce the risk of infection. Although many patients return to work after about a week, strenuous activity should be avoided for the first few weeks until incisions completely heal and your body returns to its normal state.

Quote Marks

I LOVE Dr. Mess and her entire staff. Everyone is friendly, knowledgeable, and considerate of their clients needs. Dr. Mess has the perfect skill and expertise for your cosmetic needs. You can be reassured that she will turn your body desires into a beautiful reality. There is no other plastic surgeon I trust more than Dr. Mess.

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Before & After Photos

before and after liposuction before and after liposuction

Abdominal Liposuction Results on Patient Aged 24-35. Photos taken 3 months post procedure.

before and after liposuction before and after liposuction

Abdominal Liposuction Results on Patient Aged 34-45. Photos taken 6 weeks post procedure.

Results After Liposuction Surgery

Although it may take a few months before the final results of liposuction are apparent, patients are usually very satisfied with their new look. As long as they maintain a stable weight, the results of surgery will be long lasting. Liposuction can restore confidence in your shape and figure by providing better contours and curves.

Dr. Mess is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a member of both The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). At her Columbia, Maryland, practice, she is highly experienced in performing liposuction, including using the fat harvested during the procedure for fat transfer treatments. This allows patients to enhance other areas, such as the face, breasts, or buttocks, with their own natural fat for more balanced and refined results.

Schedule Your Consultation

For more information about how you can improve the appearance of your body through liposuction, please contact us or call (410) 705-4061 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mess.

FAQs About Liposuction

How much does liposuction cost?

We believe patients make better decisions when they understand the options and cost ranges for liposuction. We are happy to provide a basic price range for liposuction, but the final costs cannot be determined prior to your consultation with Dr. Mess.

Liposuction cases can range from 1.5 to 4 hours or more, so it’s difficult to determine liposuction costs prior to your consultation. How many areas are being treated and how much liposuction is needed will determine the cost of your procedure. Multi-site liposuction and 360 liposuction will take more time and cost more than neck or arm liposuction.

The best way to determine procedure pricing is to come in for a consult with Dr. Mess. She will help you decide which liposuction options will work best to achieve your aesthetic goals. Our Columbia office is conveniently located and easily accessible from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

Dr. Mess’ surgical estimates are comprehensive. Your liposuction surgery quote includes:

  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Operating room fees and supply charges
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Post-surgical garments
  • All appointments before or after your surgery

Price range for single area Liposuction: $6,000-9,000.

Price range for Lipo360 of Abdomen and Flanks $12,000-15,000 (Your costs may fall outside of this range.)

How much downtime should I expect after liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so some downtime is necessary for recovery. Most patients can expect to take about one to two weeks off from regular activities, with light exercise and non-strenuous tasks typically allowed after two weeks. Full recovery and a return to more vigorous activities usually occur within four to six weeks, depending on the extent of the body contouring procedure.

How much excess fat can liposuction remove?

Liposuction is designed to remove unwanted fat and stubborn fat deposits but is not a Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Liposuction Cleveland Clinic Go to Source weight loss solution. The procedure can safely remove up to 5 liters (about 10 pounds) of fat in a single session. Ideal candidates are those near their ideal weight, looking to fine-tune their body contours.

Does liposuction have any risks?

As with any surgical procedure, liposuction does carry some risks. These may include infection, scarring, fluid accumulation, or Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Liposuction Mayo Clinic Go to Source irregular contours. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following post-operative care instructions can minimize complications and help achieve the desired results from this body contouring procedure.

Can I combine any other procedures with liposuction?

Yes, liposuction can often be combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance results and address multiple areas of the body at once. Common combinations include a tummy tuck, which tightens the abdominal area, or breast augmentation or breast reduction to reshape the breasts. These combinations are frequently part of a mommy makeover, a comprehensive procedure designed to restore a pre-pregnancy figure. By pairing liposuction with these surgeries, patients can achieve more balanced and harmonious results in a single surgical session.

Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 ASPS. Liposuction. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction. Accessed September, 19, 2024.

2 ASPS. Who is a good candidate for liposuction? https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/candidates. Accessed September 19, 2024.

3 Cleveland Clinic. Liposuction. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11009-liposuction. Accessed September 19, 2024.

4 Mayo Clinic. Liposuction. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586. Accessed September 19, 2024.

Dr. Sarah Mess has either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated

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Many patients come to see Dr. Sarah Mess from the Baltimore, and Washington DC areas because of her ability to provide their face and body with a revitalized look that appears naturally youthful. For all of your cosmetic needs, please call (410) 559-9468 or use the form below to request a consultation.

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