Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. During the procedure, a thin instrument called a cannula is inserted beneath the skin through small incisions to suction out excess fat. Dr. Demianczuk frequently performs liposuction on the abdomen, hips, and upper arms, often combining it with procedures like abdominoplasty, BodyTite, or brachioplasty to achieve optimal results. With over 20 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Demianczuk is recognized as a leading provider of liposuction and body contouring in Vancouver.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction targets stubborn fat deposits located in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, just beneath the overlying skin. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and is commonly used on areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, back, and upper arms. It is often combined with other cosmetic procedures like a tummy tuck or skin tightening treatments for enhanced results.
Understanding Liposuction Types
There are several types of liposuction available, each of which has evolved significantly to improve precision, reduce blood loss, and enhance recovery:
- Suction Assisted Liposuction (SAL): Uses a mechanical suction device to extract excess fat deposits and is effective for larger treatment areas. A tumescent fluid of local anesthetic and epinephrine solution is injected prior to liposuction to reduce bleeding and bruising during fat removal.
- Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL): Uses a vibrating cannula to break up fat cells before suctioning them out in combination with a mechanical suction device to extract excess fat deposits and is effective for larger firmer treatment areas. A tumescent fluid of local anesthetic and epinephrine solution is injected prior to liposuction to reduce bleeding and bruising during fat removal.
- BodyTite Assisted Liposuction: Uses radio frequency energy to tighten loose skin after liposuction is complete. The procedure begins with mechanical suction to extract excess fat deposits and is effective for larger treatment areas. A tumescent fluid of local anesthetic and epinephrine solution is injected prior to liposuction to reduce bleeding and bruising during fat removal.
Benefits of the Liposuction Procedure
The liposuction procedure offers numerous benefits for patients seeking to refine their figure and improve body proportions:
- Targeted Fat Reduction
- Improved Body Contours
- Long-Lasting Results
- Versatile Use
- Increased Confidence
The Surgical Experience
Liposuction is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. It is considered an outpatient procedure. On average, each body part (i.e. tummy, thighs, etc.) will take 30 -60 minutes to complete. After surgery, patients must wear a compression garment on the treated area for 6 weeks. Bruising and swelling will dissipate after 1-2 weeks, but the final result will take several months to appear. The scars associated with liposuction are usually small and will fade over time.
Candidates for Liposuction
Ideal candidates for liposuction include those within ten pounds of their goal weights. Patients must be at a healthy BMI and be in generally good health. To determine if you are a good candidate for treatment, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Demianczuk.
What to Expect with Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. It is considered an outpatient procedure. On average, each body part (i.e. tummy, thighs, etc.) will take 60 minutes to complete. After surgery, patients must wear a compression garment on the treated area for 6 – 8 weeks. Bruising and swelling will dissipate after 1-2 weeks, but the final result will take several months to appear. The scars associated with liposuction are usually small and will fade over time.
Recovering From Liposuction
Most patients return home the same day, accompanied by a friend or family member. A compression garment must be worn for approximately six to eight weeks to reduce swelling, support healing, and help enhance the final liposuction results. Bruising and swelling are common during the first one to two weeks, and some contour irregularities may be present early on, though these typically resolve as the body adjusts to its new shape.
While some discomfort is expected, many patients find that post-liposuction pain is well-managed with prescribed medication and adequate rest. It’s important to avoid strenuous activity or exercise for four to six weeks, as this can minimize the risk of complications. Most patients can resume light activities within one to two weeks. Regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon are crucial for monitoring healing and addressing concerns such as uneven fat removal.
Long-Term Liposuction Results
The fat cells removed during the liposuction procedure are permanently eliminated and will not return; however, remaining subcutaneous fat can expand if you gain weight after surgery. This is why maintaining a stable body weight is key to preserving your body contouring results. In many cases, removing excess fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs also leads to improved visibility of underlying abdominal muscles and more defined body contours. While liposuction removes fat, it is not a treatment for cellulite or loose skin. Patients with poor skin elasticity may require additional aesthetic surgery, such as a tummy tuck or body lift, to address overlying skin laxity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is liposuction safe?
Are liposuction results permanent?
How much fat can be removed at one time?
What if I have loose skin?
How long does a typical liposuction procedure take?
What type of anesthesia is used during liposuction?
What is the recovery process like after liposuction?
Are there non-surgical alternatives to liposuction?
Can liposuction be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
Schedule your consultation
To find out how liposuction and body contouring procedure can help you meet your goals, contact Dr. Demianczuk.
Book a ConsultationSchedule Your Consultation
Ready to learn how liposuction or body contouring could help you achieve your goals? Contact Dr. Demianczuk and the team at Pacific Plastic Surgery today to schedule your personalized consultation.
Dr. Arko Demianzcuk
Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | BLOG
Dr. Arko Demianzcuk received his MD degree with honors from Queens University and his Plastic Surgery training (FRCS) from the University of British Columbia. His post-graduate education included subspecialty training in reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston. Dr. Demianzcuk has been appointed as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and served as Director of the UBC Resident Cosmetic Clinic for over a decade.Dr. Demianzcuk’s professional memberships include the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada with subspecialty training in Plastic Surgery, the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery, the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgery, and the Canadian Medical Association.
