Woman laying in bed smiling (model)

You have tried everything from eating clean to hitting the gym, but nothing will shift that stubborn fat in your flanks and lower belly. You might be ready for liposuction, a body sculpting procedure that swiftly eliminates stubborn fat deposits from your body. If you are considering liposuction, our team at CC Plastic Surgery is here to answer all your questions.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Charleston, SC, and Surrounding Areas?

Liposuction can cost anywhere from $2000 to $7000, depending on the extent of your treatment and various other factors. Liposuction is often combined with other body contouring procedures to address excess skin, and this will increase the cost.

It’s important to choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure who will focus on your safety and results rather than selecting a provider who offers liposuction “bargains.” Liposuction is a serious surgery. An experienced plastic surgeon will have the skill and knowledge to handle uncertainty and any potential complications that might arise during the procedure.

How Does a Liposuction Procedure Work?

During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will make an incision and insert a cannula to loosen and suction out the targeted stubborn fat cells. The plastic surgeon will strategically remove the fat so the surrounding area is smoothly contoured. You will be under general anesthesia during the procedure, so you won’t feel anything.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons answers more helpful questions about the liposuction procedure in their blog post.

What Areas Can Liposuction Treat?

Liposuction can remove small pockets of excess fat from almost anywhere on the body. Commonly treated areas include the stomach, back, hips, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. A double chin or submental fullness can also be addressed. Multiple areas can be treated at once, if desired. At your consultation, we will assess your medical history and discuss your aesthetic goals to create a surgical plan that prioritizes your safety.

How Can I Prepare for Liposuction Surgery?

Before receiving liposuction, patients should be at a stable weight and in overall good health. We may ask that you wait to receive surgery if you are considered medically obese (BMI >30). This is because liposuction is best for small areas of excess fatty tissue and is not considered a weight loss procedure. However, many patients receive this procedure to complete their weight loss journey.

Patients must stop smoking for at least six weeks before surgery and avoid blood-thinning medications for a few weeks. On the day of your procedure, wear comfortable clothing and remove all jewelry so that you can be prepared to recover at home after surgery.

What Can I Expect During Liposuction Recovery?

Liposuction recovery is relatively easy since this is a minimally invasive procedure only lasting a few hours in most cases. You may be advised to wear a compression garment after the procedure to minimize swelling and promote healing. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on what prescription or over-the-counter medications to take to alleviate discomfort. Most patients are recovered after 2 weeks, but refrain from strenuous activity until you talk to your plastic surgeon.

Can I Exercise After Liposuction?

You can engage in light, brief activities such as walking during the first few days after your procedure. You should skip the high-intensity workouts for at least 4 weeks after the procedure, strictly following your surgeon’s specific instructions. Your incisions and body need time to heal, so make sure to take as much time as needed before resuming your normal routine.

How Long Will My Liposuction Results Last?

You will be happy to know that, in most cases, liposuction results are permanent! When fat cells in a specific area are eliminated during your procedure, your body will not produce more. This means the number of fat cells in various areas of your body can be dramatically reduced. However, your remaining fat cells can expand if you gain weight, so it’s important to maintain your weight with a healthy diet and exercise routine to enjoy long-lasting results.

It’s important to note that liposuction cannot improve sagging skin in areas where stubborn fat tends to accumulate. If you do want to fix sagging skin as well, you can opt for a procedure such as a tummy tuck or an arm lift.

Schedule a Consultation

Liposuction can help you get the body you always dreamed about by eliminating stubborn fat. Take a look at the results our patients enjoy in our liposuction before and after photo gallery. If you are ready to see how liposuction can sculpt your body, request a consultation or call us at  (843) 350-5356 to schedule an appointment.

Liposuction FAQs

  1. How much fat can be removed with liposuction?
    1. The amount of fat that is removed with liposuction varies between each patient. However, it is safe to remove up to eight pounds of fat with liposuction.
  2. What is the ideal weight to receive liposuction?
    1. We recommend that patients be within 30 pounds of their weight goal before receiving liposuction. This is a great procedure to receive toward the end of your weight loss journey, and the confidence achieved after surgery can help you shed the last few pounds.
  3. Who should not undergo liposuction?
    1. Patients with underlying medical conditions like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, or bleeding problems should not receive liposuction. We advise that patients wait to receive the procedure until they are done having children, since additional pregnancies will cause weight gain and could affect your results.
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