Introduction to Liposuction

Are you someone who tries your best with a healthy diet and exercise and still isn’t able to get rid of those stubborn fat cells? If so, you are certainly not alone and this might be the right time to learn about liposuction. Liposuction is a ‘body sculpting procedure’ that is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States.

While liposuction in Greensboro, NC, is not a substitute for weight loss, it can permanently remove stubborn fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. The goal of the procedure is to improve a patient’s body contours by eradicating unwanted fat from their abdomen, buttocks, thighs, upper arms, and other specific problem areas where stubborn fat is present.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or liposculpture, is a minimally invasive procedure for fat reduction. Often referred to as ‘Body Contouring’, this cosmetic procedure involves removing excess fat deposits in target body areas via a few tiny incisions.

There are several methods available for the removal of fat. Standard liposuction uses a regular suction cannula to remove fat, Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses a sound frequency to liquefy fat and make it easier to remove, and Power-assisted liposuction employs a rapid vibratory motion of the cannula to facilitate fat removal. Dr. Pace will discuss these options with you and make an informed decision on which one he thinks will be best for you.

At Greensboro Plastic Surgery in Greensboro, NC, some common areas treated with our procedure are:

  • Abdomen
  • Arms
  • Buttocks
  • Chin
  • Hips/ Love handles
  • Back and upper back rolls
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Neck
  • Knees
  • Thighs
  • Upper arms
  • Waist

Please keep in mind that Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but an aid to reduce the amount of stubborn fat in the treated areas. It doesn’t treat obesity or remove skin surface abnormalities (such as stretch marks) and cannot tighten the contoured skin. If this is an area that you are interested in improving, please discuss your goals with Dr. Pace during your Liposuction consultation and he can make some surgical suggestions to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

woman in black bra and underwear with hands on hips smiling to the side

What are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction can help healthy adults reduce fat or even eliminate excess fat in problem areas. It is an effective way to remove fat cells in the abdomen, flanks, thighs, back, and arms. Thanks to gentle and minimally invasive modern techniques, Dr. Pace may also perform liposuction in the lower chin area to add more definition to the jawline. Some of the benefits our patients have received from liposuction in Greensboro, NC are:

  • Achieved a more sculpted body image
  • Better clothing fit
  • Long-lasting results
  • Safe and permanent elimination of stubborn fat cells
  • Improves self-confidence
  • Reduced fatty tissue in male breast

Who are the Best Candidates for a Liposuction Procedure?

Whilst a consultation at Greensboro Plastic Surgery is the best way for patients to determine whether or not liposuction can help them meet their goals, there are some loose guidelines on seeing if you qualify for Liposuction in Greensboro, NC:

  • Have regions of excess fat resistant to diet and exercise.
  • Have a good diet and exercise plan.
  • Have sufficient skin elasticity for new contours
  • Realistic expectations
  • No underlying medical conditions
  • Not obese
  • Not using liposuction as weight loss surgery

What to Expect on the Day of Liposuction Surgery

On the day of your procedure, local or general anesthesia will be used depending on the area of concern. For smaller areas, we can use local anesthesia in some patients, but with larger areas and extensive procedures, general anesthesia is required.

Dr. Pace will begin by making strategically placed, small incisions (usually only a few millimeters in length) in the treatment area. Through these small openings, a cannula (a very thin tube with a blunt tip) is inserted to remove and suck out the stubborn fat cells. This is possible as the cannula is connected to a rubber tubing that is attached to a high vacuum pressure machine.

The procedure length varies from as short as 30 minutes to as long as several hours depending upon the area of the body being targeted.

Liposuction Recovery

After surgery, you will be monitored in our recovery room until Dr. Pace decides that you are safe to be discharged. You will need a family member or friend available to drive you home in case you are still feeling some of the effects of sedation.

You will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions so Dr. Pace may leave a small drainage tube inserted beneath your skin for a couple of days to control this. You may also be fitted with a snug elastic compression garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks to manage swelling and help your skin form to its new contours.

During your initial recovery period, you might experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding, and temporary numbness. Dr. Pace will prescribe you some temporary medications to prevent infection, reduce swelling, and alleviate any pain.

Many patients can resume work and their everyday activities about one week after the procedure. Patients should avoid strenuous activities such as exercise for several more weeks as directed.

You will also be sent home with post-surgical care instructions. Please follow them with care and precision.

Why Choose Dr. Pace?

Dr. Collier Pace is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Under his leadership, our team at Greensboro Plastic Surgery strives to make you feel safe and listened to before even attempting to propose a treatment plan. As a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine with a former affiliation with the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Dr. Pace has the skillful hands, artistic eye, and patient dedication that have made him one of the most in-demand plastic surgeons in North Carolina.

Dr. Pace sitting on a chair smiling.
Portrait of Dr. Pace at his practice in Greensboro. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Collier Pace | Greensboro Plastic Surgery.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are in Greensboro, NC, and would like to improve your appearance cosmetically, a Liposuction procedure from board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Collier Pace, at Greensboro Plastic Surgery could be an excellent solution. To schedule a consultation, please contact our office or use our website to fill out a consultation request form. We look forward to taking the first step with you in achieving your desired nasal aesthetic. During this personalized session, discover how a Liposuction tailored to your unique needs can bring your aesthetic goals to life.

Liposuction FAQs

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Patient resources

At Greensboro Plastic Surgery, we believe that knowledge is power, which is why we are open and upfront about every aspect of your procedure. We have created a page to address any of your concerns and help you make the best decisions for you and your body. Please read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out and set up your consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.