Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes subcutaneous fat from specific areas. It is commonly used on the abdomen, waist, hips, flanks, back, chest, arms and beneath the chin. 

With liposuction, the goal is not weight loss but to improve shape and contour. During surgery, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted through small access points to remove unwanted fat. Your surgeon carefully controls where fat is reduced and where some fullness remains to preserve smooth transitions and natural proportions. 

At PURE, every liposuction plan begins with Smart Aesthetics™, our approach for creating balanced results based on your measurements, anatomy and goals. Surgical Intelligence™ then guides how that plan is carried out, combining our experienced judgment with the tools and techniques best suited to your body.

What Can Liposuction Treat? 

Liposuction can reduce localized fat almost anywhere on the body. Some patients want to refine one area, while others benefit from treating multiple areas to create a more cohesive result. Your surgeon will explain which areas can be addressed together and how each choice may affect your recovery.

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

You may be a strong candidate for liposuction if you’re bothered by stubborn fat that resists diet or exercise. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a shortcut for weight loss, so the best results are seen in patients with a healthy BMI looking to refine their shape.

At PURE, good candidates usually share a few traits:

• Unwanted fat in areas like the back, abdomen, hips, thighs or flanks 
• Reasonably firm skin that will retract over the new contour
• A desire to feel more confident in swimwear and clothing
• Realistic expectations about what liposuction can achieve 
• A max BMI of 30 (Dr. Earle), 33.5 (Dr. Vidal) or 34 (Dr. Wegerif)

Even when liposuction seems like the obvious choice, it’s easy to overlook the level of planning and surgical judgment involved. “It sounds like a simple, in-and-out procedure, but it’s still surgery,” says Dr. Vidal. “This is something I want people to understand. Even though you’re only seeing a few small incisions, it involves healing across multiple body areas. That’s why we spend so much time making sure patients know what to expect before they move forward.”

What Liposuction Techniques Are Available at PURE?

All modern liposuction procedures share the same basic foundation, with optional devices or technologies added depending on your goals. 

“The most bare-bones approach is called tumescent lipo, and it’s the base of everything else,” explains Dr. Earle. “The first step of any liposuction procedure is infusing the area with tumescent fluid, which is IV fluid, like normal saline, plus epinephrine.”

At PURE, we offer several approaches depending on the area being treated and the degree of definition you want, including traditional tumescent liposuction, power liposuction, high-definition VASER liposuction, Lipo 360 and Total Definer HD Lipo.

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What Is Tumescent Liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction has been used reliably for years and is the most basic form of liposuction. At PURE, it involves injecting a mixture of saline and epinephrine (a vasoconstrictor) into the fatty tissue. The tumescent fluid shrinks blood vessels to reduce bleeding and engorges the fat cells, making them easier to remove.

What Is Power Liposuction?

Power liposuction, also known as power-assisted liposuction (PAL), utilizes a specialized cannula equipped with a vibrating tip. The vibrations help to gently break apart fat cells for easier removal, causing less trauma to surrounding tissues. Ideal for larger areas or denser fatty deposits, PAL allows for more efficient fat removal and shorter procedure times.

What Is VASER Lipo?

High-definition VASER liposuction can be better described as liposculpture, and it incorporates ultrasound technology to liquefy fat before it’s removed from the body. It also has the added effect of promoting skin contraction. This state-of-the-art technique allows for highly detailed sculpting and is particularly good at enhancing visible muscle definition. It's frequently sought by patients wanting that really contoured, athletic physique. 

What Is Lipo 360?

Lipo 360 is a popular technique that takes a circumferential, 360-degree approach to body contouring, targeting the entire midsection in a single session. Reducing fat throughout the entire torso, from the abdomen and waist to the flanks and back, helps ensure a more cohesive result, creating smoother transitions and a balanced hourglass figure. 

What Is Total Definer HD Lipo?

Total Definer HD Lipo at PURE is a 10-point package that combines comprehensive body sculpting with advanced techniques and a world-class, all-inclusive patient experience. It uses VASER liposuction technology to achieve high-def contouring and includes a suite of complementary treatments and services to ensure optimal outcomes, including: fat transfer for natural augmentation, Cell Saver to minimize blood loss, BodyTite or Renuvion for skin tightening, and Morpheus8 microneedling to improve collagen production.

Your Consultation

Your journey starts with a virtual or in-person consultation. This is where you meet with your surgeon or one of our coordinators to review your form submission, discuss your treatment goals and learn more about our costs and financing options. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask us any questions you might have, including: Are you board-certified? Do you operate in an accredited facility? How do you ensure patient safety? At PURE, our number one priority is making sure you feel confident and informed should you decide to move forward.

Read More: What to Expect During Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

Your Surgery

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure performed at our Joint Commission-accredited surgical facility in Miami, Florida. Most sessions take one to two hours, although larger or more complex plans can take longer. 

At PURE, liposuction is done under general anesthesia. To begin, your surgeon will infuse the area with a tumescent solution, then insert a cannula through small incisions or access points. The cannula is attached to a suction machine and, once under the skin, is used to remove unwanted fat and sculpt the treatment area. 

Depending on the type of liposuction being performed, a vibrating tip or ultrasonic probe may also be incorporated to address specific needs or goals. 

Read More: How Does Liposuction Work?

What Is the Recovery Timeline Like?

Although it can differ from person to person, recovery after liposuction is fairly predictable. Here’s what you can expect as your body heals and your final results begin to develop.

Days 1-2: Swelling, soreness and bruising are common, along with excess tumescent fluid draining from your incisions. Dizziness and fatigue are also normal. Focus on rest and hydration, but try to walk for at least 10 minutes every hour to promote circulation. Wear your compression garment 24/7 (except when bathing) as directed.

Days 3-4: Drainage begins to decrease. As fluid shifts from the tissues back into circulation, you may urinate more frequently or notice a change in your energy levels. This is expected, not a setback. Make sure you’re getting your lymphatic massages, as they will help.

Week 1: Most drainage has stopped, although swelling remains. Many patients start feeling more comfortable and return to work by this time. Continue with your compression and massages, and avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by your surgeon. Out-of-town patients stay in Miami through their day-five visit before traveling home. 

Weeks 2-6: Swelling gradually declines and your new contours become more visible. Continue to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions and limit strenuous activity until cleared to resume, usually after six weeks. 

Months 3-6: Residual swelling continues to resolve, allowing your final shape and definition to emerge. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your results.