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Liposuction: Is It Right for You?

If you’ve reached your goal weight but still struggle with stubborn areas of fat that won’t go away – no matter how hard you work out or how healthy you eat – liposuction might be the solution to help fine-tune your results. This body contouring procedure is not about weight loss; it’s about reshaping and sculpting areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.

At SkinCare Physicians, Dr. Labadie and her team perform liposuction near Boston using tumescent anesthesia, a safe and effective technique that eliminates the need for general anesthesia. You are awake during the procedure, but completely comfortable thanks to the numbing solution used to prepare the area. This approach allows for faster recovery, fewer risks, and excellent outcomes.

Read on for answers to some of the most common questions Dr. Labadie receives from patients and see if liposuction might be right for you.

What happens during liposuction?

Step 1: Mapping the treatment area
Before anything begins, I will work closely with you to mark out the precise areas for treatment. This step ensures that we’re targeting the right spots and achieving a balanced, natural-looking result.

Step 2: Administering tumescent anesthesia
After cleansing the area, I make a few very small incisions in discreet locations near the treatment site. Through these incisions, I insert a thin tube called a cannula to deliver the tumescent anesthetic solution. This fluid numbs the area, constricts blood vessels to minimize bruising, and helps loosen the fat for easier removal.

Step 3: Performing liposuction
Using the same tiny incisions, a specialized liposuction cannula is then used to gently suction out the fat. I carefully sculpt the area to create a smooth, natural contour. The goal is to remove all of the excess fat in the treated area, leaving behind a more refined shape.

It’s important to know that visceral fat, the deeper fat surrounding your organs inside the abdomen, is not removed with liposuction. That type of fat responds best to lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Liposuction only targets subcutaneous fat, the fat that lies just under the skin and causes the visible bulges.

What to expect right after the procedure?

Once the fat is removed, you will be fitted with a compression garment, typically an abdominal binder, that you will wear under your clothes. This helps reduce swelling, supports healing, and improves your final results. Some mild fluid drainage from the incision sites is normal and expected in the first 24–48 hours. It usually resolves quickly and does not require stitches.

When can I return to daily life?

Most patients feel well enough to return to work the very next day, especially if the job is not physically demanding. However, it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for about a week to allow your body to heal properly.

Why wear the compression garment post liposuction?

For the best results, I recommend wearing the compression garment , also known as binder, as much as possible for the first month after your procedure. It can be removed for short breaks and gentle showering, but the more consistent you are, the smoother your healing and final contour will be.

Will there be a follow-up appointment?

You will come back to see me around one month after the procedure so I can assess your progress. By then, most of the swelling will have gone down, though some mild puffiness may still remain. The tiny incision sites may look pink at this stage, but they will continue to fade with time.

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

Yes, the results are permanent as the removed fat cells do not regenerate. However, to maintain your results, it’s important to follow a healthy lifestyle. Gaining significant weight can cause the remaining fat cells to grow or fat to accumulate in other areas of your body.

Who is the best candidate for liposuction?

The ideal candidate for liposuction typically :
– Is at or near their goal weight
– Maintains good overall health
– Deals with localized fat unresponsive to exercise or diet
– Has firm, elastic skin without significant sagging or wrinkling
It’s also important to have realistic expectations – liposuction is a powerful sculpting tool, but it’s not a solution for obesity or skin laxity.

Ready to take the next step?

If you are considering liposuction and want to know if it’s right for you, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with Dr. Labadie. She will walk you through all your options, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan to help you feel more confident in your body.