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Liposuction

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Our plastic surgeons' experience and technical skills can produce excellent results for our liposuction patients from London, Guelph, Windsor, and Cambridge, Ontario. Women and men travel to The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic to reduce pockets of unwanted fat on their bodies using liposuction.

Our Kitchener-Waterloo clinic serves Southwestern Ontario residents considering liposuction. Request a consultation online to meet with one of our surgeons, or call our office at (519) 746-1132 to schedule an appointment.

How much does liposuction cost in the Kitchener-Waterloo area?

The cost for liposuction procedures ranges from approximately $10,000 for larger areas such as the abdomen/flanks or as low as $4,000 for smaller areas. Your actual price will depend on the number and size of areas being treated. You will receive a specific quote for your procedure at your consultation. We offer flexible financing options through Medicard for qualified patients.

How should I prepare for liposuction surgery?

The objective of liposuction is to improve your body's contours. It is important to understand that liposuction is for adults who are at or near their goal weight. You will first have a thorough consultation with your surgeon to determine your goals and the specific areas to be improved using liposuction. The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic's patient coordinator will guide you through all the details of the planning process for your procedure, including financing, scheduling, and paperwork.

Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

You are to have nothing to eat or drink for the 12 hours immediately before your surgery.

How is liposuction performed?

Liposuction uses a hollow stainless steel tube (called a cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum to remove fat. This process is facilitated by first filling the fat deposit area with a solution that helps decrease pain and minimize bleeding. Typically, liposuction requires a 2- to 3-millimeter incision. Sometimes, more than one incision is required.

Common sites for liposuction include:

• Double chin
• Abdominal area
• Flanks ("love handles")
• Back
• Thighs
• Inside the knees

Localized fat deposits in these areas are sometimes an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise.

Will I need skin tightening after liposuction?

You may undergo liposuction at any age, but when you are younger your skin is more elastic, allowing it to achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. When skin is inelastic, as in some older patients, it may not re-drape well and surgical skin tightening or minimally invasive BodyTite skin tightening may be necessary.

Liposuction vs. tummy tuck

While both are cosmetic body contouring procedures, liposuction and tummy tuck surgery provide different benefits, including:

• Liposuction removes isolated areas of fat.
• Tummy tuck surgery tightens lax abdominal skin and muscles.

Our doctors often combine these procedures to rejuvenate the abdominal area after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

Are there alternatives to liposuction surgery?

Liposuction is often the only way to reduce diet-resistant fat deposits; although, CoolSculpting® can be an effective, non-surgical alternative. Patients bothered by a double chin may be candidates for BELKYRA™ injections as a nonsurgical alternative to liposuction.

What will the day of surgery be like?

You will arrange for someone to drive you to The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and to pick you up after the procedure. Our staff will assist you with planning for your ride home.

Our surgical staff will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. The procedure may be done under a general or local anesthetic. Typically, liposuction requires half an hour to 2 hours or more, depending on how many areas are being treated. Women sometimes combine liposuction with a tummy tuck and breast augmentation for a mommy makeover procedure.

Following liposuction, you will be taken into our recovery area where you will be closely monitored. You will be in the comfort of your own home approximately 2 to 3 hours after surgery.

How will I look and feel initially?

When you leave the Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and for the following 2 weeks you will wear a compression garment to help minimize swelling and promote healing.

Starting the day of your surgery, you should walk short distances every few hours to promote blood circulation. At first, this may be a walk from your bedroom to your kitchen. You will feel slightly bruised and swollen, but this can be helped by oral pain medication. Dressings are minimal and can be changed by Clinic staff. Swelling usually begins to subside a week or so following surgery, while bruising can last 3 weeks or longer.

When can I resume normal activities?

Typically, about 3 to 5 days after surgery you may resume most of your normal activities of daily life, such as driving, short walks, and grocery shopping. Depending on the physical requirements of your job, you may be able to return to work 4 to 5 days after surgery.

Within 5 to 7 days following your surgery you will have a follow-up appointment at the Clinic. A second follow up appointment will be scheduled for 3 to 6 months after your surgery. You will then be invited to return yearly for ongoing follow up.

Results of your liposuction

Liposuction surgery reduces areas of fatty deposits that previously created unflattering bulges. Typically there will be a noticeable difference in the treated area within a week after surgery, but the final cosmetic result will be achieved approximately 3 months after surgery. Patient experiences vary.

How long will the results last?

The results of liposuction can be long lasting, if you maintain your postoperative weight. If you gain a few pounds, you may find that the weight is distributed more evenly instead of accumulating in the areas that were problematic for you in the past.