Liposuction

Localized areas of fat can remain despite a stable weight and regular activity. Liposuction removes selected fat beneath the skin to change contour. At SARA Surgery in Morton Grove, Dr. Sara R. Dickie evaluates the areas that concern you and how your skin and underlying tissues may respond.

The consultation helps distinguish fullness from fat, loose skin, and other changes that may require a different approach. The goal is a carefully planned contour that fits your anatomy.

What Liposuction Can Change

Liposuction can reduce localized subcutaneous fat. Common areas discussed in body contouring include the abdomen, waist, hips, and thighs. Which areas to treat, and how much treatment is appropriate, require an examination and review of your health.

It does not remove all fat, and more removal does not necessarily produce a better contour. Preserving an appropriate tissue layer is part of planning. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for weight management, and it does not reliably eliminate cellulite or stretch marks. Read the ASPS liposuction overview.

Why Skin Elasticity Matters

After fat removal, the skin needs to adapt to the changed contour. Skin with better elasticity generally adapts more readily. Loose or stretched skin may remain after liposuction, and removing fat alone may not address the concern that brought you in.

If excess abdominal skin is a significant issue, discuss whether skin removal is needed. Liposuction may also be combined with a tummy tuck when the procedures address different aspects of your anatomy. Our article on what a tummy tuck can include explains that distinction.

Is Liposuction Appropriate for You?

Your assessment includes fat distribution, skin quality, health, weight stability, and expectations. Tell Dr. Dickie about medications, nicotine use, previous surgery, and any ongoing or planned weight changes.

Describe what you want to change in practical terms, including the areas that bother you and the amount of change you hope for. Discuss whether treating one area will address your goal or whether another approach would be more appropriate. See our body contouring overview for related options.

What to Discuss Before Treatment

Ask about the proposed technique, incision locations, anesthesia, and the extent of treatment. These choices depend on the areas involved and whether other surgery is planned. No single technique or anesthetic plan suits every patient.

Learn about Dr. Sara Dickie and bring questions about the expected benefits, limitations, and alternatives to your consultation.

Liposuction Recovery

Swelling, bruising, and soreness can occur after treatment, and the early contour does not show the final result. Your plan will include instructions about dressings, support garments when advised, follow-up appointments, and a gradual return to activity.

Arrange help with transport and physical tasks as needed. The return to work or exercise depends on the amount of treatment, other procedures, and your healing. Follow Dr. Dickie’s guidance rather than another patient’s schedule. Our liposuction recovery article offers questions for that discussion.

Risks and Lasting Expectations

Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collections, changes in sensation, contour irregularities, asymmetry, skin injury, blood clots, fat embolism, and anesthesia complications. Additional treatment may be needed. Review ASPS information on liposuction risks.

Results cannot be guaranteed. Later weight changes can alter the contour, and skin continues to change with aging. Discuss what maintaining a stable routine means for your longer-term goals.