Despite a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, many people find that they can’t get rid of stubborn fat in areas of their body like the abdomen, thighs, back, or arms. Liposuction is a highly effective method of permanently removing these excess fat cells to reveal a toned, slimmer body contour.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that is done to surgically eliminate stubborn areas of fat that won’t disappear no matter how you change your diet and exercise routine. Liposuction is a very versatile procedure and can treat many areas of the body, including the thighs, buttocks, hips, abdomen, upper arms, back, knees, calves, cheeks, chin, neck, and more! This can be an excellent way to also treat problem areas like a muffin top, love handles, or a belly pooch.

Liposuction treatments are minimally invasive, requiring only small, shallow incisions hidden in discreet locations for optimal scarring upon fully recovering.


Before & After


Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction Utah?

Patients who have specific fatty deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise and desire a more proportionate, sleeker body contour can often benefit from liposuction. It’s also important that you have good skin elasticity and not too much excess skin from body changes that might result from extreme weight loss or pregnancy, for example, to ensure that this procedure doesn’t result in loose, sagging skin.

Fortunately, patients with poor skin elasticity may be better suited to another body contouring procedure, such as an arm lift, thigh lift, or body lift, where Dr. Howland can remove any excess skin through a more extensive procedure.

Finally, liposuction candidates should be near their goal body weight, and be healthy, non-smokers. It is important to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure for those who are obese, but rather a way to remove unwanted fat from specific areas of concern to achieve a more pleasing figure.

What to Expect From the Liposuction Surgical Procedure

Liposuction is performed using a small, thin tube called a cannula, which is inserted through small incisions at the treatment area. Dr. Howland will move the cannula back and forth to break up fatty tissue in a strategic way for even distribution of the remaining tissue. While Dr. Howland is performing these liposuction techniques, a surgical vacuum attached to the cannula suctions out the excess fat. How much fat is removed will depend on your goals and safety protocols.

The standard these days, whether using an advanced technique like laser-assisted liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, or power-assisted liposuction, involves injecting a special solution of local anesthetic, lidocaine, and other medications before proceeding. This is known as tumescent liposuction, which begins with injecting a numbing and blood vessel-contracting compound to make the procedure both more comfortable and easier to perform. This also has the benefit of minimizing the amount of bleeding and post-surgical pain.

Pairing Liposuction with Other Procedures

For some patients, their ideal results can’t be achieved with traditional liposuction alone. Thankfully, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Howland can recommend a customized treatment plan that pairs liposuction with other plastic surgery procedures to ensure you reach your ideal results.

Liposuction is frequently combined with procedures like a tummy tuck, for example. Tummy tuck patients have loose, excess skin through the abdominal region, sometimes in addition to stubborn fat deposits, and liposuction is commonly used to achieve a flatter tummy. Patients may choose to have liposuction in other areas of the body alongside their tummy tuck, such as the back or bra roll.

It can also be beneficial to pair liposuction with a breast procedure, such as an augmentation or reduction. Changing the shape or size of the breasts changes the proportions of the body overall. Liposuction Salt Lake City can be utilized to enhance a curvy body contour when paired with a breast procedure.

Liposuction Recovery and Results

Any side effects from liposuction procedures, including pain or discomfort, can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. Typically, liposuction patients need to wait one to two weeks before returning to work to rest and heal.

The majority of swelling and soreness in the treatment area dissipates within three to five weeks. The exact amount of downtime needed will depend on the invasiveness of the surgery and individual anatomy as well as your lifestyle. For example, patients with physically demanding jobs will require more time before they are ready to return to work.

During the liposuction procedure, patients can expect to have drains inserted. These drains will need to stay in place for about a week to help collect any excess fluids from the body during recovery. A special compression garment will also need to be worn to lessen any swelling.

It is important to follow Dr. Howland’s post-op instructions for a safe recovery experience. Read our blog to learn more about ” What to Expect After Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction in Salt Lake City, UT

To learn more about liposuction surgery and Dr. Howland’s superior, natural results, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Howland. In a consultation with Dr. Howland, he can examine your problem areas and recommend a treatment plan that will best address your needs, with or without liposuction or other plastic surgery techniques.

FAQs about Liposuction

Are you put to sleep for liposuction?

Most patients receive general anesthesia for liposuction, but some liposuction procedures can be performed under local anesthesia or twilight sedation alone.

Does fat come back after lipo?

Fat cells are permanently removed during liposuction. It is possible to gain weight after liposuction, however, it will likely be stored outside of the treated area.

Can I get liposuction if I am overweight?

Liposuction results are best for those who are at or near a healthy weight. It is not designed as a weight-loss procedure.

Does liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Liposuction is not a suitable treatment to reduce cellulite, and in some cases can make dimpling appear worse. If you are concerned about cellulite, ask your plastic surgeon what your best options are.

Can visceral fat be removed?

Visceral fat cannot be removed using liposuction. This type of fat is too deep within the body to be surgically removed in this way.

Does liposuction really work?

Liposuction is an effective way to remove fat and create a more toned body contour.

Does a tummy tuck remove fat?

A tummy tuck can remove some fat from the abdominal area using liposuction.

How can I avoid weight gain after surgery?

After your liposuction procedure, avoid weight gain by following a balanced, healthy diet and exercising regularly.

How can I lose tummy fat fast?

Some methods of losing abdominal fat include increasing your exercise, following a sustainable and healthy diet that includes fewer carbs, and avoiding processed foods. If you still have excess fat, liposuction is an option.

How do you shower after liposuction?

After liposuction, it is best to avoid showering for about 24-48 hours. Then, avoid getting any sutures wet if possible and carefully pat the treated area dry.

How can I reduce my stomach fat?

You can reduce stomach fat by adopting a healthy, balanced diet and exercising more. Most people will still have some unwanted residual fat even while following a healthy lifestyle. If this is the case, liposuction is an option.

How does fat transfer work?

Fat transfer involves removing some fat from a donor area of the patients body using liposuction, then injecting it to another area. Fat transfer is frequently used to add volume to the face, breasts, or buttocks.

How dangerous is liposuction?

Liposuction is safe for most patients, but like all surgeries, there are some risks. These include bleeding, reactions to anesthesia, or infection. These can largely be avoided by carefully following your plastic surgeons instructions.

How does Lipo work?

Liposuction works by breaking apart fat manually, then suctioning it away using a cannula.

How do I prepare for liposuction?

To prepare for liposuction, you should avoid smoking or taking blood-thinning medications, fast for about 12 hours before the surgery, and plan for a trusted family member or friend to drive you home from the procedure.

How long do you drain after lipo?

After liposuction, many patients have drains in place. Fluid typically drains from the incisions for the first several days of the healing process, usually no more than a week.

How long do you need off work after liposuction?

Most people return to work about two weeks after they receive liposuction.

How painful is liposuction recovery?

Most patients will experience moderate pain or soreness for the first few days of their liposuction recovery, but this can be managed using pain medication.

How much does it cost to get liposuction on your stomach?

The average cost of liposuction for the stomach is about $3,500 nationally.

Is it easier to lose weight after liposuction?

For most patients, it is much easier to maintain a healthy weight after liposuction. Some see this as an advantage when trying to lose weight as well.

How much does liposuction cost without insurance?

Liposuction is generally not covered by insurance, so this is not a factor in your out-of-pocket cost. The average cost of a liposuction procedure is about $3,500, but this varies.

Is Lipo permanent?

Liposuction permanently removes fat, but it is possible to gain weight in other areas in the future.

How much fat can lipo remove?

On average, you can remove up to 5 liters, or 11 pounds, of fat in a single liposuction procedure.

Is liposuction an outpatient procedure?

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home as soon as the surgery is complete.

Is there a weight requirement for liposuction?

There is no set weight limit for a liposuction candidate. You should be at or near a healthy weight before choosing liposuction.

What is Lipo Laser?

Laser liposuction uses a laser to melt fat below the skin, making it easier to remove using liposuction or damaging the fat cells to the point that the body naturally metabolizes them.

What can you eat after lipo surgery?

After liposuction, make sure you follow a healthy diet that prioritizes protein such as lean meat, fish, or beans and legumes. This will help you heal quickly.

What is the best type of liposuction?

The best type of liposuction varies from patient-to-patient depending on the area they wish to treat and other factors. Dr. Howland will recommend the treatment plan that is best for you.

What do they do with liposuction fat?

Following liposuction, fat can be injected into the body in an area such as the breasts, buttocks, or face. Otherwise, it is discarded.

What is ultrasonic liposuction?

Ultrasonic liposuction uses ultrasound waves to liquefy fat, making it easier to suction away.

What is AirSculpt Lipo?

AirSculpt is a minimally invasive body sculpting procedure that is sometimes an alternative for liposuction.

What types of liposuction are there?

There are many types of liposuction available. Some common options include tumescent liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and laser-assisted liposuction.

Who is good candidate for liposuction?

A good candidate for liposuction has some areas of stubborn fat that they cant remove with diet and exercise alone. They should be generally healthy overall, including being at or near a healthy weight.