Achieving a Slimmer Figure with Liposuction

By: Dr. Nicholas K. Howland

2/22/2025

woman smiling while measuring

For men and women who struggle with stubborn fat deposits despite diet and exercise, liposuction can be a life-changing solution to finally achieve your aesthetic goals — and even improve physical health and well-being overall. At Howland Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas K. Howland provides advanced liposuction techniques to help patients achieve a leaner, more contoured figure. Whether you are looking to refine your waistline, remove excess fat from the thighs, or simply fit better in your clothes, liposuction may be right for you. Here, you'll find more information about slimming down with liposuction — including where lipo can be used, how much fat can be removed with lipo, and more.

Does liposuction make you skinnier?

Liposuction is designed to remove localized fat deposits that are resistant to traditional weight loss methods. By precisely targeting specific areas, this procedure can enhance natural curves, create smoother proportions, improve body symmetry, and help patients appear slimmer in some of their most problematic areas. Common treatment areas for liposuction fat removal include:

  • Abdomen and waist
  • Flanks (love handles)
  • Thighs and hips
  • Buttocks
  • Upper arms
  • Under the chin

Unlike weight loss, which reduces fat cells throughout the body, liposuction removes fat cells in a controlled and targeted manner, creating long-lasting sculpted results.

What makes VASER® liposuction different from regular lipo?

VASER liposuction is an advanced technology that uses ultrasound energy to break down fat before extraction. This technique allows for a gentler fat removal process that preserves surrounding tissues, resulting in:

  • Less bruising and swelling
  • Faster recovery times
  • More precise body sculpting

VASER liposuction is especially beneficial for patients who want refined definition in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, and thighs.

What happens during liposuction?

Liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Once anesthesia is administered, Dr. Howland makes a small incision and inserts a thin cannula to loosen and suction out fat cells. The duration of the procedure typically ranges from 1 – 3 hours, depending on the number of treatment areas. After surgery, patients are monitored in a recovery area before being released to go home. Compression garments are provided to help minimize swelling and support the newly contoured shape.

How long does it take to see results after liposuction?

Initial swelling and bruising are normal after liposuction, and while some improvements may be noticeable right away, optimal results develop gradually over the next few months. As swelling subsides, the treated areas take on a more sculpted and refined appearance. Most patients experience significant improvement within 3 – 6 months after liposuction, with results that can be long-lasting when paired with a healthy lifestyle.

How much weight can you lose with lipo?

It is important to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure but, instead, should be considered a body contouring treatment designed to remove stubborn fat deposits. Ideal candidates for liposuction should be close to their goal weight but struggle with specific areas of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. While the amount of fat removed with liposuction will vary from patient to patient, most men and women can expect to lose a number of inches in each treatment area, helping them to slim down, enhance their desired curves, fit better in clothing, and feel more confident overall.

Get the slimmer, sexier figure you've always wanted with liposuction in Draper, UT

If you are looking to refine your contours and achieve a slimmer, more sculpted figure, liposuction may be the right option for you. At Howland Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas K. Howland uses the most advanced body contouring techniques and technologies available to deliver beautifully natural results that can last for years or even decades. To learn more about your options for Draper, UT liposuction and develop a customized body sculpting plan, call our friendly team to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Howland today.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.