Surgical Body Liposuction

Stubborn fat that resists even the most dedicated exercise and dieting is a struggle for many of us. Even at or near your ideal weight, you may struggle to shed unwanted fat in a few trouble areas. Certain areas like the neck, upper arms, or inner knees can also hold persistent fat that is particularly resistant to diet and exercise. 

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction, or fat removal surgery, is a procedure that suctions out unwanted fat. Dr. Langdon performs tumescent liposuction to remove stubborn fat with less bruising and a shorter recovery time. This liposuction method uses a diluted local anesthetic to numb the area, constrict blood vessels, and provide easier fat removal. 

Liposuction is an ideal fat reduction treatment for:

  • Neck and jowls
  • Upper arms
  • Abdomen
  • Hips
  • Buttocks
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Inner knees
  • Flanks
  • Male breasts (gynecomastia)

Dr. Langdon offers innovative and customized liposuction procedures to help patients get rid of stubborn fat and achieve a slim, sculpted figure. This treatment is an excellent alternative to a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Liposuction is also an essential component of Dr. Langdon’s various fat transfer procedures, such as natural breast augmentation and facial fat transfer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Tumescent liposuction is the safest and most effective method of liposuction. This technique uses large volumes of a diluted local anesthetic to “inflate” the fat layer. The fat is then gently suctioned out through a very small micro-cannula inserted through tiny incisions in the skin.

The local anesthetic is so effective that it eliminates the primary hazard of traditional liposuction: general anesthesia. In addition, a small amount of epinephrine is injected along with the local anesthetic to temporarily shrink the blood vessels. As a result, there is far less blood loss with tumescent liposuction as compared to traditional liposuction.

Liposuction procedures may take a few hours, depending on the size of the treatment area. During the procedure, patients generally experience little to no pain.

Some of the many advantages of tumescent liposuction include:

  • Use of only local anesthesia
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Less blood loss than traditional liposuction (resulting in reduced post-operative swelling and a quicker recovery time)
  • The use of tiny micro-cannula reduces bruising and swelling after surgery
  • Minimally invasive surgery, requiring only tiny skin incisions
  • Results are smoother and more even without the lumpiness and uneven ridging that are common after traditional liposuction

In addition to tumescent liposuction, Dr. Langdon offers several other cutting-edge technologies and laser-assisted liposuction procedures. Depending on your needs and goals, he may recommend one of the following options:

For several days following the surgery, patients may have a “sore muscle” feeling as if they have been vigorously exercising. Recovery times vary depending on the body areas that are treated, but most patients return to normal activities within two to three days. A compression garment should be worn over the treated area for seven days following the surgery for best results.

Your initial results will be apparent within a week of the procedure. There is usually still some swelling at this time, which may obscure some of your results. Continued improvement will be seen in the following weeks. The final results will be evident three to six months after surgery.

When fat cells are removed from a treated area, they do not return, meaning your liposuction results should be permanent. However, weight gain will cause the remaining fat cells to expand. Maintaining a steady weight and leading a healthy lifestyle is essential to preserving your slimmer contour after liposuction. 

Liposuction is the only way to remove excess fatty tissue in specific areas of your body. It does not, however, influence long-term body weight. This procedure is ideal for targeting specific areas of stubborn fat but is not a replacement for weight loss.

The best candidates for tumescent liposuction are people with firm skin who are in good health and have previously tried to get rid of fatty bulges through exercise and a proper diet. The best candidates also have realistic expectations about their own bodies and understand that tumescent liposuction is not a replacement for weight loss. You should be within 30% of your ideal body weight and have firm, elastic skin for optimal liposuction results.

Liposuction is not a treatment for loose skin, although this procedure usually results in some skin tightening. Dr. Langdon may recommend a concurrent treatment like Renuvion® for patients with skin laxity.

*Individual results may vary.

Liposuction results.

Take the next step.

To learn more about getting Liposuction or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Langdon, please fill out the form on this page or call The Langdon Center at (203) 453-8625. We look forward to working with you! The Langdon Center serves patients in the Guilford & New Haven, CT areas.