Liposuction in Tucson
Refine Stubborn Areas and Create Smoother Body Contours
Sometimes, even a healthy diet and regular exercise cannot change certain areas of the body.
Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes localized deposits of fat to improve shape, proportion, and definition. It is not a weight-loss procedure. Instead, it is designed for patients who are generally near a stable weight but continue to have areas of stubborn fat.
Dr. Christopher Maloney has extensive experience performing liposuction in Tucson and customizes treatment based on each patient’s anatomy and contouring goals.
Precision Body Contouring with Liposuction
Liposuction is not about removing as much fat as possible. Effective body contouring requires determining where fat should be removed and how each treated area relates to the surrounding body.
Using small incisions and a thin surgical instrument called a cannula, Dr. Maloney can remove localized fat and sculpt areas that have been resistant to diet and exercise.
Liposuction may be performed on its own or incorporated into other procedures, including tummy tuck surgery and fat transfer.
Liposuction Before & After Gallery
Areas Liposuction Can Treat
Liposuction can be used to contour several areas of the face and body, including:
- Abdomen
- Waist and love handles
- Hips
- Inner and outer thighs
- Arms
- Back
- Submental (Chin)
- Other localized areas of unwanted fat
Multiple areas may sometimes be treated during the same surgery depending on your anatomy, health, and treatment plan.
Liposuction for Fat Transfer
Liposuction also plays an important role in fat transfer procedures.
Fat can be carefully harvested from areas such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, processed, and transferred to another area where additional volume is desired. At Maloney Plastic Surgery fat transfer is frequently used for facial rejuvenation and may be incorporated into facelift surgery.
Benefits and Considerations
Liposuction can reduce localized fat and create smoother, more balanced proportions.
It works best when the overlying skin has enough elasticity to adapt to the new contour. Liposuction does not tighten loose skin, repair separated abdominal muscles, or serve as a treatment for obesity.
If loose skin is a significant concern, Dr. Maloney may recommend a different procedure or combination of procedures.
Liposuction permanently removes the fat cells that are suctioned from the treated area. However, remaining fat cells can still enlarge with future weight gain, so maintaining a relatively stable weight is important for preserving your results.
Liposuction does not remove visceral fat. Visceral fat is fat that accumulates deep inside the abdomen, surrounding the internal organs. It typically presents in the upper abdomen and may cause the abdomen to feel firm and appear more rounded or protruding. The only way to reduce visceral fat is through a healthy diet and exercise.
Like any surgery, liposuction carries potential risks. These can include bleeding, infection, contour irregularities, changes in sensation, fluid accumulation, scarring, blood clots, and anesthesia-related complications. Your individual risks will be reviewed during the surgical planning process.
Consultation and Candidacy
Your consultation begins with understanding what you want to change and whether liposuction is the appropriate way to accomplish it.
Dr. Maloney will evaluate your fat distribution, skin quality, body proportions, overall health, and the areas you would like to treat.
Good candidates are generally healthy, nonsmokers, at a stable weight, and have localized fat deposits that have not responded adequately to diet and exercise. Skin quality is also important because liposuction removes fat without removing excess skin.
Rather than relying on a single number or BMI cutoff, candidacy is determined by your overall health, anatomy, treatment area, and surgical goals.
Meet Dr Maloney
Expertise and Approach
Liposuction is both a fat-removal procedure and a contouring procedure. The quality of the result depends on how thoughtfully the fat is removed and how the treated area blends into the surrounding body.
Dr. Christopher Maloney is a Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who has practiced in Tucson since 2002. He has extensive experience performing liposuction and incorporates the procedure into a range of body and facial surgeries when additional contouring is appropriate.
His approach focuses on proportion and balance rather than simply maximizing the amount of fat removed.
What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery
Preparing for Liposuction
Before surgery, Dr. Maloney and the Maloney Plastic Surgery team will review your medications, supplements, medical history, and preoperative instructions.
You will need to arrange transportation after surgery and may need someone to assist you during the initial recovery period depending on the extent of your procedure.
During Liposuction
Liposuction is performed through small incisions placed near the areas being treated.
A thin cannula is passed beneath the skin to loosen and remove targeted fat. Dr. Maloney carefully works across the treatment area to create a smoother contour and transition between treated and untreated areas.
The type of anesthesia and length of surgery depend on the number and size of areas being treated and whether liposuction is combined with another procedure.
Liposuction Recovery and Results
Swelling, bruising, tenderness, and temporary changes in sensation are common during the initial recovery period.
A compression garment may be recommended to help control swelling and support the treated areas. Light walking is encouraged, while exercise and strenuous activity will initially be limited.
Many patients begin returning to work and normal daily activities as they progress through the first few weeks, depending on the extent of treatment and their occupation.
Your contour will continue to improve as swelling subsides. Final results develop gradually over the following weeks and months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is liposuction a weight-loss procedure?
No. Liposuction is intended for body contouring and localized fat reduction rather than significant weight loss.
What areas can be treated with liposuction?
Common treatment areas include the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, back, and submental (chin).
Does fat come back after liposuction?
The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently removed. However, maintaining a stable weight is important because remaining fat cells elsewhere in the body can still enlarge with weight gain.
Can liposuction tighten loose skin?
Liposuction removes fat but does not remove loose skin. Skin elasticity influences how well the skin adapts after fat removal. Patients with substantial excess skin may need another procedure.
What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?
Liposuction primarily addresses localized fat. A tummy tuck addresses loose abdominal skin and can repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles. The procedures can sometimes be combined.
Can liposuction be used for fat transfer?
Yes. Fat removed through liposuction can be processed and used for fat transfer in appropriate patients.
How long is liposuction recovery?
Recovery depends on the areas treated and the extent of surgery. Swelling and bruising are expected initially, with activity gradually increasing as healing progresses.
Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation in Tucson
If you are at your goal weight but still have areas of stubborn fat, liposuction may help create smoother, more balanced contours.
chedule a consultation with Dr. Maloney to determine whether liposuction is the right body contouring option for you.
READY TO BEGIN?
Dr. Maloney’s consultations are in two parts. The first part is the virtual consultation where you will fill out some basic information such as the procedure you are interested in having performed, and you will upload a front and side view photo. Dr. Maloney will review these and determine if you are potentially a surgical candidate as well as give you pricing. After this portion is complete, you will come in for the in-person consultation to discuss your goals and the surgery in greater detail.
START YOUR VIRTUAL CONSULTATION WITH DR MALONEY
If you have not received a response within 3 business days, please call our office, as we typically respond within this time frame.
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