You’re not alone if you eat right, exercise, and still struggle with excess fat, especially around their midsection. Liposuction has helped many of Dr. Kobienia’s patients refine the contours of their body.

Liposuction is not meant to be weight loss surgery; it is designed to remove small amounts of excess fat while refining the contours of the body. Excess skin must be minimal and elastic enough to adapt once the fat has been removed. The versatility of liposuction allows treatment throughout the body, including the buttocks, legs, neck, breasts, stomach, and back.

The procedure itself is relatively simple; small incisions are made in the desired treatment region through which the cannula, a hollow, tube-like instrument attached to a suction device, is inserted to remove the excess fat. Dr. Kobienia offers a couple different liposuction techniques:

Tumescent Liposuction – Dr. Kobienia will inject a large amount of a solution containing local anesthetic and a vasoconstrictor, designed to limit bleeding risks, directly into the layer of fat that is to be removed. The fat is broken up and sucked out through the cannula as he moves it about the layer of fat.

Power-assisted Liposuction (PAL). PAL utilizes a special cannula. This specialized cannula has mechanized movement that breaks up the layer of fat without the need for Dr. Kobienia to make as many manual movements. Once the fat is broken up it is suctioned out in the same manner as UAL.

Once the chosen liposuction technique has been performed, the small incisions are closed using sutures, and recovery can be completed at home. Most patients are able to return to their normal routines within one to two weeks of surgery.

In addition to performing liposuction, Dr. Kobienia is also experienced at performing fat grafting, which utilizes your own fat as an injectable filler to reduce wrinkles.

Please contact us online or call 612-930-1111 to schedule a FREE cosmetic consultation to discuss your plastic surgery options. Dr. Kobienia in Minneapolis, MN, can give you an enhanced, toned look through body contouring surgery. 

Your Liposuction Procedure

Dr. Kobienia performs liposuction with the patient under general anesthesia. This allows you to sleep comfortably while he uses the liposuction wand (known as a cannula) to break up and suction out unwanted fat in the treatment areas. Prior to surgery, he marks the small incisions for the liposuction cannula so that he can create a uniform and symmetrical result.

Liposuction Recovery

Most people heal very quickly following liposuction surgery. The first few days after the procedure, you should expect soreness and bruising in the treatment area. The bruising often lasts for several weeks, but most discomfort should be gone after the first week.

In addition to the bruising, swelling occurs as your body’s natural response to the surgical intervention. This swelling can take weeks or even months to fully resolve, so your final shape following liposuction may take some time. We encourage you to start back in on exercise and regular activity around 4 weeks after surgery. This helps with circulation and can help to resolve swelling sooner.

Liposuction FAQs

How much does liposuction cost?

The cost of liposuction surgery varies significantly based on which area you are treating and how involved the surgery will be. In addition to the cost of surgery itself, other fees  associated with the procedure may include anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other expenses, such as pre-procedure blood work and tests. The surgeon’s fee can also vary based on a number of different factors, including the surgeon’s experience, type of procedure, and your geographical location.

How do I find the best plastic surgeon for liposuction near me?

When looking for a plastic surgeon near you for your liposuction procedure, there are a few things to take into consideration. You want to find a surgeon that is experienced with liposuction and performs it on a regular basis. You want to examine before and after photos, looking for body types similar to yours and see what results the surgeon was able to achieve and if they match your goals. Most importantly, you want to find a surgeon that you connect with and feel comfortable with.

Are there any risks associated with liposuction?

Liposuction is a relatively safe procedure but there is always the risk of potential complications. These complications can include problems with the anesthesia, bruising, nerve damage, changes in skin sensation, the accumulation of fluids, bleeding and infection. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you, go over your medical history, and do everything possible to avoid all complications.

Am I a candidate for liposuction?

Ideal candidates for liposuction will be in good general health and within 30% of their ideal body weight. For best results, you want to have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone in the areas being treated.

How much weight will I lose after liposuction?

Liposuction is not a method for weight loss, and, on average, patients only lose between two to five pounds after a liposuction procedure. Liposuction is designed for those within 30% of their ideal body weight and is designed to target areas of stubborn body fat that have not responded to diet and exercise in order to help you achieve your body contouring goals.

Can the removed fat come back?

Liposuction targets adipocytes, or the cells that accumulate and store fat. When these cells are removed, they do not return. However, this does not ensure that fat will not return. Fat can continue to accumulate in the remaining adipocytes, causing their increase in size. In order to maintain your liposuction results, you will need to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Does liposuction hurt?

During your liposuction procedure, you are under anesthesia and will not experience any pain or discomfort. As the anesthesia wears off, you will likely experience mild pain and discomfort that can usually be managed by over-the-counter pain medications or prescription pain medications given to you by your surgeon.

How long is liposuction recovery?

Your liposuction recovery will likely take one to two weeks, and, by week two, you should be able to return to most of your routine daily activities and another few weeks before you can return to physical activities, such as exercise. During your recovery, you may be asked to wear a compression garment to help reduce fluid accumulation, speed up recovery, and reduce pain, swelling, and bruising.

Will my liposuction scars be noticeable?

Anytime a cut is made into the skin there is the risk of scarring. However, liposuction uses small incisions for the fine cannulas that are inserted, meaning that the size of any potential scar is minimal.