Join our community of over 200K+

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction in Tampa is a surgical procedure that removes fat. This procedure also reshapes the figure and contours the body. Excess fat from the stomach, hips, thighs, abs, waist, and other areas is removed through a thin tube, known as a cannula, that is attached to a vacuum. While a healthy diet and exercise is the best way to lose fat, liposuction can remove stubborn fat that lifestyle changes can’t fix on their own. It is important to keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and ideal candidates for liposuction are at or near an ideal body weight and not obese (BMI >30). Also, liposuction does not remove or tighten excess skin, so areas of skin laxity or excess skin can often be worsened with liposuction.

Before & After Liposuction

View Gallery

*Real Patient

What Areas Does Liposuction Treat?

When receiving Liposuction in Tampa, it is typically most effective on areas that store the most body fat, such as the:

  • neck
  • waist
  • abdomen
  • flanks
  • thighs.

However, liposuction can also be utilized on other areas of the body such as:

  • chin
  • abs
  • arms
  • inner knee
  • chest.

Combining Liposuction with Other Procedures for Enhanced Results

Liposuction is often performed in combination with other surgeries, such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift or arm lift in order to remove fat pockets that are difficult to target with diet and exercise. Liposuction can also be combined with a fat grafting procedure to take the removed fat and place it somewhere else where more volume is desired, such as the face, breast, or buttocks.

Is Liposuction Right for Me?

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if:

  • Your weight is stable, or you are close to your ideal goal weight and have good skin elasticity. Once you’ve reached a consistent, healthy weight, this will give the surgeon a general idea of how much fat can be removed from the target area. Patients with good skin elasticity and firmness tend to respond better overall to treatment.
  • You are in good health overall and don’t smoke. This procedure requires a period of healing. Ideally, the patient would not have any medical conditions that would impair or complicate the healing process. If you suffer from a chronic medical condition, it’s best to speak to your primary care physician to see if this procedure is right for you. If you smoke, most plastic surgeons will ask that you stop smoking entirely, or stop smoking six weeks prior to your procedure, as well as six weeks post-operation.

If you believe you are a good candidate for liposuction based on the qualifications outlined above, we suggest you schedule a consultation with Dr. Buchanan to discuss the possibility of a liposuction and the added benefits it could bring to your life.

What is the Recovery for Liposuction?

Contrary to popular belief, liposuction is a surgical procedure and will require some downtime. Soreness and swelling are normal. Patients can generally resume light activity a few days post surgery; however, swelling can last for several months. As the swelling dissipates, you’ll see your loose skin start to tighten and firm up. It is essential to wear good compression garments and elastic bandages as Dr. Buchanan advises in order to reduce swelling, scaring, and prevent fluid buildup.

Banner media

*Real Patient

What are the Risks of Liposuction?

As with all surgical procedures, there are risks associated with liposuction. Soreness, bruising, inflammation, contour deformities, and swelling are common side effects that should disappear with time. More serious complications can include infection, nerve damage and numbness, hematoma, seroma, changes in skin pigmentation or sensation, or severe scarring. Following post-procedure care instructions will greatly reduce the risk of adverse side effects. Dr. Buchanan is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these risks and others not listed. We believe that it is very important for you to feel at ease with this procedure prior to moving forward.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost? Prices starting at $7,000

The cost of liposuction in Tampa can vary depending on the complexity of your case, and health insurance companies typically do not cover this surgery because it is considered a cosmetic enhancement procedure.

Several factors can affect the cost, including:

  • The surgeon's experience and overall reputation: Surgeons with many years of experience or a high reputation may charge more for their services.
  • Surgical technique: The surgeon's procedure techniques and the case's complexity can also impact the cost.
  • Location: The cost may vary based on the location of your surgeon's practice, as larger cities typically have higher operational costs.

The total cost of the procedure may include:

  • Anesthesia fees
  • Operating room costs
  • Compression garments for post-surgery
  • Surgeon fees

Other miscellaneous fees not included in the cost may include blood tests, other pre-operative testing, medical clearance exams, and prescription medications.

If you are interested in liposuction but have financial concerns, you can discuss financing options with Dr. Buchanan or one of the VIVIFY staff members. We are committed to working with each patient by offering financing plans to help you achieve your surgical goals.

Doctor media

Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon for Liposuction

When searching for a reputable plastic surgeon, it is crucial to exclusively consider those who hold board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Board-certified surgeons undergo comprehensive training for a minimum of 6-8 years after medical school, ensuring their expertise in both aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Dr. Buchanan also Offers 360 Lipo 

360-degree liposuction, or circumferential liposuction, removes excess fat from all sides of the torso, including the abdomen, back, flanks, and hips. One of the significant benefits of 360-degree liposuction is that it can be performed under local anesthesia, which reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia. Additionally, the procedure is minimally invasive, which means that recovery time is relatively short. The result is a more sculpted and contoured body shape.

Learn more about 360 Degree Liposuction»

Liposuction FAQ

How long does liposuction take on average?

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

How much weight can you lose with liposuction?

How do you prepare for liposuction surgery?

Will I have visible scarring after liposuction?

How long does liposuction take on average?

The exact length of your liposuction procedure will depend on the area(s) being treated. Typically, though, the surgery takes between 30 minutes and an hour to complete.

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

The fat cells removed during liposuction will never return, and the effects of the procedure tend to be long-lasting. That said, it is possible for new fat to accumulate in the area, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight are important for the longevity of your results.

How much weight can you lose with liposuction?

Liposuction is not intended to be a weight-loss procedure, and most patients don’t lose more than a few pounds with the surgery. To be an ideal candidate for liposuction, you should already be relatively close to your ideal body weight and able to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How do you prepare for liposuction surgery?

Before your liposuction procedure, your surgeon will give you specific instructions to prepare for the surgery. Typically, preparation for liposuction requires some or all of the following steps: - Undergoing lab testing and/or a medical evaluation - Stopping or adjusting certain medications - Avoiding smoking - Avoiding drinking alcohol - Enlisting the help of a friend or family member for your recovery period - Preparing a comfortable recovery area in your home

Will I have visible scarring after liposuction?

Liposuction does require a small incision, which means that there may be visible scarring after the procedure. However, Dr. Buchanan will be sure to make this incision as small and inconspicuous as possible. You’ll also be given instructions after the procedure to ensure that your scarring fades over time.

Your journey starts hereYour premier plastic surgery & medspa

This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit
Contact us media Contact us media

*REAL PATIENT

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (813)-588-5150.