Can Different Body Areas Be Done At The Same Time During Liposuction?

Q:  Can “love handle” surgery be combined with the hip and inner thigh area? I have lost several pounds through the years. I was told laser treatment to melt the fat would be the way to go, but not sure what would happen with the excess skin?

A: It is very common to combine at least two, and often, up to five areas at a time during liposuction surgery. It is actually very uncommon to do just one area. Since liposuction is about reshaping body areas, it usually takes several areas at a time to get the best result. The only limit that I put on liposuction in my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice is the amount of volume removal and time, which are closely aligned. I have learned by experience that it is usually best to get a single session of fat volume removal under five liters or 5,000 ccs. If more is required, then the liposuction procedure should be done in stages. This decreases the potential risk of complications and makes the recovery more tolerable for the patient.

How much skin exists around a liposuction area is critical in determining what type of result can be obtained. The skin can shrink only so much even with laser liposuction or Smartlipo. If too much skin exists, then one may need to consider some type of excisional procedure. This is particularly relevant in the neck, arms, abdomen, and inner thigh areas.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana