What is the "Safest" Area of the Body to Perform Liposuction?

I recently got a quote from my PS for lipo to flanks, inner/outer thighs. However after discussing with a friend who had the same procedure done, she said avoid the thighs because they tend not to come out smooth. I've heard the same thing about the stomach. Would I have better chances of smooth results in just doing the flanks and hips alone? Are there any techiniques in lipo that can minimize a lumpy outcome? I'd rather have my fat pockets than a smaller lumpy body :-(

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Kitters in Prescott, AZ

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Liposuction-getting the best results

The general idea behind liposuction is that we are removing excess fat in specific areas of the body that have been resistant to diet and exercise, and then relying on the skin in that area to tighten over time. So if a patient is younger, not overweight and has excellent skin quality, they tend to do better and get smoother results. It's also true that different parts of the body have better, thicker skin that responds better to liposuction-- for example, the skin of the... more

Liposuction: Ensuring Smooth Results

Liposuction can be very safe and extremely effective when done skillfully and with caution. It is not a mere suctioning of loose fat. A good result starts with the proper assessment of your dimensions and figurative proportions. Your surgeon must use an artistic eye and a gentle hand when sculpting your result rather than remove any fat that can be pinched. Some fat may need to be left in place if it is supporting overlying loose skin. The rule is not to deflate an area and... more

Smooth Results after Liposuction

This is a very good question. In general, the younger you are, say under 35, the more fat can be taken out and still have smooth skin that is not lumpy. Even someone who is older than that age, can have smooth results as long as less is taken out and small instruments are used with an overlapping and crisscrossing technique. During the consultation, ask to see the instruments that are to be used. When lumpiness could be a problem, I like to use an instrument that is about as skinny... more

Almost all areas of the body is safe to perform liposuction with the right surgeon and technique.

Using small canulas and tumescent local liposuction anesthesia, you can do most areas of the body with good results in the right patient. There are limits how much can be removed safely at 1 procedure but your doc will advise you about this once they see you. Sincerely, David Hansen,MD

David Hansen, MD

19 reviews

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

Any location is safe with an experienced dermatologic or cosmetic surgeon

Liposuction can be safely performed with smooth results in ANY location. The development of lumpiness is a result of poorly performed liposuction. Best results are obtained using tumescent liposuction with small cannulas performed by an experienced dermatologic or cosmetic surgeon.

Mitchel Goldman, MD

5 reviews

San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon

www.GBKderm.com

Varies by surgeon and area

Hello, The quality of a liposuction result varies with the surgeon's technique as well as the area treated and the patient's overal health. Generally the abdomen and the lateral thighs are amongst the safer areas. Using a smaller cannula with better technique also reduces surface irregularities. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD

Safer areas for Liposuction

Each area of the body has its own unique charisterics of how it reacts to liposuction. The most problematic area is usually the upper inner thighs. However, with care and experience, even this area does well. A good, experienced surgeon should rarely get lumpiness or irregularity. When I started doing Liposuction (I was among the first trained by the Europeans in this country), I used to tell everyone that Liposuction was a two staged procedure. The second stage was to make sure... more

Liposuction Outcomes

With liposuction, it really depends on the experience and technique of the plastic surgeon and not necessarily the are of your body or the type of liposuction that you are having. Without knowing what exact procedures your friend had or seeing before and after pictures of your or her, it really is impossible for us to comment specifically on what you can expect. Good Luck.

Smooth skin after liposuction

The quality of the skin first dictates how things may look after liposuction. In addition, it also depends upon the amount of fat removed, the quality of the procedure, etc..