When patients are considering liposuction to target excess fat stores and enhance their physique, they often ask if we can treat multiple areas at once. Here, Detroit cosmetic surgeon Dr. George T. Goffas answers this question and weighs in on the possibilities and precautions he considers to help his patients receive safe, naturally beautiful body contouring results.
How liposuction works
Liposuction removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body to reshape contours and enhance your silhouette. Small incisions, typically no longer than a quarter inch, are made in the target areas for optimal fat removal and imperceptible scarring. Using the tumescent liposuction technique, we inject a sterile mixture of salt water and local anesthesia; this solution causes the fat cells to swell and constrict blood vessels, making fat removal safer and easier. We’ll then place a very thin cannula through the incisions to break up and suction away precise amounts of fat to leave behind smoother, refined contours. The short incisions are then closed, and you can return home shortly after the procedure.
As a standalone procedure, liposuction is often safely and comfortably performed using only local anesthesia and IV sedation (“twilight” anesthesia). We use general anesthesia when performing more extensive liposuction or when a patient prefers to be asleep. General anesthesia is standard when liposuction is a part of a combination procedure, such as a tummy tuck or breast procedures.
What areas can liposuctions treat?
Liposuction is very versatile and can target excess fat nearly anywhere on the body. The most common treatment areas include:
- Flanks (love handles)
- Submental area (“double chin”)
- Arms
- Neck
- Chest/back (bra bulges)
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Thighs
- Knees
See real patients’ liposuction results »
Can multiple areas be targeted in one session?
Absolutely. Treating multiple areas at once is common and has several attractive benefits, such as:
- Consistency: Treating multiple areas helps create a balanced, harmonious appearance
- Convenience: One surgery means one recovery period for less overall downtime
- Cost-effectiveness: Addressing multiple areas at once consolidates your surgical and anesthesia fees
When choosing a cosmetic surgeon, your provider must be highly experienced in performing successful liposuction procedures. Liposuction may seem relatively straightforward, but this procedure requires an artistic approach and a keen eye for detail to achieve results that are both transformative and natural-looking.
Treating multiple areas at once is common and has several attractive benefits.
Is there a limit on how many areas can be treated?
No, there’s not necessarily a limit on the number of treatment areas; however, there is a limit on the total fat volume that can safely be removed in one procedure. At most, we can remove approximately five liters, or about 11 pounds total, from your desired treatment areas. This amount is a general guideline, and the exact amount that is safe for your body will depend on factors such as your overall health and weight. And just because we can remove a maximum amount, doesn’t mean we should.
The goal of liposuction is to remove the precise amount of fat to leave you with a natural and more defined shape. While we may need to remove a maximum amount of fat to achieve your body contouring goals, liposuction should not be considered a weight loss procedure. We’ll also consider your skin’s elasticity when determining how much fat we can remove to prevent a lax skin appearance in treated areas.
What happens if too much fat is removed?
Removing too much fat puts you at greater risk for complications and poor results, including visible “lumps” or indentations in the skin or uneven proportions. You may also experience serious health concerns since fat cells serve vital functions in your body and contain essential nutrients—when your body is suddenly depleted of a healthy amount of fat, it can cause several potential issues, including:
- Severe swelling and bruising
- Seromas/hematomas
- Organ perforation
- Blood loss or clots
- Fat embolisms
- Hypothermia
- Infection
- Shock
An expert, board-certified cosmetic surgeon has the training and expertise to assess your unique anatomy and determine how much fat can and should be removed to safely achieve your goals. A qualified cosmetic surgeon personalizes each liposuction procedure to avoid potential complications and maximize results.
At Cosmetic Surgeons of Michigan, patient care, satisfaction, and safety are paramount. And part of our commitment to our patients is ensuring they understand what can be achieved without sacrificing their safety or appearance.
About Dr. Goffas and our cosmetic surgery practice
When performed by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, liposuction is typically a safe procedure that offers transformative results. St. Clair Shores cosmetic surgeon Dr. George Goffas is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) and performs all surgical procedures in his private, AAAHC-accredited surgery center. If you would like to learn more about liposuction or to find out if this procedure can help achieve your goals, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Goffas by calling our office at 586-773-6900 or contacting us online.
Leave a Reply