Overview
Liposuction is a surgical procedure ideal for those who are healthy but have trouble contouring their body. As one of the most popular procedures throughout the United States, the results liposuction varies among patients and it is best to consult with one of our Atlanta area plastic surgeons here at Prima Center for Plastic Surgery. Our surgeons work carefully with each patient to educate them on the process as well as discuss the contouring of the body and outcome. The average cost for liposuction will vary depending on your needs and the targeted body areas. If you are someone who seeks to contour areas of the body and get rid of undesired fat deposits, contact our office and determine if liposuction is a viable option for you.
During/After Surgery
Liposuction is generally performed under general anesthesia in either our AAAASF accredited Office Operating Suite or in the outpatient area of the hospital. When the procedure is performed in our office operating room suite we have a fully equipped operating room and use only board certified anesthesiologists. Liposuction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. On average, each body part (i.e. abdomen, thighs, hips, etc.) will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. After surgery patients will wear a compression garment on the treated area. It takes about a full week for the bruising and swelling to subside. It can take several months for you to see the final result. In general you will be 50% of the way there at 6 weeks and 80% of the way at 3 months. Liposuction will produce scars where the cannula incision was made, but these are usually small (3 - 4 mm) and will fade over time. Every attempt is made to strategically place the access points in areas that are easily covered by your clothing or bathing suit. The scars wil typically fade by 6 to 12 months.
Surgical Technique
Tumescent Liposuction
All liposuction procedures, no matter the method actually used, first begin with the injection of a tumescent solution into the fatty layer to be treated. The tumescent solution is typically composed of either a saline solution or a Ringer's lactate solution mixed with epinephrine (to reduce bleeding. If the procedure is to be performed under local anesthesia then lidocaine is added to the mixture. Tumescent solution does two things for us. Fisrt the epinephrine in the solution helps to control bleeding. Second the solution helps to widen the fatty layer space giving the surgeon greater control over removal of fat. With all liposuction procedure it is not about how much fat is removed it is about how much fat remains because you need a certain thickness of fat to have the proper contour. After the tumescent solution is infiltrated into the fatty layer a small hollow tube called a cannula is inserted to suction out the fat. During a standard liposuction procedure a vacuum pump is attached to the cannula and the fat is aspirated This is known as Suction Assisted Lipectomy or SAL. The fat is basically removed in cores and once enough cores are created the layer compresses. Our plastic surgeons at Prima Center for Plastic Surgery are skilled at all forms of liposuction and body contouring. By removing the appropriate amount of fat from each area you can expect to see a nice improvement in your body shape and contour. We are often asked, how much does fat weigh. Fat weighs 2.2 pounds per liter so if 3 liters of fat is removed you can expect your weight to decrease by approximately 6.6 pounds.
Ultrasound-Assisted (UAL)
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, also know as "ultrasonic liposuction" is a technique used on areas where there is a greater amount of dense or fibrous fat (such as the upper back). It is a dual process using ultrasonic energy to destroy the fat cells and suction to remove these destroyed fat cells. First, ultrasound waves are transmitted down a solid titanium rod. This causes the end of the rod to vibrate back and forth. Since the energy is tuned only to fat the other tissues remain unharmed. This transmitted energy helps to loosen and melt the fat. This liquid fat is then suctioned out using a cannula. The plastic surgeons at Prima Center for Plastic Surgeon are skilled in using UAL and will recommend this method to patients who require it. It is important to understand that UAL is just a tool and will be used when necessary. Our patients should not have to worry about what instruments are used to get rid of the fat. The job remains the same to contour the body and remove the appropriate amount of fat using the appropriately selected devices.
SmartLipo - Laser-assisted
Smartlipo™ is laser assisted liposuction. The plastic surgeons at Prima Center for Plastic Surgery are skilled an using many different forms of liposuction. These included standard suction assisted liposuction, Smartlipo and Ultrasonic assisted liposuction. After your evaluation your plastic surgeon will determine the best method to be used in your particular case. No matter what you may hear there is no one form of liposuction that is absolutely superior to any other form. They all have there place in body contouring. While the majority of patients will do will with the traditional suction assisted liposuction works well for most patients some areas will respond better to Smartlipo or Ultrasonic assisted liposuction. Typically these are areas of fat that are more fibrous and these devices help to break up this resistant fat. It is not unusual for us to combine two of the technologies together to achieve the best result. SmartLipo™ is also referred to as laserlipolysis and used laser energy to essentially melt the fat cells then this melted fat must be aspirated using the traditional liposuction cannulas.
Liposuction Reviews
I am beyond thrilled with my experience with Dr. Kumbla and the incredible results of my procedures. I was referred to her by my sister-in-law after having had breast implants for 18 years. Due to complications with my previous surgeons, I was extremely cautious about selecting the right surgeon for my needs. From the moment I met Dr. Kumbla, I knew I had made the right choice. She thoroughly examined my chest, carefully explained her process, and took the time to address all of my concerns. Instead of simply replacing my implants, I chose to undergo an explant with a lift—a decision I’m so grateful for. After that procedure, I also had a second surgery to address diastasis recti, during which we discussed the option of fat transfer to my breasts. The results from that procedure were absolutely amazing. A year later, I returned for the second part of my mommy makeover, which involved liposuction on my abdomen. We initially delayed this step due to concerns about skin complications, but once again, Dr. Kumbla provided thoughtful and careful guidance, leading me to a third procedure with her. The results have been life-changing, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Having worked with male plastic surgeons in the past, I often felt that my concerns weren’t fully heard. Dr. Kumbla, however, has an impeccable bedside manner. She was always available to answer any questions and followed up with me daily to ensure everything was progressing well. She explains every step of the process clearly and makes sure I feel supported and understood at all times. I cannot recommend Dr. Kumbla enough. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication to her patients are truly unmatched.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Song! After a disastrous experience with a local plastic surgeon in May 2023, I was left with a deformed body, including noticeable divots in my left arm and an oddly “chopped off” appearance above my butt. It was truly heartbreaking, and I was self-conscious to the point of never feeling comfortable in shirts without long sleeves.I was referred to Dr. Song by two friends who had undergone extensive procedures with him, and I can honestly say he is a miracle worker. Many surgeons I consulted with before Dr. Song told me that correcting my arm was nearly impossible due to the complexity, but Dr. Song was confident and reassuring from the start.From my very first consultation, I was impressed with his thoroughness and transparency. He took the time to explain exactly what needed to be done and marked the areas precisely before surgery. He even let me see his plan before proceeding, which made me feel involved and confident in his expertise.On February 6th, Dr. Song performed corrective liposuction combined with a fat transplant to fix my arm. I had my two month follow up this past Wednesday, and I am absolutely thrilled with the results! My arm looks completely natural, and the issues from the previous surgery are now entirely gone in my arm. I cannot express the relief and gratitude I feel for Dr. Song’s skill and precision.I will never see anyone else for plastic surgery again. Dr. Song has earned my trust completely, and I am already planning to have him work on my butt area and then a facelift. If you are looking for a surgeon who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares about delivering the best results, Dr. Song is the one to see. I am beyond thankful for his amazing work!
I am beyond thrilled with my experience with Dr. Kumbla and the incredible results of my procedures. I was referred to her by my sister-in-law after having had breast implants for 18 years. Due to complications with my previous surgeons, I was extremely cautious about selecting the right surgeon for my needs. From the moment I met Dr. Kumbla, I knew I had made the right choice. She thoroughly examined my chest, carefully explained her process, and took the time to address all of my concerns. Instead of simply replacing my implants, I chose to undergo an explant with a lift—a decision I’m so grateful for. After that procedure, I also had a second surgery to address diastasis recti, during which we discussed the option of fat transfer to my breasts. The results from that procedure were absolutely amazing. A year later, I returned for the second part of my mommy makeover, which involved liposuction on my abdomen. We initially delayed this step due to concerns about skin complications, but once again, Dr. Kumbla provided thoughtful and careful guidance, leading me to a third procedure with her. The results have been life-changing, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Having worked with male plastic surgeons in the past, I often felt that my concerns weren’t fully heard. Dr. Kumbla, however, has an impeccable bedside manner. She was always available to answer any questions and followed up with me daily to ensure everything was progressing well. She explains every step of the process clearly and makes sure I feel supported and understood at all times. I cannot recommend Dr. Kumbla enough. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication to her patients are truly unmatched. Lastly, the entire staff at Primacenter made the entire process so much easier. From the anesthesiologist Dr. Appel to the operating room nurse Sarah, everyone was incredibly helpful and put my mind at ease. Front desk staff Carli and Maggie were also fantastic and made the whole experience smoother. I truly felt supported every step of the way.
I am beyond thrilled with my experience with Dr. Kumbla and the incredible results of my procedures. I was referred to her by my sister-in-law after having had breast implants for 18 years. Due to complications with my previous surgeons, I was extremely cautious about selecting the right surgeon for my needs. From the moment I met Dr. Kumbla, I knew I had made the right choice. She thoroughly examined my chest, carefully explained her process, and took the time to address all of my concerns.Instead of simply replacing my implants, I chose to undergo an explant with a lift—a decision I’m so grateful for. After that procedure, I also had a second surgery to address diastasis recti, during which we discussed the option of fat transfer to my breasts. The results from that procedure were absolutely amazing.A year later, I returned for the second part of my mommy makeover, which involved liposuction on my abdomen. We initially delayed this step due to concerns about skin complications, but once again, Dr. Kumbla provided thoughtful and careful guidance, leading me to a third procedure with her. The results have been life-changing, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.Having worked with male plastic surgeons in the past, I often felt that my concerns weren’t fully heard. Dr. Kumbla, however, has an impeccable bedside manner. She was always available to answer any questions and followed up with me daily to ensure everything was progressing well. She explains every step of the process clearly and makes sure I feel supported and understood at all times.I cannot recommend Dr. Kumbla enough. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication to her patients are truly unmatched.
I am here to give Prima Center, Dr.Song and his amazing staff their most HIGH PRAISES!!! I am 3 months post op and could not be more pleased with my results. I can’t wait to see myself in 6months heck even in a 1year. Dr. Song was and is so polite, respectful, kind, and VERY THOROUGH from the first day we met. He always has a smile on his face and very welcoming. EVERY TIME I see him. His staff represents him very well. Meaning they are welcoming, patient, polite, and very detailed with you. The day of my procedure I didn’t have any bad vibes at all. I think that comes with a good practice, knowledgeable doctors, and God on your side. I was very calm, the staff made sure of that too :). I absolutely loved my experience. I was speaking to the anesthesiologist one minute then I was waking up in the recovery room the next. Very, very pleased!!! I can’t say that enough. I am a mom of two kids born from C-sections. I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair, a breast reduction with a lift and liposuction. My scars healed beautifully, very thin scars. I’m sure in a year you won’t be able to really see them at all. The after care from surgery from MY experience was amazing. I wasn’t in pain at all really. I was up and walking around that same day. If I had any questions at anytime Dr. Song would respond to my text messages or phone calls immediately. He also checked in on me as well. Loved that. Would I do this again if I had to…a MILLION times more I sure would!!! I could not have asked for a better doctor, practice, or experience. Thank you Dr. Song and staff.
82
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Plan Your Procedure
Recovery Time
2-4 weeks
Average Procedure Time
1-5 hours
Post-op Follow-up
5-7 days
Procedure Recovery Location
Out-Patient
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Safe is Liposuction?
While today’s surgical techniques are safe, patients can experience poor results from inexperienced surgeons. It is important for patients to do their research, and find an experienced surgeon that can help them achieve the best, most natural-looking results. Liposuction is a tool that a skilled plastic surgeon uses to contour the body. It is important that your plastic surgeon is skilled not only in liposuction but in all methods of body contouring such as tummy tucks and body lifts. During your consultation we will discuss the procedure in detail and you will be examined in order to understand if you are a good candidate for liposuction or if you would be better served by some other method of body contouring. The key to liposuction is skin elasticity. If you have poor skin elasticity you will typically not achieve as good of a result as a person with good skin elasticity. Today's liposuction techniques are safer and more predicable than ever before, but the surgeons experience and skill remains the number one factor to achieving a great result. The goal is to create a beautiful contoured body profile.
Permanent Results?
The results of liposuction can be seen for many years following surgery if the patient follows a healthy diet and exercise program. If your weight was stable prior to liposuction surgery and remains stable after surgery you should have long lasting result. The good news is that fat cells do not reduplicate and do not reform after liposuction, but it is important to understand that the fat cells that remain behind can and will get fatter if you return to poor habits and gain weight following surgery. Liposuction is never intended as a weight loss procedure. It is intended to contour areas of the body where the fat is diet and exercise resistant.
How Much Fat?
The amount of fat removed really depends on the size of the patient and their aesthetic goals. From a safety standpoint, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that liposuction should be limited to approximately 5 liters (11 pounds) if the procedure is performed as an outpatient. When large volumes of fat are removed there is a risk of excessive blood loss. Patients are advised to be near or at their ideal weight before undergoing liposuction. As with any procedure the risks vs. the benefits will always be considered. During your consultation you will be thoroughly examined to determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction. At this time we can generally estimate the amount of fat that will be removed during the surgical procedure. Remember the goal is to contour your body not just remove fat.
Skin Tightening?
While liposuction removes fat and improves contour and shape, it does not address sagging or drooping skin. If skin laxity is a concern, patients can talk to the surgeon during the consultation to discuss their options for improving skin texture, such as a tummy tuck, thigh, neck, arm or butt lift.