Liposuction

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, some of the nation’s best plastic surgeons offer body contouring via a wide array of liposuction techniques, such as traditional, ultrasonic, power-assisted, and laser liposuction.

Our plastic surgeons are at the forefront of providing the newest techniques for liposuction that are both safe and effective. Because of their ongoing commitment to medical research, including investigating new technology before it’s available to the general public, our physicians are able to provide a comprehensive range of leading-edge solutions to meet patients’ objectives.

Permanent Results for Eliminating Excess Fat

Considered by some to be just a “procedure,” liposuction is real surgery. As such, it can be routinely performed in an extremely safe and supportive environment in which our plastic surgeons ensure that the medical care of each patient is at the forefront.

Often during liposuction, UT Southwestern plastic surgeons use small incisions to remove excessive fat, helping achieve aesthetically pleasing contours. We can target most areas such as the breasts, arms, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, legs, neck, and chin. Our surgeons work with each patient to optimize both the immediate and long-term results of this procedure. 

Our team of plastic surgeons is internationally recognized for delivering outstanding clinical care and conducting groundbreaking research. Our Chair of Plastic Surgery, Jeffery M. Kenkel, M.D., is an expert and leading authority in the advancement of ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), as well as many other facets of this procedure. He’s co-author of Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction, the first dedicated textbook and video on the subject.

Liposuction Techniques

Liposuction techniques available from UT Southwestern include:

• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL): A cannula-like device delivers sound waves to targeted areas. The energy from this device helps break the walls of the fat cells, which are then suctioned from the body. This technique was among one of the early but critical advancements in the field of liposuction.
• Traditional liposuction (or suction-assisted liposuction/SAL): Mechanical disruptions and suction is used in conjunction with a vacuum-like cannula to remove fat.
• Power-assisted liposuction devices: Using special cannulas that produce minute amounts of fat-breaking energy, surgeons remove fat cells more efficiently, leading to shorter, safer surgery. 

Liposuction: What to Expect

Before having liposuction, our plastic surgeons talk with patients to help set realistic goals and expectations about what liposuction can achieve. 

Liposuction is not a cure for cellulite. It can, however, smooth fat in targeted areas. Liposuction is also not a treatment for obesity or excess weight, and it’s important to be within a healthy weight range. Typically, patients are within 15 to 20 pounds of their targeted healthy body weight. 

The surgical procedure generally takes one to several hours to perform and is often an outpatient procedure when done by itself. Liposuction can be combined with other surgeries and treatment, such as mommy makeovers and body-contouring procedures such as arm-lifts (brachioplasty), thigh-lifts (thighplasty), and abdominoplasty (tummy tucks). 

Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits

Liposuction reduces fat deposits but should not be used for weight management. Results are permanent for patients that maintain a healthy weight. We strongly recommend that patients maintain a healthy diet and exercise to optimize the long-term impact of liposuction. We can help with healthy diet and exercise plans.