Liposuction

At our Richmond, Virgina practice, liposuction consistently ranks among the most preferred treatments we offer. If you're looking for an effective way to reduce stubborn, localized fat deposits, liposuction is an excellent option. Dr. Gordon Lewis uses various liposuction techniques to address fat affecting one or more areas of the body. The procedure enhances and reshapes the body, leading to a slimmer, more proportional physique.

Pricing: Starts at
$5,050

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Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is not a weight loss treatment and is therefore most appropriate for patients who are close to their ideal weight, but have a hard time slimming down troublesome areas. In addition, skin quality is extremely important to the outcome of the procedure as firm, elastic skin shrinks easier for tight and refined results. In general, patients undergoing liposuction should be in good overall health, and they should not be more than 20 pounds overweight.

Liposuction surgery is a great treatment to sculpt any part of the body, including:

Thighs
Buttocks
Hips
Lower back
Abdomen
Arms
Neck
Chin
Ankles

Cost in Richmond

Liposuction starts at $5,050, but procedure prices can vary depending on the extent of the surgery. After discussing your options, we provide a written, detailed price quote. We make absolutely sure there are no hidden costs and no surprises.

Procedure

In general, liposuction involves Dr. Lewis making small incisions (about a quarter-inch long) and then inserting a cannula, a thin tube used to break up and suction fat from under the skin. Liposuction surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the size of the treatment area, the amount of fat to be extracted and the liposuction technique used. Small procedures can be done in the office with local anesthesia, but larger ones are performed in the operating room with sedation or general anesthesia.

You will be made comfortable throughout the whole procedure. The choices during surgery include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. After surgery, you will be given instructions on pain relief medication. You will be given a narcotic pain medication which may be helpful for the first several days after the procedure.

Dr. Lewis primarily uses 2 liposuction techniques: Tumescent liposuction and VASERlipo®.

Tumescent Liposuction

This is a standard technique that Dr. Lewis uses with our liposuction patients. He injects a saline solution combined with a local anesthetic and epinephrine, which helps minimize bleeding and limit discomfort following the procedure. After the tumescent fluid saturates the treatment area, Dr. Lewis inserts small cannulas (tubes) with holes near the end and carefully moves them through the area, carefully suctioning out the fat.

VASERlipo (ultrasound-assisted liposuction)

In certain areas of the body, ultrasonic energy can be a very useful adjunct to liposuction. VASERlipo is a technique in which an additional step is used. During ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), an ultrasound probe is introduced into the fat after the tumescent solution infuses the area. Heat generated by the ultrasound helps break down the fat that is between fibers underneath the skin. After the ultrasound is done, the liposuction cannulas are used to remove the remaining fat.

Ultrasound can be particularly useful in areas such as the upper flanks and back, where tissue can be very fibrous. Also, specialized probes can make liposuction of fat under the chin more effective. Lastly, gynecomastia (excess male breast tissue) can often be treated without large skin incisions if ultrasound is used to break up the fat fibers. In other areas, ultrasound is much less effective and can contribute to some complications, so is less frequently used at Lewis Plastic Surgery.

Reducing Risks & Complications

There are risks that you should be aware of with any surgical procedure. To minimize the risks, ensure your surgery is conducted in a safe and secure environment using the latest surgical techniques by checking the certifications and accreditation of your plastic surgeon. Accreditation boards and bodies are there to protect you. Dr. Gordon Lewis extensive surgical experience and is affiliated with several important professional organizations, including:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Richmond Academy of Medicine
Medical Society of Virginia
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (candidate member)
American College of Surgeons (associate member)
American Society for Surgery of the Hand (candidate member)

Major complications are very rare. During your initial consultation, we will discuss every possible outcome of your procedure including possible complications which may include:

Uneven skin
Scarring
Blood clots
Asymmetry
Need for touch-ups

Consultation Expectations

During a comprehensive 1-on-1 consultation with Dr. Lewis, he helps determine if you can benefit from liposuction. He also helps you select the best liposuction method based on your unique aesthetic desires, body type, skin characteristics, and, of course, the amount of fat to be removed.

He will educate you about the various aspects of this procedure, including:
The different liposuction techniques
How firm skin, or the lack of it, affects the outcome
What to expect before, during, and after liposuction
Postoperative instructions to reduce the risk of complications
Anesthesia and facility choices
The cost of liposuction and financing options

Location

Dr. Lewis performs surgical procedures at an accredited outpatient surgical center or a local hospital. He is affiliated with several local medical centers where his patients undergo surgery. He primarily operates at these locations:

Johnston-Willis Hospital
Stony Point Surgery Center

Initial consultations, follow up appointments and all non-surgical treatments and minor surgical procedures are performed at Lewis Plastic Surgery in Midlothian, VA.

FAQs

Is liposuction surgery painful?

Mild discomfort and soreness are normal the first few days after surgery; however, liposuction recovery is usually not considered painful.

How much weight can you lose with liposuction?

Patients typically do not lose a considerable amount of weight with liposuction because it is used to remove isolated areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. Initially, you may weigh more because of the tumescent fluid and swelling from the procedure. It’s important to be patient and give the body time to heal and expel the excess fluids.

Does the fat return after liposuction?

For smooth, even results some of the fat cells are left behind in treated areas during liposuction; therefore, it is possible for them to enlarge if you don’t consistently exercise and eat right. Weight gain can cause fat cells in other areas to expand as well.

Is liposuction safe?

In general, liposuction is very safe. Several factors contribute to the safety of this procedure, including: Experience and qualifications of the plastic surgeon, surgical facility patient health, amount of fat removed. Dr. Lewis takes the time to ensure each liposuction patient is a good candidate for the procedure as part of the personalized consultation process.

What happens if you don’t wear the compression garment after liposuction?

Without compression, it will take longer for your body to absorb excess fluid and swelling will last longer than necessary. The swelling will be reduced if you wear the garment as directed.

How long should I wear the compression garment after liposuction?

We usually recommend wearing the garment for 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the areas involved.

How long after lipo can I return to work?

Most patients return to work within 3 to 7 days, depending on the extent of the procedure.

How long before you see the results of liposuction?

Results are visible almost immediately and continue to improve throughout the healing process. Expect some swelling, which decreases after about 3 days. Most residual swelling is gone by 6 weeks after surgery.