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  1. What is the Liposuction Procedure?
  2. Patient Results Gallery
  3. Liposuction & Tummy Tuck
  4. Patient Testimonials
  5. Before Your Liposuction Procedure
  6. During Your Liposuction Procedure in East Lansing
  7. After Your Liposuction Procedure in East Lansing
  8. FAQs
  9. A Consultation at Michigan Plastic Surgery®

Millions of Americans struggle with their weight and achieving the body shape they desire. For many people, diet and exercise can only go so far. Liposuction is a surgical body enhancement procedure that not only removes excess fat but reshapes and re-contours the body as well. The result is a slimmer, more appropriately proportioned, and well-contoured figure. Liposuction can be performed on a number of areas of the body including the legs, arms, hips, waist, back, and more.

What is the Liposuction Procedure?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to safely and effectively remove unwanted fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. During a liposuction surgery, a board-certified plastic surgeon makes small liposuction incisions in the targeted area. A thin tube, called a cannula, is then inserted beneath the skin to loosen and remove fat cells from the subcutaneous tissue. A suction device or surgical vacuum is used to extract the fat, leaving behind a slimmer, more balanced contour. This type of aesthetic plastic surgery is considered an outpatient procedure and is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States.

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Liposuction & Tummy Tuck

In many cases, patients benefit from combining liposuction surgery with a tummy tuck. While liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits, a tummy tuck focuses on tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin. This combination is especially helpful for individuals who have loose skin after pregnancy or significant weight loss. For example, after a large volume liposuction or in patients who have stretched abdominal tissue, a tummy tuck may deliver more complete and natural-looking results.

Patient Testimonials

Dr. Colony was so kind to me when I asked him all my questions about wanting surgery. He did not rush and made me feel like I mattered. He is very knowledgeable. I can hardly wait to get my surgery done by him!

Dr. Colony and his staff are amazing. I have called at least 7 times with questions for them (I am getting surgery in May) and they have been so patient, informative, and kind to me. The best part is that they take health and safety very seriously. They care about the patient and care about the work they do and it shows. I would recommend them to anyone who is interested in plastic surgery.

I am beyond thrilled with my choice of a plastic surgeon. Dr. Colony is not only incredibly smart and he's got the bedside manner going for him which is quite hard to find in surgeons. I have not only recommended Colony to many friends, but I've actually realized a couple of friends had gone to him before without me realizing.

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Before Your Liposuction Procedure

Prior to your surgery, you will meet with your plastic surgeon and surgical team to discuss your health history, treatment goals, and concerns. It is important to provide a complete medical history so your doctor can evaluate your candidacy and minimize risks such as blood clots or fat embolism. Patients are advised to stop smoking, avoid certain medications that increase bleeding, and arrange for someone to drive them home after the outpatient procedure.

During Your Liposuction Procedure in East Lansing

During a liposuction procedure, small incisions are made at the desired treatment points and a small tube called a cannula is inserted. Excess fat is loosened by the cannula as it is directed back and forth. As the fat is loosened, it is removed from the body through a suctioning surgical vacuum that is attached to the end of the cannula. Dr. Colony performs liposuction procedures for patients in East Lansing, Okemos, and surrounding areas. Those looking for a non-surgical body enhancement procedure may be interested in CoolSculpting. For information on CoolSculpting vs Liposuction, visit our blog section.

After Your Liposuction Procedure in East Lansing

At the completion of liposuction surgery, compression garments are often secured over the areas that have been treated. In some cases, temporary tubes are inserted into the incision sites to help drain fluids. It is important to remember that liposuction is a surgical procedure that often requires a significant amount of downtime, and it involves a recovery process that does take time and patience. If you are considering liposuction, be sure to comply with all post-operative instructions to help ensure your comfort and safe, smooth recovery.

FAQs

Can I get liposuction if I am overweight?

Liposuction is not a weight loss surgery and is intended for patients at a healthy and stable weight.

How dangerous is liposuction?

Like any surgical procedure, there is some risk of bleeding and a bad reaction to general anesthesia. However, Dr. Colony is a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience who will significantly minimize these risks.

How long will I be swollen after liposuction?

Most swelling will go down within two weeks but it can take up to six months for the swelling to completely reduce.

Who is a candidate for liposuction?

Men and women within 20 pounds of their ideal weight who have localized pockets of stubborn fat are the best candidates for liposuction. Patients should also be in good health and non-smokers.

Are you put to sleep for liposuction?

Liposuction can be performed under local or general anesthesia. This depends on the extent of the surgery and whether you are having other procedures at the same time.

Can visceral fat be removed?

Visceral fat, or internal fat, cannot be removed - its an essential fat that surrounds the organs and is better reduced through diet and exercise. Only subcutaneous fat can be removed with liposuction.

Does liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Liposuction can reduce cellulite for some patients, but this is not true for all.

Does liposuction really work?

Liposuction is an effective way to permanently remove unwanted fat and sculpt the body contour.

Does fat come back after lipo?

Fat is permanently removed after liposuction. However, it is possible to gain weight in other areas. This means that maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is important for keeping up your results.

How much weight do you lose with liposuction?

Liposuction procedures are not a weight loss treatment option and should not be used as such; candidates for liposuction should already be around their ideal weight. However, the surgery usually results in about five pounds of fat being removed.

How long is the recovery period for liposuction?

Each patient's recovery period is different, but you should avoid exertion for the first two weeks following surgery. The full recovery period may be as long as six to eight weeks, but you can slowly return to normal during this time. Follow the instructions Dr. Colony provides.

Does liposuction make your skin sag?

Liposuction deals with fat deposits and does not do anything for excess skin. Typically, liposuction areas do not become lax, however, some patients may benefit from combining liposuction with skin-tightening treatments such as BodyTite to ensure smooth, tight results. If you have excess skin along with excess fat, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck in combination with your liposuction.

Does liposuction leave scars?

Since incisions are made during liposuction surgery, there will be scars. However, these scars are tiny and the incisions will be placed in an area that is easily concealed.

Is liposuction permanent?

Liposuction removes fat deposits permanently, eliminating those fat cells for good. If a healthy lifestyle is maintained, patients can expect a contoured appearance for years to come. However, if you do not maintain your target weight, fat cells may accumulate around the treated area, affecting the appearance of the treatment.

Will liposuction give me scars?

Liposuction creates tiny incisions that may leave minuscule scars as a result. Scarring is minimal, however, and barely noticeable. If you are bothered by scarring, you can ask Dr. Colony to recommend some topical treatment options.

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What to Expect for Your Liposuction Results

Because liposuction physically removes subcutaneous adipose tissue, the results are considered permanent since fat cells do not return; however, if you gain weight, untreated areas may enlarge as new fat tissue develops, making it important to maintain a normal weight with a healthy lifestyle for lasting results. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure or weight loss method, but rather an aesthetic surgery option that enhances shape by targeting stubborn fat deposits.

A Consultation at Michigan Plastic Surgery®

If you struggle with excess fat – even after diet and exercise – and would like more information on your options and liposuction, contact Michigan Plastic Surgery® in East Lansing. At Michigan Plastic Surgery®, Dr. Colony, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, can help. During your complimentary consultation with Dr. Colony, you can discuss your options to come up with a plan that is right for you.

Contact our office for your initial consultation for liposuction in East Lansing today by clicking the link below to schedule your appointment.

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Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at 

Meet Dr. Lee H. Colony, M.D., F.A.C.S., a renowned Board Certified plastic surgeon known for his expertise in aesthetic plastic surgery. As a respected national speaker and educator, his dedication to patient safety and involvement in esteemed medical societies highlight his exceptional skills.