Liposuction

Suction-assisted lipectomy

Contour where diet and exercise stop.

Liposuction removes pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise, such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms and under the chin. It refines shape rather than reducing weight, and it is often combined with a tummy tuck or other body procedures.

Anesthesia
General or local
Surgery time
1–3 hours
Setting
Outpatient
Back to routine
1–2 weeks
About the procedure

What liposuction involves.

Some fat deposits stay put regardless of weight loss, because their size is set largely by genetics. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from these areas, so the contour holds as long as your weight stays stable.

Small incisions are made in discreet places and a fluid is introduced to reduce bleeding and discomfort. A thin cannula then removes the fat in careful, even passes, shaping the area so it blends with the surrounding body.

Liposuction works best when the skin has enough elasticity to shrink onto the new contour. Where skin is loose, Dr. Sood may recommend pairing it with a lift. Removed fat can also be purified and transferred to add volume elsewhere.

Your natural shape, refined.
The process

From first visit to first year.

01
Consultation
A review of the areas you want to treat, your skin quality and whether liposuction alone will give the result you want.
02
Surgery
Fat removed through small incisions, with each area shaped to blend with the body around it.
03
Recovery
A compression garment for several weeks, walking from day one, and swelling that settles over a few months.
Candidacy

Signs you may be a candidate.

Liposuction suits adults near their goal weight who have specific areas of stubborn fat. At consultation Dr. Sood reviews your skin and explains whether liposuction alone or with a lift is the better plan.

Stubborn fat in specific areas
Abdomen, flanks, back, thighs, arms or under the chin.
Close to your goal weight
Liposuction shapes the body; it is not a weight-loss method.
Good skin elasticity
Skin that can tighten smoothly over the new contour.
Wanting better proportion
A waist, hip or thigh line that feels out of balance.
Planning fat transfer
Fat that could be used to add volume elsewhere.
In good general health
Non-smoking or willing to stop, with conditions well managed.
Find out if you're a candidate
FAQ

What patients ask before liposuction.

If your question is not here, bring it to consultation. Nothing is too small to ask.

Ask Dr. Sood
Can it be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Liposuction is often paired with a tummy tuck, a lift or fat transfer to another area.

How long is recovery?

Most patients return to desk work in one to two weeks. Swelling settles gradually, and the final result is visible at about three to six months.

Will my skin be loose afterward?

Skin with good elasticity usually tightens over the new shape. If your skin is already loose, a lift may be recommended with or instead of liposuction.

How much fat can be removed?

It depends on your size, health and the areas treated. Dr. Sood removes an amount that is safe in one operation and plans staged treatment if more is needed.

Is the fat gone for good?

The fat cells removed do not return. If you gain weight later, remaining fat cells can still enlarge, so a stable weight keeps the result.

About

About Dr. Sood

Aditya Sood, MD, MBA, FACS

Board-certified plastic & reconstructive surgeon

Dr. Aditya Sood is an American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified plastic surgeon with over 12 years of experience specializing in a variety of plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic procedures. His focus lies in advanced aesthetic surgery of the face, breast and body.

Learn More
Patient Stories

In their own words.

★★★★★100% five-star on RealSelf, from over 100 patients→
★★★★★
Hands down the most skilled surgeon
“One of the most incredible surgeons that I have ever come across. So much warmth, depth, knowledge, skillset, and the results have spoken for itself… I interviewed 7 surgeons across the US and chose him for exactly this. Flew half way across the globe for him and his incredible team. You have found your home.”
Explant patient
★★★★★
Dr. Sood is a gifted surgeon
“He’s a values-driven, compassionate surgeon who is detailed, technically gifted and provides the best possible aesthetic and health outcomes… I am so grateful to no longer feel sick, and after a full capsulectomy, I feel healthy and I’m back in the gym lifting heavy and have the energy to enjoy life again.”
Explant patient
★★★★★
A surgeon who truly cares
“Dr. Sood’s humbleness and commitment to long-term post-operative care set him apart from others. His attention to detail is truly impeccable, especially considering my previous mastectomy… Knowing that I have a year-long post-op plan with him gave me so much confidence and peace of mind.”
Explant patient
★★★★★
Wonderful experience with Dr. Sood
“I was very sick because of my breast implants and was so worried about the explant outcomes. Dr. Sood did an outstanding job, and I truly love my appearance. The scars look amazing. My recovery was absolutely painless and quick.”
Explant patient
★★★★★
I had an amazing experience
“I had my implants for over 30 years and planned to be buried with them! Then started to have health problems… I’m now almost 6 month post-op and amazed how good I look!! You can’t even see the scars and I had a lift (so glad I did).”
Explant & lift patient
★★★★★
Life changing surgery
“Dr. Sood was incredibly thorough and professional throughout my breast reduction journey. From our initial consultations, I felt completely confident going into surgery, and his continued follow-ups afterwards meant so much. Now, 4 months post-op, I’m beyond impressed with my results.”
Breast reduction patient
★★★★★
Amazing doctor
“He did my explant, lift, and fat transfer. I couldn’t be happier with my results. He was extremely thorough, and his bedside manner is calm and just puts you at complete ease.”
Explant, lift & fat transfer patient
★★★★★
Wonderful surgical outcome
“He’s meticulously skilled in his field and has helped myself along with many women regain their health and their aesthetics. He truly cares for his patients and their outcomes and has a wonderful bedside manner. I would choose him over and over again.”
Explant patient
★★★★★
Breast explant
“I had a breast explant and came all the way from Atlanta … I am so happy with my decision… He is truly an artist in his work and I am so happy I chose to use him.”
Out-of-town explant patient
★★★★★
Dr. Sood and staff are excellent
“I am already happy with the results after a few days! This has been bothering me for years. Dr. Sood was so kind, we laughed and everyone in the office from the front desk to surgery room and back made me feel welcome. I flew in from Arizona due to his reviews.”
Out-of-town patient
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Sood Plastic Surgery & Explant Center
1S376 Summit Avenue, Court E Unit 6B,Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm
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