Why I Prefer Suction-Assisted Liposuction

Liposuction ("lipo") is an surgical procedure I perform to remove unwanted deposits of fat from specific areas of the body including the face, neck, upper arms, trunk, belly, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles. Localized fat deposits can create disproportionate contours. These areas of excess fatty tissue can be due to heredity, rather than a lack of weight control or fitness. The best candidates for liposuction are individuals of relatively normal weight who have excess fat in particular body areas. The most common lipo procedure requests I receive include removing love handles and tummy liposuction for both women and men. There are a variety of surgical techniques for liposuction that are recently being popularized such as laser-assisted liposucution (LAS), power-assisted liposuction (PAL), water-assisted liposuction (WAL), and tumescent liposuction, but I prefer the most commonly practiced, traditional, suction-assited liposuction (SAL) because it allows me to remove more fat in a single surgical session and treat a larger and more fibrous area.

If you are bothered by excess fat deposits that don't respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you. Treatment areas and techniques vary. Request a consultation so we can assess your individual needs. See liposuction before and after pictures.

Liposuction consultation | Longmeadow, MA

When you book a liposuction consultation, there is a $100 consultation fee. If you elect lipo with Dr. Johnson, the $100 will go towards the surgical fee.

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Liposuction, or lipoplasty, removes excess fat deposits to slim, reshape, and improve proportions of selected body areas.

Liposuction FAQs

All photos are of procedures performed at Pioneer Valley Plastic Surgery

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction removes unwanted fat that has not responded to diet and exercise. If you are unhappy with a particular area or areas of your body, liposuction can help reshape that area. Liposuction, however, is not a weight loss procedure. We recommend that you be at an ideal and stable weight. During your consultation, we will discuss whether you are a good candidate for liposuction, the liposuction surgical process, and any possible risks or complications of the surgery.

Will I be seen by the surgeon?

Yes. Dr. Johnson will meet with you and she will discuss all your surgical options. Dr. Johnson will provide you with the necessary information so that you feel confident and comfortable with your surgical decision.

Will I be charged for an initial consultation?

Yes. There is a $100 consultation fee. If you choose to have liposuction, the $100 will go towards it.

Is the plastic surgeon board certified?

Yes. Dr. Johnson is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, she is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which recognizes surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery.

How should I prepare for a liposuction consultation?

Research on reputable internet sites such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons can be very informative to help provide basics about the procedure and your recovery. However, the best information will be obtained by making an appointment and speaking with Dr. Johnson. At the time of your consultation, it may also be helpful to review before and after photos of patients who have had the procedure.

Where will my liposuction be performed?

Dr. Johnson has privileges at Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center. Both are surgical facilities in Springfield, MA, accredited by the Joint Commission, and have been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval.

Are there different types of liposuction procedures?

Yes, there are a variety of different liposuction techniques available. Dr. Johnson recommends the traditional liposuction procedure. Small stab incisions are made to insert the liposuction cannula into the areas with the fat deposits and the fat is suctioned out. The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures

What is the surgical process for liposuction?

During surgery you will receive general anesthesia. The surgery will take between 1-2 hours depending on the number of areas to be addressed. Once you are awake you are taken to the recovery room for another 1-2 hours and then discharged home.

Are there risks involved with liposuction?

Yes, there are risks with any surgical procedure. Some of the possible risks with liposuction are pain, infection, bruising, swelling, wound healing complications, bleeding, numbness of the skin, unsatisfactory results or scars that may require a revision surgery, uneven skin contours, or injuries to deeper structures.

What is the recovery process?

The first few days you may have discomfort or achiness to the area treated with liposuction. Initially, you may have extra drainage from the small incision sites. You will have bruising and swelling of the treated areas. You are sent home on pain medications which will decrease your discomfort. We will recommend that you ice the area for the first 72 hours to help minimize swelling. We will also recommend that you wear a compressive garment. We will see you about one week after surgery to evaluate your healing process. We request that you do no strenuous exercise for at least 3 weeks after surgery.

Post-Operative Instructions for Liposuction Patients (Download printable PDF)

There may be information here that contradicts information on the general Post-Operative Instructions sheet. Any time this occurs, follow these procedure specific instructions. If you have any questions, please call the office at (413) 731-7877.

  • Minimal activities for the first couple of days after surgery.
  • You may ice the area for the first week to decrease swelling and pain.
  • You may shower 72 hours after surgery.
  • DO NOT soak in the tub, jacuzzi, sauna, pool, or beach for 2 weeks following procedure.
  • NO driving or working while on pain medications.
  • You may take Tylenol for pain or Benadryl for itching if needed.
  • Avoid Advil, Motrin, or Ibuprofen for the first week after surgery but you may take them any time after the 1st week.

You can expect:

  • Clear and bloody drainage from the incisions for the first couple of days.
  • Sutures are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. If you have a dressing on incisions, that can be removed in 72 hours.
  • NOT to apply bacitracin, ointments, or creams to the suture line.
  • To return to non-strenuous work within 3-7 days.
  • Moderate discomfort which should be relieved with pain medications.
  • Moderate swelling of the area.
  • Bruising around the area.

Call the office if you experience:

  • Severe pain not relieved by pain medications.
  • Increased swelling of the area that is not decreasing.
  • Excessive drainage or heavy bleeding.
  • A fever greater than 101.5
  • Call the office at any time with questions

As time goes by and you are healing, the following apply:

  • Most swelling, bruising and soreness resolves within 4-6 weeks.
  • Return to strenuous activities in 3-4 weeks.

We require 48 hours for prescription refills. Please call in advance.

Will my insurance cover lipoplasty?

No. Liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure. Insurers do not deem this procedure medically necessary.

Can I finance my liposuction procedure?

Yes. We offer patient financing through CareCredit or ALPHAEON CREDIT. See our Financing FAQs for more information.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, money orders, and certified bank checks, or you can finance through CareCredit.

Can I make payments online?

Yes. You can make credit card payments securely online.