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Liposuction
Liposuction
Liposuction
Conveniently located to serve Atlanta and Sandy Springs
Struggling with stubborn fat that won’t budge, no matter how hard you stick to your diet and exercise routine? Liposuction, or “lipo,” could be the solution you’re searching for. This popular procedure helps both men and women target those tricky fat deposits, giving your body the contour you desire. Here’s everything you need to know about liposuction in Atlanta and how it can help you look and feel your best.
Abdominal Liposuction
Many people have a high distribution of fat cells in their abdomen. When these fat cells swell, it can create the appearance of a spare tire or beer belly. Stubborn abdominal fat cells can be easily removed with the help of liposuction at our Atlanta facility. We’re not far from the LEGO Discovery Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Fox Theatre.
Back Liposuction
Removing excess fat from the upper and lower back can be difficult, depending on the exact composition of the fatty tissue. Our surgeons have the experience needed to effectively perform this procedure, contouring the back.
Chest Liposuction
Many men suffer from “man boobs,” an excess of fatty tissue in the chest. This cosmetic issue causes a lot of self-consciousness and embarrassment. To flatten the male chest and restore masculine contours, we can remove excess fat from the area using liposuction. Our Atlanta liposuction patients often enjoy visiting the iconic Sundial Restaurant, The Curb Market, and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
Facial Liposuction
Sometimes, the cheeks and other areas of the face have small amounts of excess fat, creating a “baby-face” appearance or “chipmunk cheeks.” With facial liposuction, our plastic surgeons can remove this fat with a high degree of precision, restoring definition to the facial contours.
Neck Liposuction
Bulging neck fat is incredibly stubborn. With neck liposuction at our Atlanta facility, patients can contour their neck and restore a more in-shape look. In cases where excess skin and sagging muscle tissue are also present, a neck lift may be required for enhanced contouring.
Chin Liposuction
It doesn’t take much excess fat to make the submental area (the area beneath the chin) look more prominent than normal. A double chin can be embarrassing, creating an out-of-shape appearance that affects the look of the entire body. Chin lipo can sculpt away this excess fat, reducing a double chin and giving the chin and jawline more definition.
Buttocks Liposuction
Butt fat can be a major problem, especially when it creates a lumpy appearance. Liposuction allows our plastic surgeons to reshape the contours of the buttocks with a high degree of precision, helping patients achieve the enviable rear end they’ve been dreaming of.
Knee Liposuction
The inner knees are often overlooked when it comes to fat reduction. However, these can be a key area for effective and comprehensive leg contouring. If you’re interested in reducing excess fat from your inner knees, consider lipo at Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center.
Inner/Outer Thigh Liposuction
The inner and outer thighs are magnets for excess fat, resulting in chafing and saddlebags. When patients come to our Atlanta office for thigh liposuction, our plastic surgeons contour and sculpt their legs. As a bonus for coffee lovers, our office isn’t far from several popular coffee shops, including Bagel Boys Café, Zambawango, and Just Love Coffee Café.
Love Handle Liposuction
For numerous people, love handles are a trouble area that just won’t decrease in size, no matter how many crunches they perform. Liposuction is the go-to option for love-handle reduction, flattening these notoriously stubborn fat pockets quickly and effectively.
Upper-Arm Liposuction
Pockets of sagging excess fat can form on the upper arms, creating the appearance of “bat wings” (also called “bingo wings”). These can make people feel self-conscious about their upper arms, hiding them in sleeves. Upper-arm liposuction can help contour the arms, restoring a sculpted appearance. Note that cases where drooping skin is also present are better addressed with a brachioplasty procedure.
Doctors Kavali and Moak: The Ideal Choice for Liposuction Surgery
At Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center, Dr. Carmen Kavali and Dr. Teri N. Moak perform high-quality liposuction for Atlanta patients. These skilled surgeons have the experience needed to create incredibly natural-looking body-sculpting results.
For her Doctorate, Dr. Kavali chose the esteemed program at Georgia’s Mercer University. After graduating, she attended the University of Illinois for a general surgery residency, followed by a specialized plastic surgery fellowship at Wayne State University in Michigan.
Since then, she has been featured in magazines, radio shows, and podcasts as a trusted medical expert, contributing her expertise on the topic of liposuction and other plastic surgery procedures. She has delivered several presentations at conferences and has authored numerous medical journal articles.
Dr. Kavali is a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon. She has been recognized by Atlanta Magazine and The Atlantan magazine as a Top Doctor, and she has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2017 and a Castle Connolly Exceptional Woman in Medicine since 2020. Additionally, the Consumers’ Research Council of America has honored her as one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons for several years.
Dr. Kavali is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Medical Association of Atlanta, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the Atlanta Women’s Medical Alliance, and the Medical Association of Georgia.
Dr. Moak, a board-eligible aesthetic plastic surgeon, received her Master’s degree in Biophysical Chemistry at the University of Mississippi, along with a Master’s in Biological Medical Sciences from Mississippi College.
She then joined the Doctorate program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, studying medicine and graduating with her MD. She completed a residency at Washington University in their Plastic and Reconstructive Residency Training Program, which is highly respected. To further her training, she completed a specialized fellowship with Dr. Grady Core. This fellowship was endorsed by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Moak is a member of medical societies like the Medical Association of Georgia, the International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Aesthetic Society, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
She has authored award-winning medical journal articles, along with medical textbook chapters and manuscripts. She has been an instructor in clinical settings, and she regularly gives presentations at conferences.
Dr. Kavali and Dr. Moak perform plastic surgery procedures at Atlanta Outpatient Surgery Center and Northside Hospital, where they are also on staff. They offer liposuction consultations at our office, not far from downtown Atlanta, which is home to attractions like SkyView Atlanta, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium.
Out-of-town liposuction patients fly into the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport and regularly stay at comfortable hotels like Hyatt Place Perimeter Center, Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter North Hotel, and Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia.
Can the Fat Removed During Liposuction Be Used for Fat Transfers?
The fatty tissue removed during your liposuction procedure can be used to volumize other areas of the body. The surgeon can utilize specialized techniques to gently harvest the fat, which is then purified. This process involves removing dead and damaged fat cells, along with other unnecessary materials. It is then carefully and methodically injected into the targeted area so that it connects with the blood supply and thrives in its new location.
Harvested fat can be used for several types of fat transfers. Fat harvested from liposuction can be used for transfer to the face during a procedure called facial fat grafting. This option moves small amounts of fatty tissue to the face, filling in indentations and age lines. It can restore gaunt cheeks, enhance thin lips, and add volume to hollow temples.
Fat can also be injected into the breasts to perform breast augmentation. This offers the benefit of avoiding breast implants, meaning there’s no need for implant replacement. Fat transfer breast augmentation can increase the size of the breasts by a half cup to a full cup, or 200cc to 500cc. The transferred fat feels very natural.
Additionally, fat removed during liposuction can be injected into the buttocks for gluteal enhancement. This procedure is known as a Brazilian butt lift. On average, 500 to 1,000cc of fat can be inserted into each buttock.
How to Prepare for Liposuction at Monarch
If a date has been set for your liposuction at Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center, you’ll need to take the proper steps to prepare. This will ensure that the procedure is as safe as possible and that the likelihood of complications is minimized. It will also help our surgeons achieve the highest-quality body-contouring results.
A pre-operative medical appointment will be necessary. This will involve coming to our Atlanta facility, which is just a short drive from midtown Atlanta. Midtown Atlanta is home to a number of popular attractions, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Piedmont Park and the High Museum of Art.
During your pre-operative appointment, a number of tests may be performed, including a blood test and an EKG. You’ll also be told about any medication changes and lifestyle changes that will be necessary before the procedure date.
For several weeks before the date of your liposuction, you’ll need to stay away from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain herbal supplements. These medications and supplements can increase the chance of bleeding during surgery.
In terms of lifestyle changes, it will be important for smokers to quit smoking well in advance of the date of surgery. Smokers’ blood circulation is impaired, and their skin’s elasticity has decreased, along with its overall health. These changes result in a need for a longer recovery process and can lead to an increase risk of complications.
Additionally, you must avoid drinking alcohol before the date of your liposuction surgery. Drinking alcohol can make the blood thinner, resulting in an increased chance of exacerbated bruising.
Before the date of your procedure, you’ll need to arrange for time off from work for liposuction recovery. You’ll also need to check with a friend or family member to arrange for a ride home after the procedure, since you won’t be able to drive immediately after surgery.
It will be helpful to make sure that your recovery area is prepared before your body-contouring surgery. You’ll need to stock it with recovery aids, water bottles, snacks, ice packs, prescribed medications, pillows, towels, and blankets as directed.
The day before your liposuction, you won’t be able to eat or drink anything after midnight. This is because eating and drinking can increase the chance of complications with your anesthesia.
How Much Does Liposuction Surgery Cost?
The price of liposuction at Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center is dependent on a number of factors. Cost may be impacted by the specific techniques employed, the size and number of treatment areas, anesthesia fees, and total surgical time. Contact us to find out more about the potential cost of your fat-reduction procedure.
Are There Any Non-Invasive Liposuction Alternatives?
At Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center, we perform non-invasive CoolSculpting and VelaShape treatments to reduce excess fat. These treatments require no incisions, scalpels, stitches, or anesthesia.
CoolSculpting uses cooling energy to freeze fat cells, triggering apoptosis (controlled cell death). Since it is a selective cryolipolysis procedure, no other tissues are affected, only the targeted fat cells. Once the treatment has been performed, the body gradually and safely filters out the targeted fat cells.
VelaShape uses a handpiece to apply bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy, infrared light, gentle suction, and mechanical massage to areas of excess fat. It’s ideal for contouring the thighs and abdomen. Along with reducing stubborn fat, it can decrease the appearance of cellulite.
Contact Us to Learn More About Liposuction
Call Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center at 404.250.3333 or fill out our contact form to arrange your liposuction consultation. Our experienced plastic surgeons will be happy to meet with you for a personalized consultation at our Atlanta, GA, office, located near Ponce City Market and the Atlanta History Center.
Questions & Answers
Liposuction is a surgical fat removal technique designed to contour specific areas of the body by removing unwanted fat cells. Many often wonder, is liposuction plastic surgery? Yes, it is. However, liposuction isn’t a weight-loss procedure. Instead, it’s a way to target fat in specific areas that won’t go away with diet or exercise.
Traditional diet and exercise shrinks fat cells all around the body in a generalized way. Because of this, it’s not always effective when it comes to spot reduction. Additionally, since the fat cells are merely reduced in size, there is still a chance that they they may grow larger again, reversing all those months spent dieting and exercising.
Liposuction, on the other hand, physically removes fat cells from the body. These fat cells will never grow back. As a result, there is no chance of them swelling in size again.
Just how effective is liposuction? Liposuction can effectively reduce fat deposits in areas like the abdomen, back, thighs, and more, leading to a more sculpted appearance.
Liposuction techniques may be used to reduce fat deposits in the following areas:
- Abdomen and waist
- Back and bra line
- Calves and ankles
- Chest area
- Face, cheeks, chin, and neck
- Hips and buttocks
- Inner knees
- Inner and outer thighs
- “Love handles”
- Upper arms
The ideal candidate for Atlanta liposuction is someone who is close to their ideal body weight but has stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Good candidates also have firm, elastic skin and realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve.
The best liposuction candidates are in good overall health and do not have any underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of surgical complications. Non-smokers are excellent candidates. Smokers must be willing to quit before their procedure and must continue to avoid smoking during recovery.
While liposuction can address a variety of concerns, it does have limitations. Liposuction cannot:
- Treat obesity or serve as a substitute for proper diet and exercise
- Treat loose skin or cellulite
- Tighten abdominal muscles
Patients who are pregnant must wait until after their delivery to undergo liposuction surgery.
Liposuction can be done in the office or as an outpatient procedure, depending on the scope of the procedure. The options include local anesthesia (numbing a specific area), sedation, or general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes one to three hours, depending on the number of areas being treated and the amount of fat being removed.
After the fat removal process, the incisions are closed with sutures. Compression garments are applied to help control swelling and assist in the recovery process. We’ll also provide pain medication, post-op instructions, and schedule a follow-up to check your progress.
Liposuction recovery varies from patient to patient depending on a variety of factors, including the extent of treatment and any pre-existing conditions. Because of this, it’s vital that you follow Drs. Kavali and Moak’s post-surgical care directions very closely. This will help to prevent complications and will help expedite the healing process.
Your surgeon may place tiny plastic drains in the incisions after the procedure is complete. These drains effectively carry excess fluid out of the incisions, helping to prevent seromas and hematomas. They will usually be removed in around one week.
Right after surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, soreness, and discomfort, but the pain is usually mild to moderate and can be managed with medication. Additionally, the contoured areas may temporarily feel stiff, tight, or itchy. Bruising and swelling will fade in time with the aid of ice packs, which should be applied as directed.
Rest is vital, especially during the first three days. Note that standing up and walking around is recommended very soon after liposuction, since it increases blood flow and helps to avoid blood clot formation. Most people can return to light activities in a few days, but avoid heavy exercise and lifting for several weeks. You’ll need to stay home from your job for around one to two weeks.
You’ll also need to wear compression garments to help with the healing and to reduce swelling. Compression garments accelerate fluid drainage, protect incisions, and encourage the skin to better fit the area’s new underlying contours. They must be worn for four to six weeks after liposuction surgery.
You’ll need to take prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections. Keep your incisions clean and dry, and change your bandages and dressings as directed.
During liposuction recovery, it’s important to avoid baths or swimming, since immersion in water can increase the chance of infections while incisions are still open. Additionally, wait one to three days before showering, and protect your incisions when you shower.
To further reduce swelling and improve post-liposuction healing, book lymphatic drainage massage sessions starting a week after your procedure. This gentle massage reduces toxins in the lymph nodes, decreasing discomfort, speeding up the recovery process, and helping to avoid infections.
You’ll need to come to Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center for regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Our Atlanta, GA, office isn’t far from dining options like Louisiana Bistreaux, Yao Atlanta, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and The Capital Grille. During follow-ups, your surgeon will evaluate the status of your recovery, remove drains and stitches, address any complications, and clear you to return to various activities.
As the swelling goes down within a few months, you’ll slowly start seeing results. Remember, everyone’s recovery rate is different. Your recovery may be quicker or take more time than the average. As for the final result, they are typically visible between 6 months to a year after the surgery.
Yes, many patients opt to combine liposuction with other cosmetic procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or body lift. This can be an effective way to address multiple concerns in one surgical session, but your surgeon will determine whether you’re a good candidate based on your health and aesthetic goals. Just talk to us about any of your concerns, and we will help you design a plan to meet your goals safely.
Because pregnancy can result in pockets of excess fat in various areas of the body, many Atlanta patients choose to include liposuction in their mommy makeover. A mommy makeover is a customized combination of plastic surgery procedures designed to restore the body after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. It typically requires only a single recovery period
While there is no specific age limit for liposuction in Atlanta, you will have the best results if your skin still has enough elasticity to achieve a smooth contour after the procedure. Patients with firm skin tend to see the best results, while older individuals may experience looser skin post-surgery, which could require additional treatments.
Liposuction is not meant for weight loss. You’ll get the best results when you’re close to your ideal body weight. If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, it’s better to lose that weight first, then use liposuction to shape any stubborn areas. In some cases, liposuction is done to reduce an area before weight loss. If you’re not sure whether liposuction is right for you, schedule a consultation with us so that we can make specific recommendations for your exact needs.
Yes. We follow the safety guidelines of the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons), which limits liposuction to no more than 5 liters at one time. If we expect to reach that limit, we’ll ask you to prioritize the areas you want treated first.
If you gain weight after liposuction, your body will respond like it normally does, with all fat cells getting larger. However, since there are fewer fat cells in the areas treated by liposuction, weight gain will show up in other areas first. If the weight gain continues, those treated areas will eventually enlarge too. The best way to keep your results is to stay motivated and maintain your weight.
Liposuction can leave loose skin behind, especially in patients with reduced skin elasticity. If you are no longer in your 20s, had a prior pregnancy, or lost a lot of weight, your skin may not be very elastic. In most cases, there won’t be loose, hanging skin after the procedure, but you might have some ‘pinch-able’ loose skin. If you’re looking for truly tight skin, we’ll explore your surgical and non-surgical skin tightening options.
Cellulite is caused by fibrous bands beneath the skin, and while liposuction can reduce fat, it doesn’t address the structure responsible for the dimpled look of cellulite. In some cases, cellulite may even appear more noticeable after liposuction. If you’re concerned about cellulite, we offer treatments like VelaShape and Aveli, which can be combined with liposuction for the best results.
Liposuction results are considered permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight. However, weight gain can cause new fat cells to develop in untreated areas, and natural aging may affect your body’s contours over time.
Liposuction is performed by first introducing a special fluid into the treatment areas using a tumescent technique. This fluid helps manage post-surgery pain and controls bleeding during the procedure. Next, a small, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through tiny incisions—usually less than a quarter inch long—and placed in discreet spots, like skin folds or contour lines.
We use MicroAire Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL®), which makes the process easier, especially in areas with denser tissue. This technique doesn’t generate heat, so there’s no risk of burns, unlike some other methods like ultrasonic liposuction.
Wondering where you can get your liposuction? Whether your liposuction will be done in the office or at a surgery center depends on the extent of the procedure. For small areas of contouring, we can perform liposuction in our office procedure room using local anesthesia. You’ll be given medication to help you relax, and the area will be numbed. Afterward, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
For more significant contouring, or if you’re combining liposuction with other procedures, your surgery will take place at a fully accredited surgery center. You’ll have the option of being completely asleep or lightly sedated (“twilight” anesthesia), with a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist ensuring your comfort and safety. If you’re wondering what type of doctor does liposuction, board-certified plastic surgeons are the most qualified professionals to perform liposuction safely and effectively.
Please visit our My Consult page to learn more about what happens during your consult.
Please visit our Financing page to learn more on how much liposuction is in Atlanta and your financing options.
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- Facial Area: Neck