Liposuction in Fredericksburg, VA

Having fat on your body is frustrating, and the problem is compounded when you cannot eliminate the fat with diet and exercise. At Surgical Arts of Virginia, we offer liposuction for men and women in Washington DC, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Stafford, Charlottesville and surrounding areas of Virginia.

What is Liposuction?

Dr. Palmer is known for his body sculpting procedures, such as liposuction. Liposuction works by dislodging and removing fat cells from targeted areas of the body. During the procedure, Dr. Palmer makes small incisions in the treatment area and then inserts a thin tube called a cannula. The cannula loosens excess fat and suctions it out as Dr. Palmer moves it methodically underneath the skin. Each liposuction procedure is tailored to the unique needs of the patient, ensuring their results are attractive, natural and aligned with their goals.

View Liposuction Before and After Pictures

What Areas Can Liposuction Be Performed On?

Dr. Palmer can use liposuction to contour almost any area of the body:

• Posterior torso (full back)
• Flanks (love handles)
• Lower abdomen (below belly button)
• Upper abdomen (above belly button)
• High-definition abdomen (ab sculpting, typically men)
• Bra roll
• Muffin top
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Inner and outer thighs
• Arms
• Knees
• Lower legs
• Neck
• Chin

What Is the Cost of Liposuction in Fredericksburg, VA?

Liposuction starts at $2,110, and we can provide a more accurate cost for your procedure after your complimentary consultation. The size of the area being treated, the number of areas being treated and the amount of fat being removed will factor into the final cost, which may also include anesthesia, facility costs, postoperative garments and prescription medications. Surgical Arts of Virginia accepts payment by cash, personal check, money order and credit card. We also work with three financing options — CareCredit®, United Medical Credit and Prosper™ Healthcare Lending.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction can be used to sculpt and contour many parts of the body, such as the neck, shoulders (for lipomas), buttocks, thighs, hips, abdomen, posterior torso (back) and other problem areas. Liposuction does not negate the need for a healthy lifestyle. Instead, it is beneficial for individuals who maintain a stable weight and are committed to diet and exercise, but would like to remove localized fat that is unresponsive to traditional efforts to remove it. The results of liposuction include decreased fatty deposits, improved tone, a more balanced body shape and an overall positive body transformation.

What Happens During a Liposuction Consultation?

In your initial visit to our Fredericksburg office, Dr. Palmer will conduct a physical examination to identify problem spots that can be treated effectively with liposuction. He will discuss your goals and expectations and determine whether liposuction is your best option for achieving them. Any questions you have will be addressed at this time. It is important to be honest with Dr. Palmer about your concerns and objectives to ensure your satisfaction with the results. In some cases, Dr. Palmer may recommend an alternative body contouring procedure in place of, or in combination with, liposuction. Every patient is unique, and your treatment plan should be customized to match your specific condition and goals.

How Is Liposuction Performed?

Liposuction is performed in the office’s surgical suite using IV sedation and local anesthetic. This is considered an outpatient procedure. Dr. Palmer performs the following types of liposuction:

Large-Volume Liposuction

Large-volume liposuction is indicated in patients with large amounts of excess fat in areas where there is minimal skin laxity. Plus-sized people do not have to struggle for years with no success to free themselves from the burden of excessive weight and the limitations that accompany it. While it is not intended to be a primary weight loss tool, prudent use of large-volume liposuction can amplify weight loss efforts and improve overall health. Patients can lose several sizes during one session. Military personnel often benefit from this type of liposuction to meet waist requirements.

Liposculpture

Liposculpture is used to enhance natural curves, such as defining the buttocks or the waist. It is often used to complement a tummy tuck or other body contouring procedures. Though it relies on the same general technique as liposuction, liposculpture is a more advanced procedure designed to deliver precise results. It is indicated in patients who wish to remove fat from problem areas while simultaneously improving the definition of muscles and refining the shape of the body. It is generally more impactful on patients who are already at or near their target weight.

Focal Liposuction

Dedication to a balanced diet and regular exercise can help you get closer to the slim and fit body you desire. Unfortunately, no matter how committed you are to leading a healthy lifestyle, you may be stuck with localized pockets of fat that refuse to go away. Focal liposuction targets a direct area such as the tummy, arms, neck, thighs, etc. Typically, some degree of liposculpture is used to achieve the best results.

High-Definition Liposuction

High-definition liposuction is used to etch out abdominal musculature to give a more fit look to the abs, especially in men. Advanced liposuction technology allows Dr. Palmer to artistically enhance the muscles, creating a six-pack effect that helps patients achieve a more chiseled, athletic contour than they could attain in the gym. This technique offers the dual benefits of reducing unwanted fat and sculpting a more toned and defined physique.

The right liposuction technique for you will depend on various factors, including the area you choose to treat and the amount of fat that you hope to remove. Dr. Palmer will ensure you understand the different types of liposuction and help you choose the most suitable option for your needs and goals.

How Is Hyperhidrosis Treatment With SweatLipo Performed?

Sweating is a natural and necessary process for the body, but it becomes uncomfortable and embarrassing for those who sweat significantly more than normal. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the underarms has traditionally been treated with prescription antiperspirants or extensive surgery. Now there are other options, including the innovative procedure known as SweatLipo. SweatLipo uses similar tools to liposuction, but instead of removing fat cells, it targets sweat glands. A cannula is used to remove and deactivate some of the sweat glands in the armpits, which offers long-lasting relief from excessive perspiration.

How is Neck Liposuction Performed?

A smooth, graceful neckline can bring balance to your facial features, define your jawline, make you look years younger or create the illusion that you have lost weight. Neck liposuction may be performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with a neck lift, a facelift or ThermiTight®. Removing small amounts of fat with neck liposuction gives the area a taut and youthful appearance. The ideal candidate is happy with their weight but struggles with a double chin or a poorly defined jaw. Patients with good skin tone typically have the best outcomes. Those with loose skin or muscles may see better results with a neck lift combined with liposuction.

What Is Liposuction Recovery Like?

After surgery, Dr. Palmer will provide you with postoperative care instructions. It is critical to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Limited movement and plenty of rest are recommended for the first few days after liposuction. Once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience discomfort that can be managed with oral medication. Swelling, bruising and redness are also to be expected immediately after the procedure. Avoid bending over, straining or heavy lifting and, if possible, elevate the treated area of your body to minimize inflammation. You may also be required to wear a support garment to reduce swelling further and help your body conform to its new contours.

Downtime depends on the individual and the area where the procedure is completed. Gentle and moderate activities can gradually be reintroduced as tolerated. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks. Most patients can return to work and social activities within a week. It is essential to give your body ample time for a safe and healthy recovery process.

What Results Can Liposuction Achieve?

Liposuction is an effective procedure to reduce abdominal fat, love handles, saddlebags, a double chin and other unsightly bulges in order to sculpt a better shape and a more proportionate body.

The initial results of your procedure can be seen within days and will continue to evolve as the swelling goes down. Final results can take six months or more, as your skin tightens and your body adjusts to its new contours. Because the incisions are small, liposuction scarring is minimal. Scars will continue to mature and fade for up to a year, and in many cases, are barely visible once they have healed fully.

Fat cells that are extracted through liposuction will not return. This means the results can be long-lasting, or even permanent. However, if you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle after your procedure, the remaining fat cells can expand, thereby causing weight gain in both the treated areas and other areas. Make exercise a regular part of your routine and continue to make healthy dietary choices to help ensure beautiful and long-lasting liposuction results.

What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Dr. Palmer considers several key factors when determining whether liposuction is appropriate for a specific patient. An ideal liposuction candidate is not seeking significant weight loss or generalized fat reduction all over their body. Instead, they want to address a specific area where a bulge or contour is out of proportion with the surrounding areas. They are at or near their preferred body weight, have good skin elasticity and muscle tone, and have reasonable, realistic expectations.

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity. Patients who are overweight are advised to lose weight first — either via diet and exercise or bariatric surgery — before considering liposuction to refine their results. Individuals with a considerable amount of sagging skin, stretch marks, cellulite or muscle laxity in the abdominal area are also likely to find that liposuction is not the best match for their needs.

Are There Other Methods of Body Contouring?

Body contouring is an exciting and rapidly evolving segment in the field of plastic surgery. Today’s patients can choose between many surgical and nonsurgical fat reduction treatments, many of which can offer excellent results for the right candidate. In addition to liposuction, other popular body contouring options include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) and ThermiTight®.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure with three components: tightening of the abdominal muscles, removal of excess fat and removal of excess skin. This is an ideal option for patients who require correction of muscle laxity and loose skin in order to achieve their goals.

ThermiTight® is a nonsurgical procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to shrink unwanted fat cells and tighten sagging skin. This approach appeals to patients with less advanced concerns who desire an option that does not involve incisions, anesthesia or significant downtime.

The best treatment option for each patient depends on the individual characteristics of their body and the results they hope to achieve. Dr. Palmer will recommend the best procedure given your body type, budget, lifestyle, schedule, preferences and goals.

About Dr. R. Shane Palmer

Since 2006, Dr. Palmer has helped Fredericksburg residents achieve their body goals at Surgical Arts of Virginia. He is known throughout the region for his expert hands, artistic eye and meticulous attention to detail. As a board-certified surgeon with over a decade of cosmetic surgery experience, Dr. Palmer has the highly developed surgical skill required to produce a beautifully sculpted, natural-looking body contour. Dr. Palmer and his team strive to remain at the forefront of innovation in cosmetic enhancement techniques in order to help patients discover their best, healthiest and most attractive selves.

Remove Stubborn Fat and Reshape Your Confidence

Double chin? Love handles? Belly pooch? Most of us have a frustrating problem area, but you don’t have to live with it. Liposuction is one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted fat and sculpt a sleek, fit physique that looks great no matter what you’re wearing. Liposuction may be performed alone, combined with other body contouring techniques or used to put the finishing touches on another procedure.

Liposuction is a popular option for men and women in Washington DC, Fredericksburg, Stafford, Richmond, Charlottesville and the nearby communities in Virginia. To learn more, contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. R. Shane Palmer.