--- title: "Liposuction - Dr Hélène Le Gall" description: "Liposuction or lipoaspiration is a very effective technique for treating localized and troublesome excess fat (also called adipoma), especially in the…" image: "https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/media/og.jpg" url: "https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/treatments-performed/liposuction/" lang: "en-US" --- # Liposuction ## At a glance - **Anaesthesia** : General, sometimes local - **Procedure** : 1 to 3 hours - **Stay** : Outpatient - **Final result** : 6 months to 1 year Liposuction or lipoaspiration is a very effective technique for treating localized and troublesome excess fat (also called adipoma), especially in the flanks ( handles of love), hips (saddlebags), stomach, the inner part of the thighs, knees, even calves, back … ## How the procedure unfolds Before ## In practice In consultation we target together the areas to be treated. I also collect information concerning your state of health (see "the first consultation for surgery"). We take photographs for your medical record. I then offer you a 3D simulation of your body and the result that can be obtained with the Crisalix software [https://www.crisalix.com/en/directory/helene-le-gall](https://www.crisalix.com/en/directory/helene-le-gall) I give you all the information about the surgery and give you an estimate. During ## Surgery Liposuction is usually performed under general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis. If we are treating very small areas it is sometimes possible under local anesthesia. The intervention lasts 1 to 3 hours depending on the areas to be treated, the targeted areas are liposuctioned using cannulas, with scars of 5 to 6 mm. You go home the same day with small dressings and your compression garment, which the team puts on for you in the operating theatre. This is worth us a few contortions but avoids you the first threading which is sometimes a little difficult … And start the recovery straight away! After ## Postoperative effects They are dominated by bruises: on all the treated areas you will have bruises, which will gradually fade away in about 3 weeks. You should avoid sun exposure as much as possible during this period, at the risk of seeing the ecchymotic areas become colored, which can last for a while. The edema plays an important part in the postsurgical evolution: at its highest within days after the surgery, it also starts decreasing after 3 weeks, then the remaining edema gradually fades away between 4 to 6 months after the intervention. Last part: the retraction of the skin. It is slow for the about first 6 months and it can be stimulated by massages starting from 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure. We will talk about it in the one-month follow-up consultation. It is essential to wear the compression garment well 22 hours a day for the first 6 weeks, and then when resuming sports activity 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. The final result is obtained after 6 months to a year of evolution. The SOFCPRE information sheet on liposuction is given to you during the consultation. ## Weight and surgery A stable weight is recommended for a good stability of the result, this is why whatever your weight goal is, it is better to reach it before the intervention for a better result. A small loss of weight (2-3 kilos) after the procedure can be beneficial to enhance the result. It is important to note that liposuction is not a slimming surgery, it does not (or very little) lose weight, and does not replace a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular sports activity. The best results are obtained when treating well defined areas. When we follow these recommendations the results can be bluffing, on large surfaces they can be disappointing. ## What to do to optimize the result? You hydrate yourself and your skin, before and after the procedure. Compression garments tend to dry out the skin and itch, so hydration must be emphasized. I also advise to opt for a shower oil, less drying than the gels or soaps. Stop your tobacco consumption (we will discuss this again in consultation). Wear the compression garment as recommended. We will discuss the interest of LPG physiotherapy sessions, which can be very useful to refine the result and fight against small irregularities. ## Social security coverage Except in exceptional circumstances, liposuction is not covered by social security and will be at your expense. ## Pricing From 3600 euros, depending on the number of areas treated, on estimate given at the end of the consultation. ## Related - ### [Abdominoplasty](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/treatments-performed/abdominoplasty/) [Find out more : Abdominoplasty](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/treatments-performed/abdominoplasty/) - ### [Buttock lift and buttock lipofilling](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/treatments-performed/buttock-lift-and-buttock-lipofilling/) [Find out more : Buttock lift and buttock lipofilling](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/treatments-performed/buttock-lift-and-buttock-lipofilling/) ## My advice - ### Hydrate yourself and your skin Drink enough water and unsweetened drinks regularly. Apply a moisturizer to the skin once or twice a day after cleansing. - ### Protect yourself from the sun Avoid prolonged direct exposure, cover up and regularly apply total sunscreen protection (UVA / UVB) factor 50 to exposed areas. - ### You should not smoke or you should stop smoking as soon as possible. If needed, ask for help to your doctor or a tobacco addiction specialist, there are many methods available to help you in this difficult process.