What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure designed to remove fatty tissue and smooth out lumpy pockets of fat. Historically, liposuction has been used to de-bulk stubborn areas of fat that do not respond solely to healthy diet and exercise, but Dr. Julie Khanna believes that liposuction’s true power lies in its ability to shape and define the figure. Many areas of the body can be re-sculpted with the advanced VASERlipo device, including the hips, buttocks, abdomen, love handles, back, arms, knees, legs, neck and area under the chin (submental liposuction).

At ICLS, we offer the most advanced technologies and innovative surgical solutions of any stand-alone facility in Canada. This gives our board-certified plastic surgeon an exceptional advantage in achieving your desired goals with liposuction. If you are interested in liposuction, we encourage you to contact us and schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Khanna.

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

In general, candidates for liposuction want to enhance their figure by removing stubborn, isolated fatty deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise. Liposuction is typically most effective for patients who have healthy, elastic skin with the capacity to shrink evenly after surgery.

For safety, the ideal liposuction candidate should be in relatively good health with no untreated medical conditions. Additionally, because nicotine can interfere with healing, smokers are urged to quit directly before and after the surgery.

Age is not a major consideration in eligibility for liposuction; however, older patients may have less skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin. Please also be aware that liposuction cannot eliminate cellulite or correct loose, hanging skin. Patients who wish to surgically tighten abdominal muscles and achieve firmer skin in the abdominal area may be better suited for tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty). Dr. Khanna would be glad to help you select the best procedure (or combination of procedures) during your initial consultation.

How Much Fat Can Be Removed With Liposuction?

Only a certain amount of fat cells can safely be removed from the body with liposuction, and this amount can vary based on several factors. Depending on a patient’s size, shape and other body specifics, liposuction is usually able to remove approximately four litres of fat. That said, please keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. Rather, it is generally best suited for patients who are near their goal weight and want to contour their physique.

What Does the Liposuction Procedure Involve?

To achieve beautiful and natural-looking liposuction results, Dr. Khanna addresses the deep and superficial layers of subcutaneous fat. Using the minimally-invasive VASERlipo ultrasound device, she can perform three unique liposuction techniques:

  • Contour liposuction, for removing larger areas of deep fat (e.g. the arms or under the chin)
  • Silhouette (also called “physique”) liposuction, developed to comprehensively define and shape the patient’s figure by addressing superficial fat
  • Muscular etching, designed to carve and etch out finer muscular details throughout the body, often including skin tightening with radiofrequency. (This technique was created by Colombian plastic surgeon Alfredo Hoyos, M.D, Dr. Khanna’s long-time colleague, who also instructed her in this method.)

At ICLS, our surgeon uses the 360-degree approach with each patient. Also referred to as “circumferential liposuction,” this technique focuses on the midsection, waist, flanks and back. Dr. Khanna can use this method to sculpt this area of the body and enhance the natural contours of a patient’s figure. In many cases, the 360-degree technique can also provide a natural buttock enhancement.

The VASERlipo system uses ultrasound energy to gently break up fat cells and provide skin tightening as fat is removed. This technique has also been known to produce fewer side effects, provide some skin tightening effects and pose less potential damage to surrounding tissue than traditional methods.

What Can I Expect in My Liposuction Recovery?

Following your liposuction surgery, you may experience side effects such as swelling, bruising, inflammation and discomfort. These symptoms should fade as you heal; it is important to closely follow Dr. Khanna’s instructions for aftercare. In some cases, patients are prescribed post-operative pain medications or advised to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or TYLENOL®.

During recovery, the patient is required to wear a girdle-type garment, which can aid in healing and keep the area compressed. The garment is generally worn for four to six weeks. During this time, the patient should not engage in any strenuous activities (e.g. exercise, lifting, pushing, etc.).

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

Costs for body liposuction can vary greatly depending on the complexity and area(s) being treated. That said, pricing for liposuction at ICLS typically ranges from $8,000 to $24,000.

Dr. Khanna can determine the exact cost of your liposuction procedure after meeting with you to plan your treatment. In the meantime, please explore our plastic surgery financing options. To keep the financial aspect of care as stress-free as possible for patients, ICLS accepts all major forms of payment. In addition, eligible patients can finance their treatment with iFinance or Beautifi, two reputable third-party financiers. Please never hesitate to reach out to our team with financial questions.

To learn more about liposuction or the other body contouring procedures offered at ICLS, we welcome you to contact us today!

Before and After

Silhouette Liposuction

Silhouette Liposuction with fat transfer to the buttocks

Silhouette Liposuction with fat transfer to the buttocks

Silhouette Liposuction with fat transfer to the buttocks

Silhouette Liposuction with fat transfer to the buttocks

Patient A - 1 of 2
Silhouette Liposuction & Muscle Etching

Patient A - 2 of 2
Silhouette Liposuction & Muscular Etching

Silhouette Liposuction

Silhouette Liposuction with fat transfer to the buttocks

Silhouette Liposuction

Silhouette Liposuction & Muscular Etching

Arm Liposuction

Silhouette Liposuction with fat transfer to the buttocks

Physique Liposuction & Muscular Etching

Silhouette Liposuction

Patient B - 1 of 2
Physique Liposuction & Muscular Etching

Patient B - 2 of 2
Physique Liposuction & Muscular Etching

Patient C - 1 of 2
Liposuction

Patient C - 2 of 2
Liposuction

Liposuction

Liposuction

Physique Liposuction

Physique Liposuction

Silhouette Liposuction

Silhouette Liposuction
(14 months post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

Silhouette Liposuction
(14 months post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

Silhouette Liposuction
(4 months post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

Silhouette Liposuction
(4 months post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

Silhouette Liposuction
(1-year post-Sillhoutte liposuction, Fat Transfer Buttock)

Silhouette Liposuction
(14 months post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

Silhouette Liposuction
(1-year post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

Silhouette Liposuction
(1-year post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

Silhouette Liposuction
(1-year post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

Silhouette Liposuction
(1-year post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

Silhouette Liposuction
(1-year post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

Silhouette Liposuction
(1 year post-Sillhoutte liposuction)

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

    Liposuction cannot eliminate cellulite or correct loose, hanging skin. It is best suited for patients who have  isolated fatty deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction works best when you have healthy, elastic  skin with the capacity to shrink evenly after surgery. Only a certain amount of fat cells can safely be removed from the body, which varies among patients. Age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have less skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin. Contact ICLS to find out if liposuction is right for you.

  • How much fat can be removed at one time?

    Only a certain amount of fat cells can safely be removed from the body, which varies among patients.

  • How much does liposuction cost?

    Costs for body liposuction varies greatly depending on the complexity and area(s) being treated. Pricing ranges from $8,000 to $24,000. Contact ICLS to learn more about our liposuction procedures.

Aftercare and Recovery

During recovery the patient is required to wear a girdle type garment, which aids in healing and keeps the area compressed during this process. The garment is worn for 4-6 weeks, during this time the patient should not engage in any strenuous activities for example, exercise, lifting, pushing, etc.

Our Specialist

Our surgeons perform three unique liposuction techniques using the VASERlipo® system that uses a minimally invasive ultrasound device. First, VASER®-assisted Contour liposuction for removing larger areas of fat and contouring; Silhouette or Physique liposuction for creating an overall shaping to the patient's figure, and finally, muscular etching, designed to carve and etch out finer muscular details throughout the body.

Dr Julie Khanna ICLS Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Female Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Julie Khanna

Our internationally-renowned, double board-certified plastic surgeon is considered a leader in breast reshaping, body contouring and facial anti-aging procedures. Combining well-honed surgical skill with a commitment to ethical care, Dr. Julie Khanna looks beyond the procedure to the patient as a whole, from inner self to outer beauty.

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