Liposuction

Overview

Liposuction removes targeted fat deposits that have proven resistant to diet and exercise. It is a contouring procedure, not a weight-loss procedure: the best candidates are already at or near a stable weight, with specific areas of stubborn fat they would like to refine.

Dr. Altman’s approach

The most natural-looking results come from careful, evenly tapered work that respects the body’s existing contours.

• Tumescent technique reduces bleeding and improves the precision of the contouring.
• Small-cannula and three-dimensional work prevents the “scooped out” or over-resected look that gives bad liposuction a bad name.
• Common target areas: abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, knees, arms, neck, and the submental (under-chin) area.
• Fat that is removed can be processed and reused for autologous fat transfer if desired (face, breasts, buttocks, hands).

Who it’s for

Good candidates are within roughly 20–30 pounds of their goal weight, with good skin elasticity, and stubborn areas that have not responded to consistent diet and exercise. Liposuction is not a treatment for visceral (intra-abdominal) fat, which responds only to weight loss.

Recovery, week by week

• Days 1–3: Compression garment full-time; soreness and bruising; light activity and walking encouraged.
• Week 1: Most patients return to desk work; walking and light cardio.
• Weeks 2–4: Reintroduce full aerobic exercise; bruising fades; swelling continues to resolve.
• Weeks 4–6: Return to all activity.
• Months 3–6: Final result emerges as deep swelling fully resolves and tissue retracts.

Results

A naturally tapered silhouette in the treated areas. The goal is to look like a more refined version of you, not someone else.