Liposuction is a proven and effective cosmetic surgery procedure for patients who want to refine and reshape their body contours. Dr. Daniel Medalie, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Cleveland, offers advanced liposuction techniques to remove stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. With decades of surgical experience and an emphasis on natural-looking results, Dr. Medalie helps patients achieve a slimmer, more sculpted appearance through carefully customized body contouring.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, removes excess fat deposits from targeted areas of the body using small, precisely placed incisions. It is not a weight loss method, but rather a contouring procedure that can address areas that resist traditional weight-loss methods.
Dr. Medalie performs liposuction to treat a variety of areas, including:
- Abdomen and waist
- Hips and flanks
- Thighs and knees
- Upper arms
- Buttocks
- Neck, chin, and cheeks
In many cases, liposuction is combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or breast surgery, to achieve a more complete transformation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Ideal candidates for liposuction are healthy individuals at or near their ideal body weight who struggle with localized fat deposits. Skin tone and elasticity are important factors in achieving smooth results. Liposuction does not address loose or sagging skin, so if you have significant skin laxity, you may benefit more from procedures such as a tummy tuck or body lift.
During your consultation, Dr. Medalie will evaluate your goals, body type, and medical history to determine if liposuction is the right solution for you.
Liposuction Techniques Offered
Dr. Medalie offers several state-of-the-art liposuction methods, each tailored to the patient’s anatomy and desired outcomes:
- Tumescent Liposuction: Involves the infusion of a saline solution with local anesthetic to reduce bleeding and improve fat removal.
- Super-Wet Technique: Similar to tumescent liposuction but with less fluid infusion, used for moderate to large fat removal.
- Ultrasonic Liposuction: Uses sound wave technology to break down fat cells before removal, ideal for denser areas of fat.
- Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): Dr. Medalie’s preferred method, which uses a rapidly vibrating cannula to dislodge fat efficiently and minimize tissue trauma.
What to Expect During Your Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Small incisions are made in the targeted areas, and a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) is used to loosen and suction out fat. For large-volume liposuction, Dr. Medalie recommends general anesthesia. Smaller procedures may be done under local anesthesia with oral sedation.
Once fat removal is complete, adhesive foam pads are applied to reduce swelling and bruising. A compression garment is worn over the treated area to support healing and help the skin conform to the new contours.
Liposuction Recovery and Results
Initial recovery from liposuction usually takes several days to a week. You can probably return to normal activities within 7–10 days, though swelling and firmness in the treated areas may persist for several weeks.
Visible improvement is typically seen after swelling begins to subside, but final results can take 3–6 months to fully develop. Some residual numbness and firmness are common and resolve gradually as healing progresses.
Dr. Medalie provides patients with clear aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments to ensure smooth recovery and optimal results.
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include local anesthesia, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. For large volume liposuction, Dr. Medalie recommends general anesthesia. Smaller volumes can safely be done in his office under local anesthesia with some oral ativan to make you more relaxed.
Step 2 – The incision
Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions.
First, diluted local anesthesia is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma (tumescent or super wet technique). Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through the incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula. Dr. Medalie prefers to use power assisted liposuction with a rapidly vibrating cannula to help speed up the process.
Problem areas that can be addressed with liposuction
Step 3 – See the results
After surgery, adhesive foam is placed over the areas suctioned and the foam is covered by a compression garment to help minimize the bruising and swelling. Your improved body contour will be apparent once the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subside. Typically what you see is not what you get until you are at least three months out from surgery. The areas suctioned can even then feel a little numb and firm until the body has completely healed at around 6-9 months. It should be noted that in the abdominal area, sometimes a tummy tuck is a better option than liposuction alone because liposuction does not tighten skin or get rid of stretch marks as effectively as tummy tuck surgery.
*Plastic surgery results can vary from patient to patient and are not guaranteed.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
While liposuction effectively removes fat, it does not tighten loose skin or address stretched abdominal muscles. If you have excess skin or muscle laxity, especially after pregnancy or major weight loss, a tummy tuck may offer more comprehensive results. Dr. Medalie will help you determine which approach best meets your needs.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: Risks and Benefits for Abdominal Contouring
| Feature | Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | Liposuction |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Removes excess skin and fat, tightens abdominal muscles | Removes localized fat deposits |
| Best For | Patients with loose skin, stretched muscles (often after pregnancy or major weight loss) | Patients with good skin tone but stubborn fat pockets |
| Procedure | Involves surgical removal of skin and fat plus muscle repair | Fat suctioned out through small cannulas |
| Results | Flatter, firmer abdomen with tightened skin and muscles | Slimmer, more contoured abdomen if skin is elastic |
| Scarring | Low abdominal scar, hip to hip (concealed below underwear) | Small, minimal scars at cannula entry points |
| Recovery Time | 2–3 weeks off work, full recovery 8-12 weeks | 3–7 days off work, full recovery 2–4 weeks |
| Risks | Infection, blood clots, delayed healing, fluid accumulation, visible scarring | Irregular contours, skin laxity, fluid accumulation, minor scarring |
| Cost | Higher (average $6,000–$12,000) | Lower (average $3,000–$7,000) |
| Longevity | Long-lasting with stable weight and healthy lifestyle | Long-lasting if weight remains stable, but skin may sag if elasticity is poor |
 Bottom line:  Liposuction is ideal for those with good skin tone who want to target stubborn fat. A tummy tuck is the best option for patients with loose skin and stretched abdominal muscles. Dr. Medalie always performs additional liposuction during his tummy tuck procedures.
Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation
If you’re ready to refine your shape and eliminate stubborn fat deposits, liposuction may be the ideal solution. Dr. Daniel Medalie offers advanced techniques and patient-focused care to help individuals in Cleveland and beyond achieve their body contouring goals. Contact us or call (216) 393-9924 to schedule your consultation.
