Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. Through small incisions, a thin cannula breaks up and suctions out fat cells from areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and under the chin. It is a contouring procedure, not weight loss, and the fat removed does not come back.
What isliposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes localized fat deposits resistant to healthy habits. Through small, discreetly placed incisions, a thin tube called a cannula breaks down and suctions out fat cells from the targeted area, sculpting a slimmer, more defined silhouette.
It is not a weight-loss procedure. It is a contouring treatment for people who are close to their ideal weight but carry pockets of fat that diet and exercise will not move: love handles, a lower abdomen, the inner thighs, the upper arms, the chin.
At The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center we tailor the technique to your body and goals, from traditional tumescent liposuction to power-assisted and laser-assisted methods, and we often pair it with skin tightening or a tummy tuck when that is what the result calls for. Surgery is performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Balvant Arora, in a practice that has offered cosmetic dermatology in Cincinnati since 2001.
Who is liposuction for?
Liposuction is for people who are close to their goal weight and want to finish the shape.
The honest answer comes from a consultation. We examine the areas you want treated, check skin elasticity, and tell you whether liposuction, a non-surgical option, or a combination will actually get you there.
You are near your ideal weight
Liposuction refines contours; it is not a substitute for weight loss or a treatment for obesity.
Diet and exercise have stalled
Stubborn pockets on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, chest, neck, or chin that will not respond.
Your skin has good elasticity
Skin that retracts smoothly after fat removal gives the cleanest result. If it will not, we pair lipo with tightening or a lift.
You are in good overall health
A medical history review is part of every consultation.
You have realistic expectations
The goal is balanced, natural-looking contours, not the maximum amount of fat removed.
Where liposuctionworks
Liposuction can be performed on nearly every part of the body where stubborn fat collects. The abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and chin are the most common requests, but it also refines smaller areas such as the knees and ankles.
Select an area on the figure to see what liposuction does there.
Liposuction, abdomen1 / 6
Real patients,real contours.
Every photograph here is a liposuction patient of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center, photographed before and after treatment at our Montgomery Road office. Drag the handle to compare.
See the full galleryIndividual results vary. Photographs are unretouched patients of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center, shared with permission, and are not a guarantee of your own outcome.
See liposuction at our office
Our patients share their stories on camera. These are real Vaser liposuction and BodyTite treatments performed at our Montgomery Road office, from a step-by-step walkthrough to the arms, chin, and stomach.
If you would rather talk it through, a consultation covers everything you see here, for your body.
Whatto expect.
Book a consultationLiposuction is priced by the size and number of areas treated, so we give a personalized quote at your consultation. CareCredit financing is available.
Most cases take one to three hours depending on how many areas are treated. You go home the same day.
Most patients return to work within a week and avoid strenuous exercise for three to four weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal and fade gradually.
Early change shows within weeks; the final contour settles over three to six months. Removed fat cells do not come back.
Frequently asked questions
Is liposuction painful?
Most patients describe recovery discomfort as similar to muscle soreness. It is well managed with prescribed medication, and most people are surprised by how tolerable it is.
What areas can liposuction treat?
The abdomen, flanks or love handles, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, back or bra bulge, chest, neck, and chin, as well as smaller areas such as the knees and ankles.
How much fat can be removed?
It varies by patient and by safety guidelines. The goal is balanced, natural-looking contours rather than removing as much fat as possible.
When will I see results?
Results begin to show as swelling subsides, typically within a few weeks. Final results are usually visible within three to six months.
Will the fat come back?
The fat cells removed are gone permanently. Remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain, so a stable weight preserves the result.
Does liposuction treat cellulite?
Liposuction removes fat; it is not a cellulite treatment. Many patients notice improved contours that make cellulite less noticeable, and we offer dedicated cellulite treatments such as Vaser Smooth.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to light activity and work within a week and avoid strenuous exercise for three to four weeks.
Is liposuction a weight-loss procedure?
No. It is for people near their ideal weight with localized fat pockets. It enhances contours rather than reducing overall body weight.
How much does liposuction cost?
Cost depends on the size and number of areas treated. We provide a personalized quote during your consultation.
Will I have scars?
Incisions are very small and placed in discreet locations. They typically fade over time and are minimally noticeable.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Liposuction is often paired with a tummy tuck, BodyTite or other skin tightening, or non-surgical fat reduction for touch-ups, depending on what the result calls for.
Is liposuction safe?
Performed by an experienced, qualified provider in a proper surgical setting, liposuction is a safe and effective procedure. We take every precaution to prioritize your safety.
Where to next
Related treatment
Vaser Liposuction
Ultrasound-assisted, gentler lipo.
Explore the treatmentRelated concern
Stubborn Fat
Pockets that diet and exercise will not move
Start from the concernWorth reading
From Week One to Wow: What to Expect After VASER Liposuction
When it comes to body contouring, one of the biggest misconceptions is that results happen instantly. The truth is, while advanced treatments like VASER
Read the answerAsk about body contouring.
Tell us the area you have in mind and what you have tried. We will come back with which treatments make sense, what they cost, and when you could start.
Your details go straight to our Montgomery Road front desk and are never shared. A team member replies during office hours, usually the same day.
Ready when you are.
Book a consultation at our Montgomery Road office, or call and we will help you decide where to start.
Medically reviewed by Shalini Gupta, MD, Harvard-trained dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.