Liposuction

Liposuction is an effective way to contour the body and is often used in combination with procedures that remove excess skin in places like the abdomen, arms, and thighs.

Personalize Your Procedure
Having Liposuction Surgery
Patient Results

Also known as lipoplasty, liposuction sculpts the body by removing undesirable fat that has not responded to diet and exercise from areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, chin, cheeks, neck, and upper arms.

Liposuction can flatten the abdomen, reduce the buttocks, thighs and hips, slim the waist, trim love handles, and reduce fat bulges of the arms, neck and knees. Liposuction is also used in men to reduce excess tissue in the chest (gynecomastia). Additionally, liposuction (liposculpture) can help create desirable facial and neck contours.

A tight and firm body contour shows off the results of your healthy habits, but in some cases even regular exercise and good nutrition are not enough to correct areas of excess fat. Liposuction is often the best solution to achieve a firmer, tighter look that truly reflects your active lifestyle.

The goals of liposuction (liposculpture) are to smooth out “bra rolls”, “saddlebags”, and other stubborn areas, to re-contour areas such as the belly, buttocks or thighs, to correct problem areas resulting from heredity, pregnancy or weight loss, to remove saggy or lumpy patches of fat, and to emphasize a tighter, firmer, and more flattering body silhouette.

Personalize Your Procedure

Dr. Markarian will personalize your procedure – a well-versed body contouring surgeon, Dr. Markarian dedicates himself to helping his Boston Liposuction patients accomplish their goals through a blend of traditional and cutting-edge treatments. He has the advanced aesthetic training to provide accurate assessments of your needs and goals and to recommend the best procedure options for natural-looking liposuction results. There are several different methods Dr. Markarian uses when performing liposuction (liposculpture). He individualizes treatment to best meet your body contouring goals. For larger areas of fat, and for patients who want to correct the unsightly effects of weight loss or pregnancy, Dr. Markarian may recommend an approach that will integrate a tummy tuck or body lift procedure for more complete tightening of the excess skin.

Trusted among his patients for his refined aesthetic sense and high standards of surgical accuracy, Dr. Markarian has a passion for achieving aesthetically pleasing results for every patient, from “straightforward” cases to some of the most challenging. In your liposuction consultation he will take into account factors such as past weight fluctuations or multiple pregnancies, and develop a surgical plan fully customized according to your unique needs.

Having Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction (Liposculpture) is performed under general anesthesia which means you will be asleep and feel nothing during surgery. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, but some Boston liposuction patients prefer an overnight stay. The procedure duration can vary from one to several hours depending on the number of areas to be treated.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery from liposuction varies depending on the number and size of areas treated, but most patients can expect a general timeline along these lines:

First 24–48 hours: Rest is essential. A compression garment is worn to control swelling and support the new contour. Some drainage from incision sites is normal.
First week: Most patients return to non-strenuous daily activities within about a week, though this varies by individual and by how many areas were treated. Bruising and swelling are most noticeable during this period.
2–4 weeks: Swelling continues to subside and light activity can typically resume, with strenuous exercise still restricted.
1–3 months: Most visible swelling resolves and the body’s new contour becomes apparent.
Final results: Full results, once all residual swelling has resolved, are typically visible at around 3 to 6 months.

What to Consider: Risks and Realistic Expectations

Liposuction is generally safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, but like any surgical procedure it carries risks patients should understand, which may include:

Temporary swelling, bruising, and numbness in treated areas
Contour irregularities or asymmetry
Fluid accumulation (seroma) requiring drainage
Changes in skin sensation, which are usually temporary
Risks associated with anesthesia

Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten loose skin — patients with significant skin laxity may be better candidates for a combination procedure, such as a tummy tuck or body lift, which Dr. Markarian will discuss during your consultation if relevant to your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
Good candidates are generally at or near a stable, healthy weight with pockets of fat that haven’t responded to diet and exercise, and with skin elastic enough to adapt to the new contour. Dr. Markarian will evaluate your specific goals and anatomy during a consultation.

Is liposuction the same as weight loss?
No — liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss treatment. It’s best suited for removing stubborn, localized fat rather than for significant overall weight reduction.

How long do results last?
The fat cells removed during liposuction don’t return, so results are generally long-lasting as long as weight remains stable. Significant weight gain after the procedure can still affect the treated areas.

Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Yes — it’s commonly combined with a tummy tuck, body lift, or Brazilian Butt Lift (fat grafting) for more comprehensive contouring.

Patient Results

A woman in her 20s is shown 3 months after liposuction with fat grafting to the buttocks. The goal is to create a younger, firmer, curvier and fuller look, and to provide a more voluptuous and shapely body silhouette.