Blog
By: Dr. Vasisht
Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery in North America, according to a survey taken in 2024. Almost 350,000 people received liposuction in the year the survey was performed. If you are considering liposuction, you may be wondering what the process will actually be like, from the consultation process to the recovery. At South Shore Plastic Surgery, we will give you a look behind the scenes at what liposuction is like at our clinic in Voorhees, NJ.
What Happens at Your Liposuction Consultation with Dr. Vasisht
Your consultation is a surgical planning session where everything from your health history to your goals is discussed. Dr. Bhupesh Vasisht is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with decades of experience sculpting the body. He listens first, then evaluates your fat distribution and skin distribution. From there, he recommends the surgical plan that will be best for your situation and walks you through what to expect.
The Day Before Your Procedure
Preparation makes the day of surgery feel calm and routine. Dr. Vasisht’s team provides detailed pre-op instructions, and following them carefully sets the stage for a smoother experience.
- Nothing to Eat or Drink After Midnight: You may need to fast before your surgery, depending on the type of anesthesia you are receiving. Dr. Vasisht will confirm the details with you during your consultation.
- No Blood Thinners or Certain Supplements: Aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E, among others, can increase bleeding risk. You’ll receive a complete list of items to stop in advance.
- Arrange Your Ride and Recovery Support: You won’t be able to drive yourself home after this surgery. Having a trusted friend or family member with you for the first 24 hours should be part of your plan.
- Prepare Your Recovery Space: Prep your home with loose clothing, easy-to-prepare meals, prescriptions and other essentials before you leave for surgery.
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Rest supports healing. Call the office with any last-minute questions so nothing keeps you up.
What Happens When You Arrive at the Surgery Center
Your surgery will be performed at Centennial Surgery Center or another accredited facility. You’ll check in, change into your surgical gown and meet your anesthesia provider. We will take your vitals and review your medical history, allowing you to ask any last-minute questions. Dr. Vasisht will meet with you and make surgical markings while you are standing up to help ensure the results are as balanced and symmetrical as possible.
Inside the Operating Room
What Anesthesia Is Used for Liposuction?
Dr. Vasisht selects anesthesia based on the size and number of treatment areas. Smaller, focused cases may use local anesthesia with IV sedation. Larger or 360-degree cases are typically performed under general anesthesia.
How Tumescent Solution Works and Why It Matters
Before any fat is removed, Dr. Vasisht infiltrates the treatment area with a tumescent solution, a mixture of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine. The saline swells the fat compartment so cells release more easily. Lidocaine numbs the area for hours after surgery and epinephrine constricts small blood vessels to dramatically reduce bleeding and bruising.
Fat Removal Through Cannula
Dr. Vasisht introduces a slender hollow tube called a cannula through tiny incisions of just 3 to 5 mm. Using the cannula, he loosens and suctions away targeted fat while sculpting the contour beneath the skin. Dr. Vasisht uses his experience in hand and microsurgery to create a more precise and balanced result.
How Long Does Liposuction Take?
Most liposuction procedures take 1 to 3 hours, depending on how many areas are treated and whether liposuction is paired with another body contouring procedure. Single-area cases on the chin or flanks can be quick, while comprehensive 360-degree contouring takes longer to perform.
The Recovery Room and the First Hours After Surgery
If you went under general anesthesia, you will wake up from your surgery in a comfortable recovery area where we will monitor your vitals. You will have a compression garment in place to manage swelling, and you may notice some drainage, which is normal. Once you are alert and cleared by your surgeon, you can leave with your support person.
What Your Body Is Doing During the Weeks After Liposuction
In weeks one and two, swelling and bruising peak while the compression garment keeps your tissues smooth as they settle. Most patients return to desk work within a few days. By weeks three to six, swelling drops noticeably, and your new contour begins to emerge. From three to six months, the final result settles in. Fat cells removed during liposuction do not regenerate, making results long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight.
About Dr. Vasisht
Dr. Bhupesh Vasisht is one of South Jersey’s most trusted plastic surgeons. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the former Chief of the Division of Microsurgery at Boston University School of Medicine. He has published peer-reviewed research, authored book chapters and lectured around the world. Patients throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia choose Dr. Vasisht for his rare combination of academic credentials, surgical precision and the artistic eye that consistently produces natural, beautifully proportioned liposuction results.
FAQs About Liposuction
Is liposuction painful?
You will feel nothing during the procedure thanks to the anesthesia. Afterward, you will feel some soreness, similar to an intense workout. Any pain or discomfort can be managed through pain medication and cold compresses.
How much fat can be removed in one session?
Safety guidelines generally limit fat removal to about 5 liters per session. Dr. Vasisht determines the right volume for you during your consultation based on your body composition and overall health.
Will I have visible scars?
Incisions are small and placed in discreet locations such as the natural fold of the navel or bikini line. They usually fade significantly over time.
Does liposuction tighten loose skin?
Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten the skin. Patients with good skin elasticity will see natural contraction after fat removal. Those with laxity may benefit from combining liposuction with a tummy tuck or skin-tightening treatment.
Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation in Voorhees, NJ
If you are interested in learning more about liposuction at South Shore Plastic Surgery, we would be happy to give you more details. Call 856-784-2639 to book your consultation with Dr. Vasisht, or fill out an online form.
