Surgical procedure
Liposuction
Also known as: Lipo
Medically reviewed by Afters Medical Review Board, Board-Certified Specialists
Liposuction permanently removes stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. Using a thin cannula inserted through small incisions, the surgeon breaks up and suctions out fat from targeted areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, or chin.
About Liposuction
What is liposuction?
Liposuction permanently removes stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. Using a thin cannula inserted through small incisions, the surgeon breaks up and suctions out fat from targeted areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, or chin. Modern techniques like tumescent liposuction, ultrasound-assisted (VASER), and laser-assisted approaches offer improved precision and faster recovery.
Who is it for?
- Adults at or near their ideal weight with localized fat deposits
- Those with stubborn areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise
- Patients seeking improved body contour and definition
- Individuals with good skin elasticity for optimal results
What to expect
Depending on the areas treated, liposuction takes 1–4 hours under local or general anesthesia. You’ll wear a compression garment for several weeks to manage swelling and support your new contour. Most people return to desk work within a few days, though full recovery takes 4–6 weeks.
Permanent fat removalSculpts multiple body areasMinimally invasive techniques availableDramatic body contouringFat can be used for transfers
Liposuction by the numbers
325,669 liposuction procedures performed in 2022
Liposuction is the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2022 Statistics
91% patient satisfaction rate
Patients report high satisfaction when performed by board-certified plastic surgeons with realistic expectations about body contouring results
Source: Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Patient Satisfaction Meta-Analysis
Up to 5 liters of fat can be safely removed per session
Exceeding this amount increases complication risk and may require overnight observation
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons Safety Guidelines
Liposuction before & after
Real results from real patients
Before & after photos for liposuction are coming soon.
Liposuction cost
National averages and city-by-city pricing
National average
$3,500 – $10,000
Surgeon fee, facility, anesthesia
What affects price
Number of areas treated
Amount of fat removed
Surgeon experience
Geographic location
Liposuction Prices by City
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National Average
Recovery timeline
Typical recovery: 1-2 weeks
1
Back to desk work
3–5 days
2
Light exercise
2–3 weeks
3
Swelling subsides
4–6 weeks
4
Final results
3–6 months
Compression garment worn 2-4 weeks. Swelling resolves over 3-6 months.
Top liposuction specialists
Board-certified providers with real before & after results
Liposuction by city
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Liposuction in every city
Browse liposuction specialists and pricing in 51 cities across 3 states.
Utah
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Free resources to help you make informed decisions about your procedure.
Frequently asked questions
What is liposuction?
Liposuction (also known as Lipo) is a cosmetic procedure. Use Afters to compare real results, costs, and find specialists near you.
How much does liposuction cost?
National averages typically range from $3,500 to $10,000, but pricing varies by surgeon and location.
How long is recovery for liposuction?
Typical recovery is 1-2 weeks. See a day-by-day timeline and what to expect.
How do I find a liposuction specialist near me?
Start on the Liposuction Near Me page to explore top cities and learn what to look for—then request consultations from specialists in your area.