Is the Liposuction Procedure Painful?

Liposuction is generally considered painless; however, you may feel moderate pain and discomfort during the first few days of recovery. Dr. Lissa will prescribe medications to manage the discomfort, and we will provide instructions on making your recovery as smooth as possible.

Will I Lose Weight with Liposuction?

Liposuction is not a substitute for weight-loss methods like diet and exercise, but it can help your body appear slimmer and firmer in specific areas. If you’re close to your ideal weight, usually within 30 pounds of where you want to be, liposuction can treat those last few stubborn fat deposits that won’t budge with traditional weight-loss efforts. If you still have over 30 pounds to lose, Dr. Bootstaylor recommends postponing liposuction until you get closer to your goal.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

One advantage of liposuction over noninvasive procedures is that you generally need just a single treatment to achieve your desired results. If you maintain your weight, the outcome is usually long-lasting. You should expect to return about three more times after surgery. The first time will be about a week post-op, again at three months, and finally, around six months. Dr. Lissa will always let you know at the end of your check-up when she expects you to return.

How Long Until I See Results?

Depending on the degree of change you have with your Liposuction, you should be able to see some results practically instantly! You will still be swollen and bruised for a few days up to a few weeks, so this could affect your initial overall appearance. Most of our patients can see their final results within one to three months as their body adjusts to the new changes.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

The scarring after liposuction is typically minimal, with small incisions around 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, made in discreet areas such as natural folds or creases of the body to minimize visibility. Immediately after surgery, the scars may appear red or pink and slightly raised, but this usually fades within weeks to months as they flatten and blend with your skin tone. It can take up to a year for scars to fully mature. While most people experience subtle scarring, those with a tendency to develop keloid or hypertrophic scars might notice thicker, raised scars. Proper aftercare, such as avoiding sun exposure and wearing compression garments, can help reduce scarring. Treatments such as silicone sheets or laser therapy can further improve scar appearance. Over time, most scars become finer and less noticeable, often becoming almost invisible after a year.

When Can I Begin a Regular Workout Routine?

Once you have gotten rid of all that stubborn fat, your new goal will be to keep it off! While you should never rush into any sort of strenuous activity after a surgical experience, you can begin light activity within a day or two. After meeting with Dr. Lissa during your first follow-up appointment, she will need to assess how you are healing since the last thing we want is for you to get an infection. While you should only begin a workout routine with the expressed permission from your provider, most patients are able to begin more rigorous movements gradually within two or three weeks.

Can I Combine Liposuction with Other Procedures?

Of course! Many of the other plastic surgery procedures that we offer incorporate Liposuction into the treatment through fat transfer (fat grafting) in a Brazillian butt lift or look into other body enhancements, such as breast augmentation , dermal filler , or tummy tuck . If you have specific body goals in mind, please discuss them with Dr. Lissa during your consultation; she will be able to make the best additional procedure recommendations for you.

Why Choose a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon for My Liposuction?

When a plastic surgeon has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, this means they have spent many years studying and being specially trained. When you come into Dr. Lissa Plastic Surgery and have your Liposuction performed by Lissa Bootstaylor, MD, in Atlanta, you can comfortably go into your procedure with the knowledge that you are in qualified and experienced hands.

What Are the Risks Associated with Liposuction?

Liposuction with Dr. Lissa Plastic Surgery normally produces safe and stunning results, but since this is a surgical procedure, there are some potential risks and side effects that come with it, such as: Anesthesia risks Bruising Change in skin sensation that may persist Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Fluid accumulation Infection Irregular contours or asymmetries Irregular pigmentation Need for revision surgery Persistent swelling Poor wound healing Rippling or loose skin, worsening of cellulite Swelling Thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty technique While most side effects will heal on their own over time, if you have any concerning or long-lasting reactions, please contact us immediately so that we can help.

What's the Difference Between Power-Assisted Liposuction and Laser-Assisted Liposuction?

Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) and power-assisted liposuction (PAL) are advanced techniques designed to make fat removal easier and more efficient, but they differ in their methods. LAL utilizes a laser to liquefy fat before it’s removed. A small fiber-optic laser is inserted through a tiny incision, and the heat from the laser breaks down fat cells, making them easier to suction out. Additionally, the heat stimulates collagen production, which may result in tighter skin in the treated area. This technique is often used for smaller, more delicate areas, such as the chin or neck, and may offer the added benefit of skin tightening. However, the laser can cause burns or skin discoloration if not properly controlled. On the other hand, PAL uses a motorized, vibrating cannula to break up and remove fat. The vibrations reduce the surgeon’s manual effort and make fat cells easier to dislodge and suction out. PAL is particularly effective for larger areas and more stubborn fat deposits, as it’s faster and allows for more precision and control during the procedure. While both techniques are minimally invasive, the choice between LAL and PAL often depends on the area being treated and the desired results. LAL might be preferred for areas where skin tightening is a priority, while PAL is generally better suited for larger treatment areas where speed and efficiency are more important.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Atlanta?

The cost of Liposuction in Atlanta is entirely dependent on which technique you and Dr. Lissa decide to use, how much fat is being removed, and the location(s) of the removal, among a few other factors. When you come in for your consultation, and Dr. Lissa can create your Liposuction treatment plan, our Patient Coordinator will be able to give you a complete price breakdown. For your convenience, we do offer financing options such as Carecredit, Alpheon, or United Medical. We also accept credit cards, cash, and bitcoins for our services.

Liposuction in Atlanta, GA

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Introduction

Liposuction

At our boutique practice in Atlanta, liposuction is our most popular procedure. For some people, losing weight is as easy as breathing, or at least it can seem that way. This is usually not the case; however, for most people, it takes dedication to a proper diet and plenty of exercise to achieve the body type they desire. There’s another demographic that, even with their due diligence, age, and genetics, results in stubborn fat that seemingly collects with no hope of ever getting rid of it. At Dr. Lissa Plastic Surgery, we want to help our patients get rid of that unwanted fat with Liposuction in Atlanta. To learn about the different techniques we offer and if you’re a qualified candidate, keep reading below.

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What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that reshapes a specific area of your body by removing excess fat for a more contoured appearance. Dr. Lissa Bootstaylor uses a suctioning technique to remove excess fat from an area of your body, such as your waist or thighs, and reshape them. In some cases, you can undergo liposuction with a local anesthetic, but larger areas may require a general anesthetic, so you sleep through the procedure.

African American woman posting leaning back in olive colored bikini

What areas can Liposuction treat?

Liposuction works on nearly any problem area of your body where you’d like a more defined contour or silhouette. Some of the most popular areas for liposuction include:

Ankles – reduces “cankle” appearance
Arms – sculpts and defines to provide a toned appearance and “cut” upper arms
Back – removes dreaded back fat to soften and create a more feminine physique
Belly – create curves and sculpted abs and
Buttocks – makes it more proportioned to the rest of your body
Chest or breasts – remove “side boob” or “man boob” fat
Flanks – remove love handles and muffin tops
Knees – reduces the opportunity for “runners’ knees”
Neckline and the area under the chin – double chin removal
Thighs (Outer/ Inner) – defines thighs in proportion to knees and calves

You can get liposuction on more than one area at a time, or Dr. Bootstaylor may recommend combining liposuction with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or Brazilian butt lift.

Dr. Lisa’s Liposuction Expertise

Dr. Lissa Liposuction Expertise in Atlanta

Dr. Lissa Bootstaylor has performed thousands of successful Liposuction surgeries throughout her career.
Named a Top Plastic Surgeon by US News and World Report
Received her medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, did her plastic surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh, and her surgical residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.
Dr. Lissa is a certified member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the Atlanta Medical Association, and the Atlanta Women’s Medical Alliance.
She is the Medical Director of Atlanta’s premiere plastic surgery center, Atlanta APC Plastic Surgery.

Woman in white undershirt and underwear laying back on here bed

Liposuction at First Glance

Surgery Time: Time will vary on the extent of the surgery and technique, but you should expect between one and four hours
Price: The cost of liposuction tarts at $2,000 per area
Recovery: Patients should be able to return home after their surgery, but the recovery time will vary. You can expect to be bruised and swollen for at least 10 to 14 days. You should be able to return to light work within a few days and slowly return to working out within two to three weeks.
Results: Depending on how much fat is removed, you can expect to see the final results within one to three months.

Awake Liposuction

A safe, quick, and low-cost treatment, Awake Liposuction is performed by making small incisions and infusing a special solution called “tumescent solution,” which is a saline combination that contains lidocaine (a pain reliever) and epinephrine (reduces bleeding/bruising). A cannula (very thin, tiny tube) is used to suck the excess fat and contour your body.

Awake liposuction can be used on stubborn areas such as:

Abdominal apron
Back bra rolls
Double chin
Hips
Muffin top
Thighs
Waist
Other excess fatty areas

You won’t require general anesthesia for your treatment, but you will be numbed with a tumescent solution. Various techniques will be used to keep you calm and comfortable during your procedure while you are completely awake and in control of your senses. Dr. Lissa will insert the cannula into multiple small, barely noticeable incisions that provide access to the stubborn fatty areas. You will feel a gentle rocking sensation throughout the treatment, which can take anywhere between one and four hours.

After your treatment, your recovery should be much faster than traditional liposuction. Most patients can return to their normal activities in just a few days and return to the gym in about a week. Unlike noninvasive procedures such as Coolsculpt, cavitation, and other fat-reducing machines, you will be able to see results immediately following your treatment with a visible decrease in fat volume and better-contoured figure. Your results will continue improving over the next month as the swelling resolves and your skin tightens. Unfortunately, awake liposuction is not ideal for patients with a low pain tolerance or an anxiety disorder.

The average cost of Dr. Lissa’s awake liposuction can range between $4000 and $10,000, depending on the number of areas addressed and the amount of fat removed.

For more information on Awake Liposuction, you can read more about it in a blog written by Dr. Lissa Bootstaylor HERE.

High BMI Liposuction

Traditional Liposuction is performed on patients with lower Body Mass Indexes of 21-30, but when performed on patients with higher BMIs, there are some larger risks of medical problems and aesthetic challenges. In the past, the only way for Plus-size patients to undergo Liposuction was to lose enough weight before receiving the treatment, which, as mentioned above, is not always easy.

Over the last twenty years, Dr. Lissa has focused on highlighting her patients’ figures using liposuction and abdominoplasty surgery. Although this produced some excellent results, a large enough sample of patients had to be excluded because of the amount of downtime a tummy tuck required and the production of a long, visible scar.

Thankfully, when Awake Liposuction is performed in stages, patients with higher BMIs can see great, shapely results without the need for general anesthesia or long recovery times. Dr. Lissa can use her artistic eye to create a gorgeous hourglass figure using this technique. She has helped patients with BMIs as high as 47 who are in overall good health.

For more information on High BMI Liposuction, you can read more about it in a blog written by Dr. Lissa Bootstaylor HERE.

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Liposuction with Tummy Tuck

When you lose a lot of weight quickly, your skin is likely to become loose and sagging because your skin’s elasticity doesn’t have an opportunity to keep up. This is why many of our Atlanta patients combine a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty with their Liposuction. One major benefit of this combination of procedures is that you can address exercise-resistant fat simultaneously by eliminating loose skin and repairing muscle tissue.

For more information on what takes place during an Abdominoplasty, please refer to its dedicated page HERE.

What are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Our patients have experienced the following benefits that Liposuction in Atlanta has to offer:

Boosts Self-esteem
Improved Health
Improvement in appearance and the way others perceive you
Lose stubborn fat that diet and exercise can’t
Permanently removes fat cells
Safe way to remove fat

Who are the Best Candidates for Liposuction?

It is also very important to understand that getting liposuction in Atlanta is not intended to be used as a weight loss tool but rather as a means of reducing and sculpting stubborn excess fat areas that normal exercise is having difficulty removing. We highly encourage practicing a healthy lifestyle to keep the weight off and maintain your appearance. To find out if you are a good candidate for any of our Liposuction procedures, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Lissa.

Are you in good shape and working towards sculpting your silhouette
Attempted to lose weight through normal diet and exercise but are having difficulty with fat storage in certain areas
In overall good health
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or less
Have good skin elasticity
Nonsmoker
Possess regions of localized fat that can be harvested.

What’s the First Step?

The first step to getting liposuction in Atlanta is to contact Dr. Lissa Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation. During your visit to our boutique office, you’ll meet with Dr. Lissa Bootstaylor to discuss your treatment goals. She will examine the areas you want to improve, answer your questions, and review the various liposuction techniques she offers, working with you to determine the best option for your needs. Your lifestyle and medical history will also be discussed confidentially to minimize any risks during your procedure or recovery.

Once you and Dr. Lissa have agreed on the techniques and expected results, she will create a personalized procedure plan for you. Our Patient Coordinator will then assist with scheduling your procedure date and provide detailed pre-op instructions to ensure the safest and most successful outcome.

How Do I Prepare for My Liposuction?

Preparing for liposuction in Atlanta is important in ensuring your procedure goes smoothly, and you recover quickly and effectively. Here’s a guide to help you get ready for your liposuction with Dr. Bootstaylor.

By taking these steps to prepare for your liposuction with Dr. Bootstaylor, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother procedure and a quicker, more effective recovery. Follow all of Dr. Bootstaylor’s recommendations carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions before the surgery!

Consult with Dr. Bootstaylor
Follow pre-surgery instructions
Arrange transportation
Prepare for home recovery
Stop smoking
Avoid alcohol and certain medications
Hydrate and eat well
Plan post-surgery care
Plan time off from work

Liposuction Recovery

Preparing for liposuction is important in ensuring your procedure goes smoothly, and you recover quickly and effectively. Here’s a guide to help you get ready for your liposuction with Dr. Bootstaylor.

Consult with Dr. Bootstaylor
Follow pre-surgery instructions
Arrange transportation
Prepare for home recovery
Stop smoking
Avoid alcohol and certain medications
Hydrate and eat well
Plan post-surgery care
Plan time off from work

Tips for Recovery

Recovering from liposuction surgery involves careful attention to both physical care and lifestyle choices to ensure the best results and minimize complications. Here are some key recovery tips:

Follow Dr. Bootstaylor’s instructions
Wear compression garments
Manage pain and swelling
Get plenty of rest
Drink water and eat right
Limit physical activity
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Be patient with your recovery
Follow-up with Dr. Bootstaylor

Following these tips and Dr. Bootstaylor’s guidance can help ensure a smoother recovery and better final results after liposuction.

3 Women posing together in bikinis after liposuction procedure

What to Expect on the Day of Liposuction Surgery

When you show up for your Liposuction, we will first ensure your comfort. If you’re getting normal liposuction, the type of anesthesia used will vary. Local anesthesia is used for small areas, and general anesthesia is used for more extensive procedures.

After making a small incision, usually between 0.4 and 0.8 inches in length, Dr. Lissa will insert a blunt instrument that is attached to a rubber tubing, passing it back and forth along your unwanted fat, essentially scraping it loose and vacuuming it, thanks to the machine it’s attached to that generates high vacuum pressure. Once finished, Dr. Lissa will cover up the incisions.

The procedure can last from 30 minutes to four hours, depending on the area or areas being operated on and the technique used.

Why Choose Dr. Lissa?

Lissa Bootstaylor, MD, has pioneered and perfected twilight liposuction for body contouring in both men and women. During this fast recovery procedure, five liters of fat can be removed without the “deep dive” of general anesthesia. Men and women in their 20s through their 80s rely on the expertise of Dr. Bootstaylor and her passion for providing the most comprehensive medical and aesthetic services with a personalized touch. As one of Atlanta’s premiere plastic surgeons, she is widely considered to have a wealth of knowledge and experience in her field. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She strives to create a plastic surgery experience and an aesthetic result that taps into your innermost desires for timeless beauty.

Schedule a Consultation

If only those stubborn pockets of fat responded to diet and weight-loss efforts, men and women of all ages would have their ideal body shape and feel more confident wearing their favorite clothes. Fortunately, for those hard-to-conquer areas of fat, Lissa Bootstaylor MD, one of Atlanta’s top plastic surgeons, offers liposuction to contour your body and get rid of those annoying bulges. Liposuction is a time-tested procedure that can enhance your figure, and Dr. Bootstaylor specializes in removing fat and contouring your silhouette so you look good from all angles. Call us at (404) 240-2804 to schedule a consultation or book one online today.

Liposuction FAQs

Liposuction is not a substitute for weight-loss methods like diet and exercise, but it can help your body appear slimmer and firmer in specific areas. If you’re close to your ideal weight, usually within 30 pounds of where you want to be, liposuction can treat those last few stubborn fat deposits that won’t budge with traditional weight-loss efforts. If you still have over 30 pounds to lose, Dr. Bootstaylor recommends postponing liposuction until you get closer to your goal.
One advantage of liposuction over noninvasive procedures is that you generally need just a single treatment to achieve your desired results. If you maintain your weight, the outcome is usually long-lasting. You should expect to return about three more times after surgery. The first time will be about a week post-op, again at three months, and finally, around six months. Dr. Lissa will always let you know at the end of your check-up when she expects you to return.
The scarring after liposuction is typically minimal, with small incisions around 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, made in discreet areas such as natural folds or creases of the body to minimize visibility. Immediately after surgery, the scars may appear red or pink and slightly raised, but this usually fades within weeks to months as they flatten and blend with your skin tone. It can take up to a year for scars to fully mature. While most people experience subtle scarring, those with a tendency to develop keloid or hypertrophic scars might notice thicker, raised scars.

Proper aftercare, such as avoiding sun exposure and wearing compression garments, can help reduce scarring. Treatments such as silicone sheets or laser therapy can further improve scar appearance. Over time, most scars become finer and less noticeable, often becoming almost invisible after a year.
Once you have gotten rid of all that stubborn fat, your new goal will be to keep it off! While you should never rush into any sort of strenuous activity after a surgical experience, you can begin light activity within a day or two. After meeting with Dr. Lissa during your first follow-up appointment, she will need to assess how you are healing since the last thing we want is for you to get an infection. While you should only begin a workout routine with the expressed permission from your provider, most patients are able to begin more rigorous movements gradually within two or three weeks.
Of course! Many of the other plastic surgery procedures that we offer incorporate Liposuction into the treatment through fat transfer (fat grafting) in a Brazillian butt lift or look into other body enhancements, such as breast augmentation, dermal filler, or tummy tuck. If you have specific body goals in mind, please discuss them with Dr. Lissa during your consultation; she will be able to make the best additional procedure recommendations for you.
When a plastic surgeon has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, this means they have spent many years studying and being specially trained. When you come into Dr. Lissa Plastic Surgery and have your Liposuction performed by Lissa Bootstaylor, MD, in Atlanta, you can comfortably go into your procedure with the knowledge that you are in qualified and experienced hands.
Liposuction with Dr. Lissa Plastic Surgery normally produces safe and stunning results, but since this is a surgical procedure, there are some potential risks and side effects that come with it, such as:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bruising
- Change in skin sensation that may persist
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Irregular contours or asymmetries
- Irregular pigmentation
- Need for revision surgery
- Persistent swelling
- Poor wound healing
- Rippling or loose skin, worsening of cellulite
- Swelling
- Thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty technique
While most side effects will heal on their own over time, if you have any concerning or long-lasting reactions, please contact us immediately so that we can help.
Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) and power-assisted liposuction (PAL) are advanced techniques designed to make fat removal easier and more efficient, but they differ in their methods.

LAL utilizes a laser to liquefy fat before it’s removed. A small fiber-optic laser is inserted through a tiny incision, and the heat from the laser breaks down fat cells, making them easier to suction out. Additionally, the heat stimulates collagen production, which may result in tighter skin in the treated area. This technique is often used for smaller, more delicate areas, such as the chin or neck, and may offer the added benefit of skin tightening. However, the laser can cause burns or skin discoloration if not properly controlled.

On the other hand, PAL uses a motorized, vibrating cannula to break up and remove fat. The vibrations reduce the surgeon’s manual effort and make fat cells easier to dislodge and suction out. PAL is particularly effective for larger areas and more stubborn fat deposits, as it’s faster and allows for more precision and control during the procedure.

While both techniques are minimally invasive, the choice between LAL and PAL often depends on the area being treated and the desired results. LAL might be preferred for areas where skin tightening is a priority, while PAL is generally better suited for larger treatment areas where speed and efficiency are more important.
The cost of Liposuction in Atlanta is entirely dependent on which technique you and Dr. Lissa decide to use, how much fat is being removed, and the location(s) of the removal, among a few other factors. When you come in for your consultation, and Dr. Lissa can create your Liposuction treatment plan, our Patient Coordinator will be able to give you a complete price breakdown.
For your convenience, we do offer financing options such as Carecredit, Alpheon, or United Medical. We also accept credit cards, cash, and bitcoins for our services.

“Dr. Bootstaylor performed my plastic surgery several years ago in multiple areas. My results were amazing! She is a perfectionist.”
I don’t think there are words to describe the experience with Dr. Lissa and staff. The love and kindness is profound. They make you feel heard, but most of all, they make everyone feel beautiful. They treat you like family, not just another patient off of the street. Love, love love, Dr. Lissa Bootstaylor and the ladies of the office!
The entire staff was friendly and professional. They took the time to go over the entire procedure with me. As for Dr Lissa, she was very personable and she listened to me. And answered all my questions and concerns.

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Patient Resources

We’re here to help, with a number of patient resources designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out and set up your consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.