Liposuction/ Lipoplasty in Brookfield, WI

Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body using a thin, hollow tube called a cannula. The cannula is inserted through small incisions and connected to suction to gently remove fat beneath the skin. Most board-certified plastic surgeons now use Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL), where the cannula tip vibrates to break up fat more efficiently, allowing for smoother results and less tissue trauma. Liposuction is commonly performed on areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and back to contour the body and enhance natural shape.

Liposuction works by removing unwanted fat through a small incision in the skin. A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted into the targeted area and moved back and forth to loosen and break up fat cells. These fat cells are then suctioned out through the cannula using a vacuum device. The procedure sculpts and contours the body by permanently removing fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and back. Results are long-lasting, but maintaining a stable weight is essential to preserve your new shape.

Liposuction is considered a safe cosmetic procedure when performed by a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. Whether done under local or general anesthesia, the key to safety lies in the surgeon’s training, proper patient selection, and adherence to medical standards. Like any surgery, liposuction carries potential risks such as infection, bleeding, or contour irregularities, but serious complications are rare when the procedure is done correctly. Choosing a qualified provider significantly reduces these risks and ensures the highest level of care.

A good candidate for liposuction is a person in good overall health who maintains a stable weight and has realistic expectations about the results. Ideal candidates are typically within 30% of their ideal body weight and struggle with localized pockets of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution but a body contouring procedure designed to enhance shape and proportion. Non-smokers and individuals with good skin elasticity tend to achieve the best results.

Liposuction can be used to treat various areas of the body including the under chin, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, upper arms, ankles, and back.

The length of a liposuction procedure typically ranges from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the number of areas being treated and the volume of fat being removed. Smaller procedures involving one or two areas may take around an hour, while more extensive body contouring with multiple treatment zones can take longer. Your Bonness plastic surgeon will provide a personalized estimate based on your goals and treatment plan.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and bruising after liposuction, but it is generally well-managed with non-narcotic pain medication. Pain levels vary by individual and the extent of the procedure, but most describe the sensation as soreness similar to a tough workout. Discomfort typically improves within the first few days and continues to decrease as healing progresses. Following post-operative instructions and wearing compression garments can also help reduce pain and support a smoother recovery.

The recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but most people can return to work and normal activities within 2-5 days.

There will be small incisions made in the skin, but these will be hidden in natural creases or contours of the body and should fade over time.

The cost of liposuction can vary depending on the location of the clinic, the experience of the surgeon, and the extent of the procedure. It is best to check with your surgeon for a clear estimation.

Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite. While it removes excess fat and improves body contour, it does not address the underlying causes of cellulite, which include genetics, skin structure, and hormonal changes. Cellulite appears when connective tissue pulls down on the skin, creating a dimpled or lumpy appearance—something fat removal alone cannot fix. If cellulite is a concern, your plastic surgeon may recommend other treatments specifically designed to target skin texture and connective tissue.

Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure, but it can be used to remove unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. Liposuction is best done to remove disproportionate bulges of fat to change the shape of your body. Unlike losing weight, which can definitely make you smaller, but has less effect on shape.

No, liposuction cannot be used to treat or improve stretch marks. Liposuction is designed to remove excess fat and contour the body, but it does not address changes in the skin’s texture or elasticity. Stretch marks are caused by damage to the deeper layers of the skin and require different treatments, such as laser therapy, microneedling, or surgical skin removal like a tummy tuck. If stretch marks are a concern, our Bonness plastic surgeons can recommend the most effective options for your specific needs.

When fat is removed from an area where the skin is tight with good elasticity you can expect the skin to tighten down and your result smooth. If the skin is already loose over the fat there will be minimal tightening of the skin. In this scenario it may look worse, as there will be unevenness. An example is in patients that have loose hanging skin on the abdomen plus fat. If you remove just the fat, the area will be smaller, but the loose skin will remain, and it will be uneven. These patients are best served with skin removal surgery like tummy tuck.

The most common liposuction technique used today is Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL). This method uses a small, blunt-tipped cannula that gently vibrates back and forth to break up fat cells, which are then suctioned out at the same time. PAL allows for more efficient fat removal with less trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in smoother results and quicker recovery. It is preferred by most board-certified plastic surgeons for its precision and effectiveness in treating areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and back.

Tumescent liposuction is a technique in which a large volume of dilute local anesthetic is injected into the area to be treated before the fat is suctioned out. This is not really a type of liposuction as all liposuction requires this solution to be placed prior to the surgery. The solution is a combination of saline solution mixed with lidocaine, local anesthetic, and epinephrine. It will numb the area for comfort and minimize bleeding. All liposuction whether standard, power assisted, laser assisted ultrasonic uses the tumescent solution.

Absolutely if the amount of liposuction and area that you want addressed can be done under local anesthesia, we can do that.

Dr. Bonness and Dr. Rowe will do liposuction in the cosmetic clinic under local anesthesia, and in a medical facility under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Which option we choose will depend on the areas, your goals and the amount of fat removed.

Accreditation of the surgical facility and board certification of the provider are essential for ensuring patient safety and the highest standard of care during liposuction. Board-certified plastic surgeons complete 6–8 years of intensive surgical training after medical school, followed by rigorous written and oral exams through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). They are also required to meet ongoing education and performance standards through organizations like the ABPS and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This level of training cannot be matched by weekend or short-term courses. Accredited facilities must meet strict safety, sterilization, and monitoring standards, offering the same level of protection you’d find in a hospital. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility means you're trusting your care to a highly trained expert who is prepared to handle every aspect of your procedure safely and effectively.

If you experience a complication after surgery, your surgeon should be your first call. At Bonness Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Bonness and Dr. Rowe provide 24/7 access to their patients to ensure prompt attention to any concerns. In the extremely rare event of a post-surgical issue, your surgeon will meet you in the office, day or night, or at the emergency room if needed. You will never be left without support or forced to seek care from someone unfamiliar with your case. Choosing our Bonness plastic surgeons ensures you receive complete, continuous care before, during, and after your procedure.