Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction

Liposuction removes localized fat deposits that resist diet and exercise, reshaping specific areas rather than reducing overall weight. It was the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States in 2024, with 349,728 procedures, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

At Utah Cosmetic Surgery in Murray, Utah, three board-certified plastic surgeons perform it, most often under general anesthesia in our operating room, or in our office operating suite under local anesthetic when only one or two small areas are treated.

Below are the questions patients ask us most. For a full overview of the procedure, see our liposuction page. To discuss your own situation, call 801-293-8100 or schedule a consultation.

The Basics

What is liposuction and how does it work?

Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes localized fat deposits. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions beneath the skin, and fat cells are suctioned away from the targeted area. It reshapes specific contours; it is not a weight-loss procedure and does not substitute for one. Results depend on your anatomy, your skin elasticity, and your surgeon’s technique.

What areas can be treated?

The abdomen, flanks, thighs, hips, arms, back, and under the chin are the most commonly treated areas. Several areas can often be addressed in a single session, which affects both the length of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used. Our body contouring page covers how liposuction fits alongside other procedures.

Will liposuction tighten loose skin?

No. Liposuction removes fat. Skin retracts on its own only to the degree its elasticity allows, which is why skin quality is assessed carefully at your consultation. When loose skin is the main concern, a skin-tightening technology or an excisional procedure is the better answer — our liposuction with BodyTite gallery shows results from the combined approach, and for significant abdominal skin laxity a tummy tuck addresses it directly.

Liposuction or a tummy tuck: which do I need?

It depends on what is actually bothering you. If the problem is fat with good skin tone, liposuction alone will do it. If the problem is loose skin, stretch marks below the navel, or separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy, liposuction will not fix any of those and a tummy tuck will. Many patients need some combination, and the two are frequently performed together.

Candidacy

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

Adults who are close to their goal weight, have isolated pockets of stubborn fat, have reasonable skin elasticity, are non-smokers or are willing to stop before surgery, and have no medical conditions that raise surgical risk. Realistic expectations matter as much as any physical criterion — they are the strongest predictor of whether a patient is satisfied afterward.

Is there a weight or BMI limit?

As a general principle, liposuction is intended for patients at or near their goal weight with localized fat deposits, not for overall weight reduction. Patients well above their goal weight are usually advised to lose weight first and then reassess — both for safety and because the result will be better.

How long does my weight need to be stable?

Six to twelve months is the usual guidance. Because the fat cells removed do not return, starting from a stable weight is what makes the outcome predictable and lasting.

The Procedure

What anesthesia is used?

Most liposuction procedures at Utah Cosmetic Surgery are performed under general anesthesia in our operating room. When only one or two small areas are being treated, the procedure can be done in our office operating suite under local anesthetic. Your surgeon will tell you which applies to your plan at your consultation.

How long does liposuction take?

Typically one to three hours, depending on how many areas are treated and how much work each requires.

What should I expect at my consultation?

A private conversation about your goals, medical history, and current medications, followed by an examination of the areas of concern to assess your fat distribution and skin quality. You will discuss technique, anesthesia, recovery, and cost, and you can review before-and-after results. Bring a list of your medications, your weight history over the past year, and your questions.

Recovery and Results

What is recovery like?

Expect discomfort, bruising, and swelling for the first few weeks, managed with prescribed medication. A compression garment is worn for up to six weeks to support healing and help the treated areas settle into their new contour. Swelling continues to resolve gradually over the following months.

When can I return to work?

Most patients return to work within three to five days, depending on the nature of their job and how many areas were treated. Strenuous exercise is restricted longer — your surgeon will give you specific clearance based on your recovery.

When will I see my final results?

You will see a change early, but swelling obscures the full outcome at first. The final contour becomes clear over several months as swelling resolves and tissues settle.

Do liposuction results last? Can the fat come back?

The fat cells removed do not regenerate, so results can be long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight. Significant weight gain afterward will enlarge the fat cells that remain and can alter your contour over time. A consistent diet and regular activity are what protect the result.

Safety

Is liposuction safe?

Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States and is generally well tolerated when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an appropriate surgical facility. As with any surgery there are risks, which may include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, contour irregularities, fluid accumulation, and, rarely, more serious complications. Choosing a qualified surgeon and disclosing your complete medical history are the two things most within your control for reducing that risk.

What are the most common side effects?

Swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness in the treated areas are expected and resolve over weeks to months. Minor contour irregularities can occur and are more likely in patients with poor skin elasticity. Your surgeon will review the full risk profile relevant to your plan before you consent to surgery.

Cost and Financing

How much does liposuction cost?

At Utah Cosmetic Surgery, liposuction typically ranges, depending on the number and size of areas treated, the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia, and surgical facility fees. You receive a quote at your consultation.

Does insurance cover liposuction?

No. Liposuction performed for cosmetic purposes is elective and is not covered by health insurance. Patients pay out of pocket.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Financing options are available and a member of our team will walk you through the plans that apply to your situation at your consultation. All financing is subject to credit approval.

About Utah Cosmetic Surgery

Who performs liposuction at your practice?

Dr. R. Scott Haupt founded Utah Cosmetic Surgery and has been board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 2002, with more than twenty years in practice, over 15,000 procedures performed, and the role of Chairman of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Intermountain Medical Center. Dr. Rhett Willis is double board-certified, American Board of Surgery in 2017, American Board of Plastic Surgery in 2021, with a general surgery residency at the University of Virginia and a plastic and reconstructive fellowship at the University of Utah. Dr. Ryan Kunkel earned his medical degree from Indiana University and completed a six-year Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of New Mexico as the program’s first resident, followed by a craniofacial fellowship at the University of Utah.

Do you serve patients outside Murray?

Yes. We welcome patients from Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, West Jordan, Midvale, South Jordan, and communities throughout the Wasatch Front. Patients travelling from outside the region can ask our staff to coordinate consultation and follow-up visits around their schedule.

What if liposuction is not the right procedure for me?

We will tell you. An honest “this is not the right procedure” can be an outcome of a consultation, and depending on what is bothering you, the answer may be a tummy tuck, a combined body contouring plan, or one of our non-surgical med spa treatments.