What is Liposuction?

Fat deposits can accumulate due to a variety of factors, such genetics, pregnancy, stress-induced hormonal changeses, or age-related factors like reduced metabolism. Many Denver cosmetic surgery patients become frustrated with these unwanted fat deposits that remain resistant to diet or exercise despite their best efforts. Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures among both men and women for removing fat deposits and enhancing their physique. Because Dr. Nick Slenkovich and his staff have extensive experience from having performed this procedure thousands of times, they are considered to have some of the top results in liposuction Denver has to offer.

Colorado Plastic Surgery Center’s Liposuction Technique

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that refines your body shape by surgically removing unwanted fat cells from targeted areas using a suction device. During liposuction surgery, a narrow metal tube called a cannula is inserted into tiny incisions near the treatment area to remove fat cells that reside below the skin. A saline-based solution mixed with lidocaine and epinephrine, known as a tumescent solution, is injected into the treatment areas in order to provide numbing, constrict blood vessels, and liquefy fat cells. This solution allows for easier fat removal, reduced blood loss, and decreased discomfort following surgery.

Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Nick Slenkovich commonly uses power-assisted liposuction with a specialized cannula tip and the “SAFE Liposuction” technique that allows for more precision and provides a smoother result. Under the SAFE Liposuction technique, fat cells are carefully separated from surrounding muscle and skin tissues before being suctioned (or aspirated) from the body. The remaining fat cells are then sculpted using a fat equalization technique that improves overall skin quality, provides an even contour in the treated area, and drastically reduces the appearance of inconsistencies following surgery.

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What Body Areas Can Liposuction Treat?

Common treatment areas for our Denver liposuction include the following:

  • Neck (under the chin)
  • Upper arms
  • Abdomen
  • Back
  • Waist and love handles
  • Hips
  • Thighs
  • Inner knees
  • Calves
  • Ankles
  • Male chest to treat excess breast tissue (gynecomastia)

Liposuction can be performed on a combination of areas at one time or in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a tummy tuck, arm or thigh lift, or breast enhancement surgery.

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Is Liposuction Permanent?

Our liposuction in Denver is intended to permanently improve the contours of the treated areas, balancing proportions and creating a more flattering figure. Most patients find that not only does SAFE Lipo give them the sculpted body contours they desire, but it also improves their self-confidence. We encourage you to visit our photo galleries to view before-and-after photos of our patients.

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Will Fat Return to the Area of Liposuction?

It is important to note that while liposuction does permanently remove fat cells, some fat cells still remain in the treated area. Gaining weight, approximately 10 percent of the body weight or more, can increase the size of the remaining fat cells in the treated area.

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Can Liposuction Get Rid of Cellulite?

Yes and no. Despite popular belief, cellulite itself is not related to the fatty tissue layers of the body. Cellulite is typically characterized by a superficial dimpling of the skin. As such, liposuction is not an effective cellulite treatment. However, if there are larger lumpy contours in the underlying fatty tissue layer of the body, then it is an effective treatment to smooth out these areas.

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Difference Between Liposuction & Tummy Tuck

While a tummy tuck and liposuction can be combined to achieve maximum results, the procedures are quite different and achieve different types of results. Liposuction is a simpler procedure that removes fat, while a tummy tuck is more involved, removing excess skin and tightening the muscles.

A tummy tuck is the most powerful way to address crepey, loose, sagging skin, stretch marks in the abdominal area, and/or weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis). During a tummy tuck, the excess skin is removed, and the area is tightened, flattened and contoured. The stomach muscles are surgically tightened with absorbable sutures that maintain a lasting effect. Dr. Nick Slenkovich includes liposuction of the trunk, or Lipo360, with all of his tummy tuck procedures, allowing him to achieve a more contoured and “snatched” waistline for his tummy tuck patients. 

Patients who have stubborn pockets of fat in the abdomen but retain skin elasticity and abdominal muscle tightness can slim and tone the area with liposuction alone. During liposuction, small pockets of fat are gently suctioned out of the area to sculpt the waistline and create natural, balanced curves.

How to Tell What Kind of Liposuction is Good for Me

Liposuction techniques and procedure types vary. Which type of liposuction is best for you depends on a number of factors, including your ultimate aesthetic goals and your skin elasticity. All types of liposuction are generally safe and effective when they’re performed by a qualified surgeon.

During your consultation, we will examine your skin and discuss your cosmetic concerns and treatment options to determine which type of liposuction is best for you. Remember, no matter what type of liposuction you get, in order to achieve long-lasting results, it’s important to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

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Liposuction Before & After

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Does Colorado Plastic Surgery Center Offer Laser Liposuction?

There is a lot of information out there pertaining to laser-assisted liposuction. With over 20 years of experience as a double-board certified Denver liposuction specialist who has performed thousands of liposuction procedures, Dr. Nick Slenkovich believes in technique over technology. As such, he does not perform laser-assisted liposuction,  (also called SmartLipo.)  Dr. Nick Slenkovich does not believe that the technology of laser-assisted liposuction provides enough benefits or a better result than the technique of SAFE Liposuction that he has used for decades to achieve amazing liposuction results. The SAFE Lipo technique works well for patients of all sizes and body types while minimizing the contour irregularities that are occasionally found in patients who have undergone a liposuction procedure using a different technique.

Renuvion J-Plasma is recommended for patients who have thin skin, show minimal signs of loose or mobile skin, or who desire additional smoothing to areas such as the bra roll. For these patients, there is sometimes a concern that volume removal via liposuction can cause the skin in that area to become more loose or deflated.  Renuvion-J Plasma skin tightening is performed as a second step after liposuction to combat this. After liposuction is completed, a new cannula is inserted that uses radiofrequency and helium to heat the tissue and tighten the skin fibers. This can proactively smooth potential looseness or sagging after liposuction, creating a tighter, more favorable appearance to the skin

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Where Is the Surgery Performed?

All cosmetic surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis from our adjacent facility, Surgery Center of Colorado. Our surgery center is state-licensed and AAAASF accredited to ensure patient safety and enhance patient care.

Liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia but can also be performed under IV sedation with a local anesthetic. The type of anesthesia used for your liposuction will depend on the number of treatment areas, treatment locations, and whether it is performed in combination with another cosmetic surgery procedure.

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Are There Risks with Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery, and like any other surgery, there is always a chance of complications. Though complications are rare, the most common issues are minor asymmetries or small irregularities in the treated areas.

To reduce the risk of irregularities, Dr. Slenkovich uses a meticulous fat equalization technique that sculpts the remaining fat cells, distributing them more evenly throughout the treatment area to provide a smoother result. We also include post-operative lymphatic massage therapy with all of our liposuction procedures to reduce tightness, swelling and bruising and promote smoother contouring of final results.

What Is Recovery Like?

Patients can typically go home on the same day as their surgery, with some exceptions, such as combining multiple procedures or certain health factors. Generally, our liposuction patients wear a compression garment starting one week after surgery and for three to four one-to-two weeks following surgery to reduce swelling. From there, they may wear a lighter support garment based on their comfort level. Initial discomfort following your surgery is typically well controlled with oral medication and varies from patient to patient. Generally, patients can return to work one-to-two weeks after surgery, depending on the activity level of their occupation and the extent of liposuction or other combination procedures that may have been performed.

We include in-office perioperative lymphatic massage therapy treatments as part of your liposuction surgery package to aid in the recovery process. Perioperative lymphatic massage therapy reduces swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Bruising and swelling usually subside in two to four weeks. The final results from your liposuction take shape over the next three to six months.

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Are Liposuction Alternatives as Effective as Liposuction?

In short, no. Most liposuction alternative devices do not destroy the actual fat cell but merely its contents, leaving the cell behind to be refilled. The alternative devices that do destroy the fat cell are best used for a small area, spot treatments, and require several treatments. In larger areas, these multiple treatments can add up to cost more than permanent liposuction surgery! Additionally, some of these treatments can have adverse effects that can require corrective liposuction or other revisionary procedures to correct. 

Are You a Candidate for Liposuction?

If you have isolated fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise, or if you simply want to refine your body's contours, you may be a candidate for liposuction. Liposuction patients are typically near normal weight but are looking for permanent contour changes; however, liposuction can also be performed on heavier persons or thin people with stubborn fat deposits.

About Lipo 360 in Denver

Lipo 360, or circumferential liposuction, is an advanced body contouring technique that targets the entire midsection, including the abdomen, waistline, flanks, and back. Unlike traditional liposuction, which focuses on one specific area, lipo 360 addresses the entire torso for a more balanced, sculpted look.

The procedure involves making small incisions around the midsection through which a thin cannula suctions out excess fat deposits. This approach allows Dr. Nick Slenkovich to contour the body precisely, enhancing natural curves and creating smooth, natural-looking results.

A key benefit of lipo 360 is its ability to target multiple areas in a single session, achieving a more harmonious silhouette without needing additional surgeries. The procedure is highly customizable, allowing patients to reach their aesthetic goals by defining the waistline, removing stubborn fat, and creating a toned appearance.

Lipo 360 can also be combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or fat transfer, for enhanced results. With its comprehensive approach to body sculpting, lipo 360 has become popular for those seeking a slimmer, more sculpted physique.

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Why Choose Colorado Plastic Surgery Center?

Choosing Colorado Plastic Surgery Center means entrusting your care to a team inspired by Colorado’s adventurous spirit and driven by excellence. Dr. Nick Slenkovich, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon with certifications in both plastic surgery and otolaryngology (ENT), brings an advanced level of skill, precision, and patient-centered care to every procedure. With over 20 years of expertise in body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and breast enhancement, Dr. Slenkovich combines artistry with a compassionate approach to help each patient achieve their aesthetic goals.

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Are you ready to achieve a more sculpted silhouette? At Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, you can experience the transformative possibilities of body contouring in Denver using liposuction. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Nick Slenkovich and take the first step on your journey to greater self-confidence!

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If you are considering cosmetic surgery to improve your physical appearance and self-image, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our double board-certified Denver plastic surgeon, Dr. Nick Slenkovich. Dedicated to your comfort from your first visit to your final follow-up, the surgeon and staff of Colorado Plastic Surgery Center will always treat you with kindness and caring.

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All content on this page was medically reviewed by Double-Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Nick Slenkovich

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