Liposuction
A Thoughtful Approach to Body Contouring
Liposuction surgery is one of the most popular forms of aesthetic plastic surgery because it can remove fat from targeted areas of the body, creating a slimmer and more aesthetically appealing contour. Appleton and Green Bay patients frequently choose the procedure to eliminate fat around their belly, thighs, and back. A single procedure can provide the reduction that patients may be unable to achieve through diet and exercise alone. Dr. Sauerhammer performs this cosmetic procedure for patients who are at a normal weight but struggle with stubborn fat deposits that obscure their natural shape.
She can also reuse the fat that liposuction removes to emphasize specific features. With fat transfer, she can help you lose fat where you don’t want it and gain fullness where you wish you had it. Learn more below about your options and treatment at Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery.
Liposuction is an aesthetic surgery designed to meticulously sculpt the body by safely and permanently removing isolated pockets of excess fat. It is not a remedy for obesity, but rather a powerful body contouring tool for patients who are already close to their ideal weight.
During the liposuction procedure, Dr. Sauerhammer targets subcutaneous adipose tissue (fat beneath the skin), employing various advanced liposuction techniques to provide the best possible outcome. Once removed, the targeted fat cells cannot regenerate in that area. However, because other fat cells in the area can expand, maintaining a stable weight is key to preserving results in the long term.
The liposuction procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia in our AAAHC-certified surgery center.
Using the tumescent technique, Dr. Sauerhammer injects a sterile solution containing the local anesthetic lidocaine and epinephrine into the fatty tissue. This tumescent solution helps to numb the area and constrict blood vessels, minimizing blood loss.
Small incisions are made, and a thin tube called a cannula is inserted. The cannula is attached to a suction device. In power-assisted liposuction, the cannula vibrates to help break down fat tissue for easier removal. Dr. Sauerhammer will recommend the best liposuction technique for your needs and goals.
The cannula is carefully maneuvered beneath the skin to break up and suction out unwanted fat tissue. Dr. Sauerhammer’s skill ensures smooth, elegant body contouring for a natural result.
Liposuction primarily addresses the persistence of localized excess fat that has been resistant to healthy living.
Liposuction is remarkably versatile and can be used to remove excess fat and refine contour across multiple areas, including the abdomen, flanks, back, hips, buttocks, inner thighs, knees, neck, chin, and upper arms.
Dr. Sauerhammer offers patients nearly 15 years of experience and specialization in rejuvenating procedures for the body, breasts, and face. Her practice also includes transgender confirmation, reconstructive procedures, and noninvasive cosmetic treatment. She is double-board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that offers Appleton and Green Bay patients several advantages:
The effects of liposuction are subtle but significant, providing natural-looking aesthetic improvement. The procedure is performed through a very small incision, which means that signs of surgery are minimal.
If you have relatively taut skin and want to get rid of fat from a specific area of your body, you are likely a good candidate for liposuction. If sagging skin is causing the aesthetic issue — and not unwanted pockets of fat — you may be more suited to a tummy tuck procedure. Removing fat from an area with lax skin can make the problem more noticeable. With a tummy tuck, Dr. Sauerhammer will remove excess skin and may also tighten the underlying muscles.
Many Appleton and Green Bay patients see our practice for an initial consultation because they know what they want to achieve, but aren’t sure which procedure is best for accomplishing it. Discussions with Dr. Sauerhammer and our team help guide these decisions and ensure that patients choose their care with confidence.
The price of your liposuction will depend on several factors. These include:
A surgery that combines multiple adjacent sites can decrease the overall cost of your treatment. During your consultation, the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery will offer transparent pricing for your procedure as well as answer any other questions you have about treatment. We welcome the opportunity to provide you with exceptional care.
Patients in Appleton and Green Bay choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery because of the skill, experience, and personal attention that our team provides. Learn what other people in our community have to say about our doctors and their treatment.
Most liposuction procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Patients will receive a local anesthetic to keep them comfortable during and after the surgery. Scarring will be limited because Dr. Sauerhammer will remove the fat through a tiny incision. After your procedure, you will wear a compression garment for about one month. This will help reduce swelling and reshape the targeted treatment area. Light walking is encouraged soon after the surgical procedure to promote healthy blood flow and prevent blood clots. Strenuous activity must be avoided for at least three to four weeks.
You can expect to return to our practice at one week, two weeks, and four weeks. Then, we will see you back at our office monthly for three months and afterward, as needed. Many of our patients return to work quickly, though most feel sore for about one week. Swelling generally takes six months to completely subside.
You will notice an immediate difference in volume after the fat removal procedure, but because of initial post-surgical swelling, your final contours will not be fully apparent for several weeks. Final results are typically seen within 3 to 6 months once all swelling has resolved. Since fat cells are permanently removed, your new shape is considered long-lasting, provided you do not gain a significant amount of weight. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight will help you enjoy your results in the long term.
Choosing a highly skilled plastic surgeon for liposuction surgery is paramount. Dr. Sauerhammer is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in advanced body contouring techniques. Our commitment to utilizing the latest liposuction techniques ensures precise fat removal and smooth, natural results. All cosmetic procedures are performed in our private, AAAHC-certified surgery center with your comfort and safety as our highest priority.
Dr. Sauerhammer is committed to truly understanding your unique goals and devotes herself to providing high-quality, life-changing results for every patient, every time. If you are ready to learn more about how the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery can help you achieve your ideal image, call our office or contact us online today to request a consultation!
No, liposuction is a body contouring procedure. It targets and removes isolated pockets of unwanted fat that resist diet and exercise. Patients should be near their normal weight before considering this surgical procedure.
Tumescent liposuction is a specific liposuction technique where a large volume of medicated fluid (local anesthetic and epinephrine) is injected into the fatty tissue before the fat removal. This minimizes blood loss and post-operative bruising, making the procedure safer and more comfortable.
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) utilizes a cannula that moves with a rapid, gentle vibration. This movement helps the plastic surgeon break up the fat tissue more efficiently, allowing for less physical effort, greater precision, and a potentially faster recovery.
While the fat cells are permanently removed from the treated area, if you gain weight after liposuction, the remaining fat cells in both treated and untreated areas can still expand. Maintaining a stable normal weight is key to preserving your new shape.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, you can enjoy a range of cosmetic procedures and dedicated care in our offices in Appleton and Green Bay. As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer specializes in rejuvenating surgical solutions, including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and facelifts, designed to help you look and feel your best. We seamlessly integrate all our plastic surgery services with skilled dermatology care and aesthetic specialists: Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Amanda Olsen, PA-C. They prioritize your goals through comprehensive evaluations and advanced techniques to help you achieve optimal and long-lasting results.
