Let’s Talk Liposuction: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Whether It’s Right for You.

Your guide to body contouring with a natural, personalized touch in the DC/MD/VA area

You eat clean. You work out. You’ve done everything “right”—but there are still a few areas that just don’t budge. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Stubborn fat is one of the most common frustrations I hear about in consultations. And for good reason—genetics, hormones, and age can all affect how and where your body stores fat, even when you’re living a healthy lifestyle.

That’s where liposuction comes in. At Bespoke Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, I take a thoughtful, high-touch approach to body contouring, offering liposuction as a customized, sculptural procedure—never one-size-fits-all.

What Exactly Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes localized fat deposits using a thin, hollow tube called a cannula. It’s not about drastic weight loss—it’s about refining your natural shape by targeting the areas that won’t respond to diet and exercise.

Modern liposuction techniques are precise, safe, and artfully performed to create natural-looking contours—not harsh, exaggerated shapes.

Liposuction

The Most Common Areas We Treat

While liposuction can be performed almost anywhere, these are the most frequently requested areas:

• Abdomen & waist ("muffin top" or lower belly bulge)

• Hips and flanks ("love handles")

• Outer and inner thighs

• Upper arms ("bat wings")

• Bra roll or back fat

• Submental area (under the chin/"double chin")

• Inner knees or even the upper pubic area

Many patients choose to treat more than one area at once for balanced, proportionate results.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Liposuction works best for patients who:

• Are within 10–20 pounds of their goal weight

• Have good skin elasticity (or plan to combine it with skin-tightening/ removal procedures)

• Don’t smoke or are willing to pause smoking for surgery and recovery

• Are bothered by specific areas of fat that resist diet and exercise

• Have realistic expectations about outcomes

It’s not a substitute for weight loss, but it is a great tool for finishing touches—like redefining your waist or slimming the arms.

What Happens During the Procedure?

• Anesthesia: Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia, though smaller areas can be done with local anesthesia and sedation.

• Incisions: Tiny—just a few millimeters long—and placed discreetly.

• Fat removal: A thin cannula is inserted to gently break up and suction out the fat.

• Length of procedure: Varies from 1–4 hours depending on how many areas are treated.

• Same-day discharge: You’ll head home with compression garments and detailed recovery instructions.

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What Is Recovery Like?

Every patient heals differently, but here's a general timeline:

• Week 1: Expect swelling, soreness, and some bruising. Most patients are up and moving the next day and return to desk work in 3–5 days.

• Weeks 2–3: Continued improvement in swelling. Light activity is usually OK.

• Weeks 4–6: Most significant swelling subsides. You’ll start seeing visible changes and can ease back into more strenuous workouts.

• Month 3: Final results become more defined as swelling resolves and tissues settle.

You'll wear a compression garment for several weeks to support healing and contouring.

Real Talk: Will the Fat Come Back?

The fat cells we remove are gone permanently. However, if you gain weight after surgery, the remaining fat cells in your body can still expand—so maintaining your weight is key to maintaining your results.

That said, most of our patients find it easier to stay motivated once they feel more confident in their shape.

Why Patients Trust Bespoke for Liposuction in DC, Maryland, and Virginia

This isn’t just surgery—it’s sculpting.

As a board-certified female plastic surgeon, I combine an artistic eye with a deep understanding of anatomy and aesthetics. At Bespoke Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, you won’t find cookie-cutter results or upsells—just honest advice, a boutique experience, and results that reflect your goals, not trends.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you’re still in research mode or ready to book a consultation, we’d love to meet you.

 Schedule your private consultation to learn more about liposuction, discuss your goals, and explore what’s possible!

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