Liposuction
News
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October 17, 2025

How Long Does a Liposuction Procedure Take?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to remove stubborn fat that you can’t get rid of through diet and exercise.

Body contouring has revolutionized the way we think about self-care and aesthetic transformations. It’s more than just a cosmetic procedure—it’s a path to enhanced confidence and self-expression.

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to remove stubborn fat that you can’t get rid of through diet and exercise. Most bodies develop adipose tissue, or fatty deposits, over time. These deposits can be tough to shrink, even with diet and exercise. Liposuction involves inserting small tubes called cannula through small micro incisions to suction out these fatty deposits, leaving patients with improved body contours and overall proportions.

A dermatologic or plastic surgeon performs liposuction on target treatment areas such as hips, belly, back, arms, thighs, buttock, and face, and often in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures like breast reductions, facelifts, and tummy tucks.

How long liposuction takes

The average liposuction procedure takes 2 to 3 hours. However,the time can increase or decrease depending on the patient’s size, areas beingtreated, and the number of treatment areas. The treatment time can also varybased on the type of anesthesia being used, as it takes longer to inject localanesthesia as opposed to administering general anesthesia.

Though the procedure itself takes from 2 to 3 hours,patients can expect to be at the surgery facility or doctor’s office from 3 to7 hours. This includes time to prepare for the procedure, and to come out ofanesthesia.

How long it takes to recover

The majority of liposuction treatments are performed asoutpatient procedures, meaning the patient goes home the same day as thesurgery. Patients can expect side effects including swelling, bruising, andmild discomfort, but usually return to normal activates after two weeks.Patients are also usually expected to wear a compression garment for two tothree weeks after the procedure to help promote healing and reduce swelling.

The doctor may also prescribe pain medication to helpalleviate soreness after liposuction. Since the average liposuction incision isonly two centimeters, they heal quickly with minimal scars that are easilyhidden.

Maintaining results

Fat cells are permanently removed during liposuction, and thereforecan’t grow in size. However, patients can regain weight with the development ofnew fat cells, usually in different areas of the body. Therefore, patients areencouraged to follow a healthy diet and exercise plan to keep their new shapeand reduce new fat call growth.

Your Answer ForManhattan Liposuction

It’s important to remember that every patient is different, and therefore requires a personalized liposuction plan and set of expectations. The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for liposuction, and what your specific course of treatment should be, is to talk with an experienced plastic surgeon.

Dr. Thomas Loeb is renowned for his amazing liposuction NYC results, and can work with you to develop the best treatments to get you the body you want. Call today to schedule a one-on-one consultation!

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  1. WebMD, Liposuction: What You Should Know, https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedure-liposuction#1
  2. UPMC.com, What To Expect After Liposuction, https://share.upmc.com/2017/11/expect-after-liposuction/

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