How Many Body Parts Can Be Treated In One Liposuction Session?

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Dr. Eric Barker

April 22, 2021

Dr. Barker earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. He then completed his combined training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Rush University Medical Center and John H. Stroger, Jr. (Cook County) Hospital in Chicago, IL. Dr. Barker was able to train under distinguished breast reconstructive surgeon Dr. Anuja Antony, and prestigious cosmetic surgeon Dr. John Q. Cook.

Liposuction is a wonderful way to treat stubborn fat and achieve a more contoured body. But how many areas can be addressed in a single treatment? For most people, there is no concrete limit on the number of areas we can target. Instead, plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Barker pays close attention to the amount of fat being removed. This allows Peak Plastic Surgery Center to perform surgery in the safest possible manner.

Do you have other questions about liposuction fat removal surgery? Schedule an assessment with our trusted team in Denver, CO.

Areas for liposuction treatment

Body contouring procedures, like liposuction, help men and women gain a slimmer and more fit appearance. Anyone who maintains a healthy weight with a regular diet and exercise but still struggles with some fat pockets is an excellent candidate for treatment. Common areas for liposuction include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, back, and arms. During a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Barker, we can make recommendations based on your personal needs.

How we customize your procedure

Fat rarely accumulates in just one area of the body. You may notice unwanted fat in several places, making you feel self-conscious about your overall appearance. Fat removal surgery can enhance your look and improve your shape in more than one area. Even better, different body parts can be addressed at the same time. This saves patients the time and resources from having to undergo multiple liposuction treatments. Our clinic can create a custom body contouring plan during your initial appointment.

Removing too much fat

Even if we decide to remove fat from several areas, Peak Plastic Surgery Center is careful not to take too much fat in one liposuction procedure. Complications can occur if an excessive amount of fat is removed. You may have lumpy or dimpled skin, making your final outcomes less attractive than before. More serious health complications include infection, fluid accumulation, a fat embolism, and anesthesia-related reactions that could truly damage your health.

How we perform surgery

The good news is that Dr. Barker has performed countless successful liposuction procedures for patients in Denver, CO. During fat removal surgery, we use a special tool called a cannula to loosen and remove fat. Treatment is usually performed using general anesthesia, so patients feel as comfortable as possible. Afterward, the incisions are closed, and patients are brought to a recovery area for close monitoring.

After surgery, the team at Peak Plastic Surgery Center can give you detailed instructions for healing at home. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise and keep the surgical area clean and covered. Results can be seen after several weeks, once the initial swelling goes down. You can always schedule follow-up appointments and contact Dr. Barker with any pressing questions or concerns.

Schedule body contouring surgery

Peak Plastic Surgery Center cannot give you an exact number for the areas that can be treated with liposuction. This is because each person’s body structure is unique and requires different things. Instead, our goal is to make sure we achieve your body goals in a safe and efficient manner. If you are considering this body contouring option in Denver, CO, Dr. Eric Barker will be happy to meet with you and discuss different areas for liposuction and more.

A common question we receive at Peak Plastic Surgery is: Who is a candidate for a mini tummy tuck? This is a frequent inquiry because there is often confusion about the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

When we talk about a mini tummy tuck, it specifically addresses excess abdominal skin below the belly button. Essentially, the goal is to flatten the area below the belly button by removing any excess abdominal skin. This procedure often targets damaged skin below the belly button, which is commonly caused by stretch marks. In many cases, this damage results from pregnancy in women or significant weight gain in men.

When patients call our office and speak with my coordinator prior to their consultation, we ask a few key questions to determine their concerns. If excess abdominal skin is mentioned, we follow up by asking:

  • Where is the excess skin located?
  • Is it all over the abdomen or just in the lower part?

If a patient indicates the issue is primarily in the lower abdomen, especially following a C-section, they are often ideal candidates for a mini abdominoplasty. C-section scars frequently tether to the abdominal wall, creating contour irregularities or an “overflow” of skin above the scar.

A mini tummy tuck is effective in removing this lower abdominal skin, and it can be combined with laser liposuction (performed while awake in my clinic) to achieve a smooth, flat appearance. However, candidacy also depends on other factors, including:

  • Weight status: Are you at or near your goal weight?
  • Pregnancy history: Have you had a recent pregnancy?
  • Recovery timeline: Has enough time passed (typically 6–8 months) for your skin and subcutaneous tissues to heal and retract after pregnancy?

If you’re a mother, we need to evaluate where your muscles have settled after pregnancy. The abdominal muscles (rectus musculature) often separate in the middle (a condition called rectus diastasis), and while they may return to their normal position, they sometimes require surgical repair.

If muscle repair is necessary, the procedure will require general anesthesia. If not, the procedure can be done while you’re awake. All of these factors are assessed during your consultation to determine the most appropriate approach for your mini abdominoplasty.

For many of my patients, the decision comes down to whether the excess skin is located only below the belly button. If there’s no excess skin above the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be the ideal solution. In cases where there are additional skin or muscle concerns, we might discuss options like adding laser liposuction or performing muscle repair.

For mothers specifically, we recommend waiting at least 6–8 months after giving birth to allow the skin to heal and the abdominal muscles to settle. This ensures we have a clear picture of your body’s post-pregnancy recovery before proceeding with surgery.

It’s also worth noting that a mini abdominoplasty does not preclude future procedures. For instance, patients may later opt for a full tummy tuck due to changes in weight, skin elasticity, or personal goals. While I prefer to achieve optimal results in one surgery whenever possible, patient goals and circumstances often evolve over time.

Ultimately, deciding on a mini tummy tuck depends on your individual goals and timeline. During your preoperative phone consultation with my coordinator, and later in your in-person consultation with me, we’ll discuss your concerns and expectations to determine the best surgical approach for you.

For those wondering if a mini tummy tuck is right for them: the ideal candidate is someone who is close to their goal weight and wants to address excess skin below the belly button. Whether it’s due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or other factors, this procedure can help patients achieve a flatter, more defined lower abdomen.

Even if you decide on a mini abdominoplasty now, you remain a candidate for a full tummy tuck in the future if needed. Our goal is to guide you through this process and ensure your surgical outcomes align with your long-term goals.

Learn more and schedule your consultation!