How Many Inches of my Waist Can I Lose With Liposuction?

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Dr. Eric Barker

September 26, 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 in general is a procedure that removes unwanted fat from the body. It’s been used for decades to help people with unattractive fat so they can get their desired body shape and size. This leads to very important questions: Why did Peak Plastic Surgery Center in Denver, CO stray from the old/traditional liposuction machines and bring in VASER Liposuction? How many inches can you expect to lose? Are the results worth it?

The answers to the above questions depend on several factors, but in general, the results from the contouring provided are significant. VASER Liposuction will not only remove areas of stubborn fat but also break up fat attachments under the skin and provide skin tightening to the area. In regards to how many inches you will lose, that all depends on the areas being addressed, and is of the utmost importance to have an in-depth assessment with an expert plastic surgeon in the field of body contouring. Dr. Eric Barker has performed more than one thousand liposuction/body contouring surgeries and can walk you through the process and set your expectations.

While VASER Liposuction isn’t necessarily a weight loss procedure, you will still see dramatic contouring results when working with Dr. Eric Barker at Peak Plastic Surgery Center. Read below or call our clinic in Denver, CO to set up your next appointment.

How does VASER Liposuction work?

Liposuction is a body sculpting option for men and women who have areas of fat on their bodies that are difficult to lose. Dr. Eric Barker is excited to offer what’s known as VASER liposuction, a high-definition procedure that disrupts fat cells and tightens skin using ultrasonic frequency technology. This means fat can be removed in a safer and more effective manner while providing skin tightening in the treated area. In fact, patients only need local anesthesia to complete the treatment and do not require general anesthesia.

Because VASER Liposuction is more gentle than traditional liposuction, recovery time is typically shorter with less bruising and swelling. Because of this, patients can return to work and enjoy a renewed body shape much sooner.

How much fat will I lose after VASER Liposuction?

The amount of fat removed during VASER liposuction depends on each patient’s specific needs. The average amount of fat removed per patient varies greatly and is all dependent on your body shape, size, and the areas being treated. Peak Plastic Surgery Center works closely with each patient to meet their specific needs and goals. Dr. Eric Barker will discuss the expected amount of fat from each area that is to be removed during your consultation to give you a better idea for your individual surgical plan.

How many inches will I lose?

If you’re an appropriate candidate for VASER Liposuction, you could expect to lose up to a few inches off of your waist/abdomen, but also depends on the areas being treated during the procedure. Again, this varies based on different factors that will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Eric Barker. What can be expected is that you’ll see a slimmer profile after VASER liposuction in Denver, CO.

In addition to the immediate results from your surgery, many of our patients find that VASER Liposuction also gives them the motivation needed to continue working out and eating healthy long-term.

You can also maintain your results by:

 

  • Following our post-liposuction recovery instructions
  • Sticking to a healthy and well-rounded diet
  • Engaging in cardiovascular exercise
  • Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake

Lose inches with VASER Liposuction body sculpting

If you are an appropriate candidate, with the help of VASER liposuction, you should expect to lose inches from your waist. If you’re interested in learning about whether VASER Liposuction would work for your needs, contact Peak Plastic Surgery Center in Denver, CO. Dr. Eric Barker will answer all of your questions and provide expert advice on what will give you the best body sculpting results. Our team has helped many people just like you reach their body goals.

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!