Liposuction in Delafield
The contour diet and exercise won't reach.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body using a hollow tube called a cannula and suction. It is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States, used to contour areas resistant to diet and exercise rather than as a weight loss method.
At a Glance
- Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States according to the 2024 ASPS statistics report[4]
- A 2024 meta-analysis of 39 studies and 29,368 patients found an overall complication rate of 2.62%[6]
- Tumescent liposuction using local anesthesia has been shown to be the safest method of fat removal[8]
- The procedure removes localized fat deposits but is not a substitute for diet and exercise or a treatment for obesity[1]
Overview
Liposuction addresses localized fat deposits that persist despite diet and exercise. A thin cannula is inserted through small incisions and moved in a controlled back-and-forth motion to loosen fat, which is then suctioned out. Multiple techniques exist, including tumescent, ultrasound-assisted (VASER), laser-assisted, power-assisted, and water-assisted liposuction.
The procedure can treat numerous body areas including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, back, chest, chin, neck, calves, and ankles. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity and does not effectively treat cellulite. Patients at or near their target weight with firm, elastic skin tend to achieve the best results.
What to expect
- Consultation to discuss goals, review medical history, and develop a surgical plan
- Pre-operative evaluation including lab work and medical clearance as needed
- Administration of anesthesia (local with sedation, or general anesthesia depending on extent)
- Small inconspicuous incisions are made in the treatment area
- Tumescent solution is infused into the fatty tissue
- A cannula is inserted and moved to loosen fat deposits
- Fat is suctioned out through the cannula using a surgical vacuum or syringe
- Incisions are closed and compression garments are applied
- Post-operative instructions are provided for recovery and follow-up care
How a liposuction works
- A tumescent solution containing diluted local anesthetic, epinephrine, and saline is infused into the treatment area to minimize bleeding, reduce pain, and facilitate fat removal.
- A thin hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions in the skin and moved in a controlled back-and-forth motion to loosen and dislodge fat cells from surrounding tissues.
- The dislodged fat is suctioned out of the body through the cannula using a surgical vacuum or syringe. Variations include ultrasound-assisted liposuction (which uses ultrasonic vibrations to liquefy fat), laser-assisted liposuction (which uses laser energy), and power-assisted liposuction (which uses a vibrating cannula).
- The body's contour improves as swelling resolves over the following weeks to months. Removed fat cells do not regenerate, though remaining cells can enlarge with weight gain.
When it's recommended
- Localized fat deposits in the abdomen, flanks, or waist resistant to diet and exercise
- Excess fat in the thighs, hips, or buttocks affecting body contour
- Fat deposits in the upper arms, back, or chest
- Submental (under-chin) fat causing a double chin appearance
- Gynecomastia (excess breast tissue in males)
- Lipomas (benign fatty tumors) requiring removal
- Body contouring after significant weight loss
- Fat harvesting for autologous fat transfer procedures
Is a liposuction right for you?
Reach out to learn more from Dr. Lucas Boehm.
Concerns it addresses
Recovery & aftercare
- Compression garments are worn for several weeks to minimize swelling and support healing
- Most patients return home the same day as the procedure
- Bruising typically resolves within 3-4 weeks after surgery
- Return to desk work is generally possible within a few days to one week
- Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for 4-6 weeks
- Swelling gradually subsides over weeks to months
- Final body contour results are typically visible within 1-3 months
Alternatives
- Non-invasive body contouring (CoolSculpting, SculpSure)
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) for excess skin and fat
- Kybella injections for submental fat
- Diet and exercise modification
- Liposuction combined with other procedures (mommy makeover, body lift)
How much does a liposuction cost?
A liposuction at Consona with Dr. Boehm costs around $6,515. The exact amount depends on your unique goals and treatment needs. Schedule a consultation today to learn more and receive a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from specific body areas using a thin tube called a cannula and suction. It is designed to contour areas with stubborn fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise, and is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States.
- Liposuction is performed under anesthesia, so the procedure itself is not painful. Afterward, patients typically experience soreness, swelling, and bruising that can be managed with prescribed medication. Discomfort generally improves significantly within the first one to two weeks.
- Liposuction has a well-documented safety profile, particularly when performed by a board-certified surgeon using the tumescent technique. A 2024 meta-analysis found an overall complication rate of approximately 2.6%. As with any surgical procedure, risks exist and are discussed during consultation.
- Most patients return to desk work within a few days to one week. Bruising typically resolves in 3-4 weeks. Strenuous activity is usually restricted for 4-6 weeks. Final results become visible within 1-3 months as residual swelling subsides.
- No, liposuction is not a weight loss procedure or a treatment for obesity. It is a body contouring procedure designed for patients at or near their target weight who have localized fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise. Maintaining a stable weight after surgery helps preserve results.
- Liposuction may not be appropriate for individuals with significant cardiac or pulmonary conditions, blood clotting disorders, active infections, poor skin elasticity, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. A thorough medical evaluation during consultation helps determine candidacy.
Liposuction risks & candidacy
Who should avoid this
- Unrealistic expectations about results or use as a weight loss method
- Active infection or poor wound healing conditions
- Significant cardiac, pulmonary, or other medical conditions not medically cleared
- Blood clotting disorders or current anticoagulant therapy without clearance
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Poor skin elasticity that may result in loose or irregular skin after fat removal
- Morbid obesity (liposuction is not an obesity treatment)
Possible risks
- Contour irregularities including dents, dimples, or asymmetry
- Temporary bruising, swelling, and soreness at treatment sites
- Seroma (fluid accumulation beneath the skin)
- Hematoma (blood accumulation)
- Temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Infection (rare with proper technique)
- Hyperpigmentation in treated areas
- Skin laxity or loose skin, particularly in older patients
- Fat embolism (rare but serious)
- Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (rare)
- Lidocaine toxicity if tumescent solution dose is excessive
- Thermal or ultrasonic burns with energy-assisted techniques
Your surgeon
Care that respects what makes you, you.
Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.
- Board-certified
- Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship-trained
- Aesthetic surgery
- 12+ years
- In practice
Sources & references
This article draws on 9 sources, including peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.
Government & research
Medical institutions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-13