Liposuction is a highly effective body contouring procedure that reduces stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno perform liposuction in Chicago, Illinois, using safe, advanced techniques tailored to your unique aesthetic needs.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, or lipo, is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess fat from various areas of the body through tiny suction tubes (cannulas). Although this procedure is commonly performed and relatively straightforward, only an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon should perform your liposuction surgery. Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno are among the best-known liposuction surgeons in Chicago, having refined their liposculpture techniques and aesthetic sensibility over many years. Both surgeons are renowned for achieving beautiful liposuction results with optimal patient comfort.

Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction Surgery?

Anyone struggling to slim and shape specific areas of stubborn fat may be a good candidate for liposuction. Even if you’re slender and fit, you may have isolated pockets of fat, often influenced by heredity, which won’t shrink through diet and exercise alone.

Liposuction is typically performed for patients who are in good overall health, at or near their ideal weight, with localized fat deposits that:

  • Create imbalanced contours
  • Are resistant to diet and exercise
  • Negatively affect body image

It’s essential to remember that liposuction is not a weight-loss solution and is not intended to substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise.

women's stomach
Liposuction Treatment Areas Graphic
TLKM Plastic Surgery

Common Liposuction Treatment Areas

Liposuction effectively reduces and reshapes most areas of the body, making it one of our most popular body contouring procedures.

Chin & Neck

Targeting the chin and neck area refines your jawline and reduces excess chin fat, creating a more sculpted and youthful appearance.

Upper Arms

Addressing the upper arms (bat wings) achieves slimmer, toned upper body contours.

Abdomen

Reducing targeted pockets of belly fat (spare tire, muffin top) results in a flatter, more defined midsection. This is a common area for male liposuction.

Hips

Refining your curves by sculpting your hips (aka, love handles, flanks) smooths out unwanted bulges for a sleeker physique.

Inner Thighs

Treating the inner thighs reduces chafing and creates a more proportional silhouette, and in some cases, a “thigh gap.”

Outer Thighs

Slimming down the outer thighs (saddlebags) results in smoother, more balanced lower body contours.

Knees

Removing localized fat on the knees enhances the overall look and contours of your legs.

female model in lingerie

Combining Procedures

Liposuction is often combined with other body contouring procedures to create smooth and seamless results. It’s especially common for Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno to include liposuction with a tummy tuck to remove isolated pockets of abdominal fat.

Women often combine liposuction or tummy tuck procedures with cosmetic breast surgery, such as breast augmentation or a  breast lift as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover to restore their pre-baby shape. Liposuction is also a component of surgery after weight loss procedures such as an arm lift or butt and thigh lift to help patients confidently celebrate their weight loss results.

Additionally, liposuction is typically used during gynecomastia (male breast reduction)  to sculpt a firmer chest for men with this condition.

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno

Chicago's
Premier Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno are board-certified plastic surgeons renowned in Chicago and beyond for their unparalleled expertise, refined surgical techniques, and exceptional patient outcomes. Together, they set the gold standard in plastic surgery treatment and care, delivering:

  • Safe, best-in-class protocols
  • Minimal scarring and bruising
  • Customized, natural-looking results
  • Faster, more comfortable recovery
  • Use of local anesthesia with sedation
  • State-of-the-art Facility

Advanced Liposuction Expertise & Techniques

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno’s liposuction patients reap the benefits of their skill, applied research, and refined techniques during each stage of their body contouring transformation. Some of these unique benefits include:

Use of local anesthesia with sedation

Unlike many of his plastic surgery peers, Dr. Mustoe favors using local anesthesia with sedation vs. general anesthesia. This approach allows him to easily reposition patients during surgery for enhanced three-dimensional sculpting, resulting in more natural-looking contours. Patients also benefit by avoiding the post-surgical risks associated with general anesthesia.

Scar prevention

Liposuction patients benefit from Dr. Mustoe’s many years of research in wound healing and scar prevention. While scarring is inevitable in any surgery, our surgeons utilize Dr. Mustoe’s research and techniques to minimize injury and scar formation, resulting in improved outcomes and enhanced comfort.

Liposculpture precision

A refined aesthetic sense and meticulous precision allow Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno to perform liposculpture on smaller, more delicate areas such as the chin and neck. This approach is often used to enhance the results of a facelift or neck lift.

Your Liposuction Procedure

Our experienced body contouring surgeons use advanced techniques and protocols while performing liposuction:

  • Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno infuse the treatment area with a tumescent solution containing an anesthetic (lidocaine) for enhanced comfort and a vasoconstricting agent to reduce bleeding.
  • They use tiny cannulas, allowing for small, inconspicuous incisions and less visible scarring.
  • The cannula breaks up fat before it is suctioned away through the attached vacuum tube.

In addition to traditional liposuction, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno offer advanced Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL), which utilizes ultrasound energy to assist with gently breaking up the fat before suctioning.

female model in underwear

Your Liposuction Recovery & Results

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno are dedicated to improving surgical techniques and minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissues during liposuction. Their innovations in these areas have helped their patients experience a significantly more comfortable and accelerated recovery.

While every liposuction patient’s recovery varies, here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Immediately after surgery

  • Return home and prioritize rest
  • Take pain medications as directed (many patients require no narcotics)
  • Wearing support garments initially helps minimize swelling
  • Most patients resume nonstrenuous work and light activities within a few days

1 to 2 weeks post-op

  • Swelling and bruising gradually begin to resolve
  • Compression garments are usually no longer necessary
  • Initial results become visible

3 to 4 weeks post-op

  • Most patients feel “back to themselves”
  • Return to most regular activities
  • Incisions gradually fade

3 to 6 months post-op

  • Residual swelling subsides
  • Incisions continue to fade until they are barely perceptible
  • You can confidently show off your new body contours

Results from fat removal with liposuction are long-lasting. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight allows you to enjoy your new body contours for many years.

How Much Does Lipo Cost in Chicago, IL?

The cost of liposuction depends on several factors, including the training and experience of the plastic surgeon and the extent of the procedure needed to produce the desired results. Patients interested in getting liposuction at our practice receive a detailed price quote after their consultations. We also offer convenient financing options.

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Liposuction FAQ

Is there a difference between liposculpture & liposuction?

Yes, liposuction and liposculpture each use a different approach. Most people are familiar with the term liposuction, which refers to the process of removing fat. Liposculpture, on the other hand, involves a level of technical skill and an artistic eye to create sculpted results that are aesthetically pleasing.


Do I need liposuction or a tummy tuck?

The question of whether you need liposuction, a tummy tuck, or both is answered during your consultation with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno. After your surgeon conducts a physical exam and listens to your concerns and cosmetic goals, he will typically recommend a specific treatment plan to achieve those goals. Patients in good overall shape whose skin retains most of its elasticity usually benefit from liposuction alone.


What are the risks of liposuction? Is it safe?

Like any surgical procedure, liposuction poses potential risks. These may include asymmetrical contours, excessive bruising and swelling, changes in skin sensation, infection, and scarring. You can significantly reduce your chance of experiencing these side effects if you select a highly credentialed liposuction surgeon like Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno, who prioritizes your safety and results.


How do I find the right liposuction surgeon in Chicago?

Finding a qualified liposuction surgeon begins by seeking out board-certified plastic surgeons and requesting consultations with them to explore your concerns. You should also peruse their websites for positive patient testimonials and scroll through their before and after gallery to ensure they deliver optimal results that align with your aesthetic goals.

Get Started

If you would like to explore your body contouring options, request a consultation online with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno. You can also call our office at  (312) 788-2560, and one of our helpful staff members will schedule your appointment.

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