Liposuction

Discomfort after liposuction is common, but most patients describe it as soreness or tenderness similar to an intense workout. Thanks to tumescent anesthesia and careful surgical techniques, pain is minimized during and after the procedure. You’ll be given pain medication and post-op instructions to help you stay comfortable throughout recovery.

Besides your consultation and surgery date, you’ll have a few essential follow-up appointments. These visits allow Dr. Shah to monitor your healing, adjust your post-op care if needed, and ensure that your results are progressing beautifully. You can expect about 2–3 follow-up visits over the course of several months, but we’re always here if you have questions or concerns between visits.

You’ll likely notice a difference within the first few weeks as swelling goes down, but the final results of your liposuction procedure can take three to six months to reveal themselves fully.

Scarring is minimal with liposuction. Dr. Shah uses tiny incisions (often less than half an inch) and places them in discreet, hidden locations.

Most scars will significantly fade over time and become barely noticeable.

You’ll need to take a break from high-impact workouts for at least two to three weeks, but light walking is encouraged as soon as the day after surgery to boost circulation.

Most patients are cleared for full physical activity around the four- to six-week mark, depending on the treatment area and individual healing pace.

Absolutely. Liposuction often pairs beautifully with procedures like tummy tuck, fat transfer (to the buttocks, hips, or breasts), or arm and thigh lifts.

Dr. Shah can discuss these options with you during your consultation to see what combination aligns best with your goals.

Liposuction carries potential risks, which can include infection, bleeding, contour irregularities, asymmetry, and changes in skin sensation.

At A New You, we prioritize safety at every step, from pre-op evaluation to post-op monitoring. Patient selection, precise technique, and close follow-up care all help minimize risks.

Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing tummy tucks. Check for credentials, read patient reviews, and ask to see before-and-after photos. Dr. Samir Shah and Dr. Rajendra Shah at A New You Plastic Surgery are trusted names in the Chicago area, known for their commitment to natural-looking results and compassionate patient care.

Not all liposuction procedures require general anesthesia. In fact, many locations will only offer “local” anesthesia. The decision to supplement local anesthesia requires consideration of several factors, including the body areas treated, the volume of fat removed, and other adjunct procedures.

The basis of a liposuction procedure is the use of tumescent fluid, a mixture of lidocaine (a local anesthetic), epinephrine, and a physiologic solution. The use of tumescent fluid minimizes discomfort and bleeding and facilitates better fat removal. Tumescent anesthesia has allowed Dr. Shah to perform “wide awake” liposuction safely.

When sedation is required, Dr. Shah works closely with an anesthesia provider to ensure patients have a comfortable experience. Having your surgeon and an anesthesiologist monitor you during surgery is a tremendous safety benefit. The anesthesiologists are trained to provide “just enough” anesthesia to finish the procedure and minimize post-operative pain, nausea, etc.

At A New You Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rajendra Shah and Dr. Samir Shah have performed liposuction under both local anesthesia and general anesthesia. Dr. Shah will evaluate your aesthetic needs and goals, and together you will decide which type of anesthesia is best.