Sculpt stubborn areas of fat and achieve a smoother, more contoured figure with liposuction. Dr. Kristina O’Shaughnessy, our board-certified female plastic surgeon in Franklin, TN, performs liposuction to target localized fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise, helping you restore balance, confidence, and comfort in your own body.
Refine Your Shape Through
Targeted Fat Removal
Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, back, arms, or under the chin. It’s not a weight-loss solution but rather a way to refine your silhouette when healthy habits aren’t enough. Dr. O’Shaughnessy uses advanced techniques to gently break up and suction out unwanted fat through incisions. The result is a more sculpted and proportionate appearance with long-lasting effects.
What Areas Does Liposuction Treat?
- Abdomen and flanks (love handles)
- Thighs (inner and outer)
- Hips and buttocks
- Upper arms
- Back and bra line
- Chest (including male chest contouring)
- Neck and under the chin
- Knees and calves
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Liposuction?
Liposuction is ideal if you’re close to your goal weight but struggle with localized fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. It’s not a substitute for weight loss, but it can enhance your contours. The best candidates have good skin elasticity and realistic expectations about the results. If you’re in good overall health and a non-smoker, liposuction may be a safe and effective option. Dr. O’Shaughnessy will help determine if this procedure is right for you.
You may be a suitable candidate for liposuction if:
- You maintain a stable, healthy weight
- You have localized fat pockets unresponsive to exercise
- You have a good skin tone and elasticity
- You are in good general physical health
- You are free from serious medical conditions that impair healing
- You don’t smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery
- You have realistic expectations about the results
What Happens During Liposuction Surgery?
Your surgery begins with the administration of anesthesia, either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the areas being treated. Dr. O’Shaughnessy will make a few small incisions near the targeted fat deposits. Through these, she will inject a tumescent solution containing saline, lidocaine (a numbing agent), and epinephrine (to reduce bleeding). This technique helps minimize discomfort, bruising, and blood loss during the procedure.
Next, Dr. O’Shaughnessy will insert a cannula (a narrow, blunt-tipped stainless steel tube) into the fat layer beneath your skin. The cannula is moved back and forth to break up and dislodge fat cells, which are then suctioned out using a high-vacuum surgical device. Once the desired contour is achieved, the incisions are closed with fine sutures, and a compression garment is placed to support healing, reduce swelling, and help your skin conform to its new shape.
What Is the Recovery Process After Liposuction?
After liposuction, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild to moderate discomfort in the treated areas. These symptoms are normal and typically improve within the first few days. Most patients return to light activity within a week, but full recovery and final results can take several weeks to months as swelling subsides. You’ll need to wear a compression garment to help shape your new contours and support the healing process.
To support a smooth recovery, be sure to:
- Wear your compression garment as directed
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks
- Take prescribed medications to manage pain and reduce infection risk
- Keep your incisions clean and dry
- Attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. O’Shaughnessy
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle to preserve your results
- Monitor for any unusual symptoms and report them promptly
What Are the Expected Results From Liposuction?
You’ll start to notice an improvement in your body contours within a few weeks of surgery as initial swelling begins to subside. However, it may take up to three to six months for your final results to develop. Once healing is complete, you can expect a sculpted, proportionate appearance in the treated areas. The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated, and your results can be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. O’Shaughnessy
Dr. Kristina O’Shaughnessy is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 17 years of experience in body contouring and aesthetic surgery. Known for her personalized approach and meticulous techniques, she combines surgical expertise with a woman’s perspective to deliver results that look refined. At her state-of-the-art facility in Franklin, TN, you’ll receive attentive, comprehensive care from consultation to recovery. If you’re ready to sculpt your ideal shape, schedule your consultation for liposuction with Dr. O’Shaughnessy today.
