Liposuction


Liposuction is an excellent way to re-contour or reshape problem areas.

Having a slim and toned appearance is a major beauty standard in today’s world, but for many, achieving this ideal figure is easier said than done. You may eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly, but it can often not be enough to totally eliminate fatty deposits from various regions on your body. Factors beyond your control like genetics, pregnancy and hormones can determine whether your body holds on to fat in undesirable places. If stubborn fat is clinging to your abdomen, hips or buttocks despite your best efforts, you may begin to feel like you have exhausted your options.

If this scenario sounds all too familiar, it might be time to consider liposuction with Dr. Kahlil Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery. Liposuction is one of the most sought-after procedures for patients who want to reduce stubborn body fat and create an appealing body contour. With a one-on-one consultation and a discussion of your cosmetic goals, you can decide whether liposuction is right for you.

How Does Liposuction Work?

Certain localized fatty deposits can be unresponsive to diet and exercise, which might be contributing to your frustration when you don’t achieve the results you want. Liposuction targets these deposits, using a narrow, straw-like tube called a cannula with a suction device to remove excess fat from under the skin.

Liposuction hones in on fat specifically, permanently removing it from the body without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. Awkward bulges, lumps or love handles are flattened as the bulky fat that causes them is eliminated during your liposuction procedure. As a result, your body’s curves and contours are improved, and hopefully your self-esteem is boosted as well.

Liposuction is considered a minimally invasive procedure because it uses very small incisions to access your body fat rather than needing a more significant procedure. Due to the low risk of this type of procedure, liposuction can easily be combined with other, more invasive cosmetic procedures such as a breast augmentation, breast reduction or tummy tuck. It is common to provide liposuction with surgeries like these to help patients achieve a more sculpted figure overall, rather than focusing on a single body part.

Dr. Andrews can expertly use liposuction to reduce fat in many areas, including:

  • Abdomen
  • Thighs
  • Lateral thighs- “saddlebags”
  • Knees
  • Upper arms
  • Hips
  • Waist- “love handles”
  • Chest
  • Chin and neck
  • Calves

Liposuction treats each area individually and streamlines them to match the rest of your physique. With close attention to detail, Dr. Andrews eliminates areas of unwanted fat and produces the ideal contour for your body type and frame.

Are You a Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is an effective and safe procedure for a wide variety of body sculpting patients. Those who benefit most from liposuction are patients who are near their ideal weight, have adequate skin elasticity and have a realistic vision for their results. Since liposuction removes fat via a cannula and suction, it works best for patients who have clearly delineated and concentrated areas of fat.

However, there are some cases where we may not recommend liposuction right away or we may recommend a different procedure. Liposuction cannot be a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise. We discourage our patients from thinking of liposuction as a weight loss solution; rather, it is a body contouring procedure that can improve your shape but not necessarily your weight. We may suggest working further toward your goal weight before choosing liposuction.

Additionally, though liposuction is an excellent option for reducing excess fat, it will not tighten the skin. Therefore, the procedure is generally more effective in patients who have tighter skin around the region being treated. Loose skin may not respond satisfactorily to liposuction and could require additional surgery to correct. If you have excess or sagging skin due to pregnancy or drastic weight loss, we may encourage you to consider a tummy tuck or other lift in conjunction with your liposuction. There are some non-invasive treatments that can tighten skin after liposuction such as Endymed 3Deep, which we offer at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery.

Finally, liposuction is also ineffective in treating cellulite or stretch marks. Sometimes, laser skin treatments can help reduce their appearance — during your consultation, Dr. Andrews and his staff can evaluate your skin and concerns and determine whether there is a procedure that can tighten and restore your skin’s texture. Diet, exercise and good skin care are also often helpful in reducing cellulite and stretch marks.

Your Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction begins with a personal consultation in Dr. Andrews’ office, where you can discuss your cosmetic concerns and your aesthetic goals. Dr. Andrews will examine the quality of your skin and determine whether liposuction will meet your expectations. Afterward, Dr. Andrews will explain procedural details along with what you can expect during your recovery, as well as the results you can anticipate once you have fully healed.

Liposuction is most often performed under general anesthesia, and uses a hollow cannula and vacuum to suction fat out of your body. Dr. Andrews makes inconspicuous incisions around the treatment area, inserts the cannula and moves it back and forth in a controlled motion to dislodge the fat. As your fat cells become loosened, they are suctioned through the cannula and out of your body, removing them permanently. Although most commonly performed under general anesthesia, liposuction can also be performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation if smaller areas are to be treated.

When your procedure is complete, Dr. Andrews will wrap the treatment area in a compression garment to help ease any swelling. You will need to spend some time in our recovery room while your anesthesia wears off, and you will need a trusted friend or loved one to drive you home.

Recovering from Liposuction

Dr. Andrews will give you post-operative instructions once your liposuction is complete, explaining how you should care for your small puncture incisions and ease any pain, swelling or other discomfort. Dr. Andrews will prescribe oral pain medications for you to take during the first stages of your healing, and he will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure you are recovering properly. You should plan to take a few days away from work or other regular activities to rest, and you should plan to avoid strenuous activities like exercise for about a month. Dr. Andrews will monitor your recovery and let you know when you are able to resume your usual workout routine.

It may take a few weeks before the swelling subsides enough for you to see your results. In the meantime, you should wear a compression garment in the treated area and avoid high-sodium foods to reduce water retention and bloating. When you have fully recovered, though, your liposuction results should remain permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. In time, you will experience the benefits of a toned body contour, which will improve your confidence and self-image.

For more information about liposuction, or to find out whether the procedure is right for you, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrews at our location in Coralville, Iowa. Dr. Andrews also provides a full range of cosmetic surgical procedures and aesthetic services from tummy tucks to laser skin resurfacing — he is an expert in body contouring and will ensure that you achieve results that meet all of your needs and let you love your body again. Call us today at 319-800-6877 to learn more about what we offer — our helpful staff is available to answer any questions you may have for us.

Dr. Andrews proudly serves the community of Cedar Rapids and the neighboring towns of Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, Waterloo and the Quad Cities.


Click the button to the right to view more before and afters.

Before & Afters

January 11, 2017

Dear Dr. Andrews,
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*
5.0
2017-01-11T13:02:59-06:00
Dear Dr. Andrews, Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*

Everything is great!!

Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*
5.0
2017-01-22T15:30:46-06:00
Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*

You change peoples’ lives!

You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*
5.0
2017-02-24T14:28:06-06:00
You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews!

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*
5.0
2016-09-28T15:22:01-05:00
I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*

June 26th, 2013

Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*
2015-02-10T19:25:22-06:00
Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*

May 27th, 2013

I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*
2015-02-10T19:25:46-06:00
I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*

May 27th, 2013

I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*
2015-02-10T19:26:11-06:00
I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*

June 1st, 2013

Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*
2015-02-10T19:26:35-06:00
Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*

Jan 24th, 2013

Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*
2015-02-10T19:26:55-06:00
Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*

Nov 2nd, 2012

I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*
2015-02-10T19:27:28-06:00
I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*

Oct 29th, 2012

Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*
2015-02-10T19:27:54-06:00
Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*

Extraordinary doctor

Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*
2015-03-30T12:00:04-05:00
Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*

You Rock!!

I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*
2015-03-30T12:00:42-05:00
I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*

You all are the best!

Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*
2015-03-30T12:02:02-05:00
Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*

Amazing!

I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*
2015-03-30T12:02:20-05:00
I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*

With appreciation

With appreciation for putting me back together!*
2015-03-30T12:02:40-05:00
With appreciation for putting me back together!*

I am forever grateful

I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*
2015-03-30T12:03:02-05:00
I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*

Thank You

Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*
2015-03-30T12:03:24-05:00
Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*

April 12, 2016

Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
2016-05-05T11:40:35-05:00
Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
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