What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a safe and effective cosmetic surgery designed to remove unwanted fat deposits and sculpt a slimmer, more contoured appearance. It was first developed in 1977 by Dr. Gerard Illouz in Paris and introduced in the U.S. in 1982. Today, it remains one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures due to its ability to eliminate fat with minimal scarring.
Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez has performed hundreds of liposuction procedures, utilizing advanced techniques for smoother, more precise results. His method employs thin 3mm cannulas, which allow for detailed contouring without the need for post-op massages.
Every liposuction procedure is performed with IV sedation administered by board-certified anesthesiologists for the safest experience. Plus, all patients have direct access to Dr. Rodriguez’s cell phone post-surgery, ensuring a high level of personalized care.
What is Lipo 360?
Lipo 360 is a comprehensive liposuction approach that removes fat around the entire waistline – including the abdomen, flanks, and lower back – to create a 360-degree body contouring effect. It is a full-circle approach used to sculpt the body, creating a slimmer, more contoured appearance.
Areas of Liposuction
Liposuction can be performed in several areas, including:
- Abdomen
- Flanks (love handles)
- Upper back
- Lower back
- Scapular area
- Upper arms
- Neck
- Outer and inner thighs
- Banana roll
- Inner knees
- Sacral area
What problems does Liposuction address?
How do I get rid of these saddle bags?
Liposuction is ideal for people who have stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to diet or exercise. However, it is not a weight-loss solution and does not address loose skin or poor muscle tone.
Patients with poor skin elasticity may be better candidates for a Tummy Tuck.
How is the Liposuction procedure performed?
Dr. Rodriguez exclusively uses the Tumescent technique with thin 3mm cannulas for safer, more precise fat removal and smoother results.
Best plastic surgeon I know! He knows how to contor a woman's body to perfection.
Nicole J.
Step-by-Step Process
- Tumescent Solution: A mix of lidocaine and epinephrine is injected into the area to numb tissue, reduce bleeding, and make fat removal safer.
- Fat Removal: A combination of manual and power-assisted suction removes fat evenly through small incisions with thin cannulas.
- Thin Cannula Precision: Using 3mm cannulas ensures smoother results and more precise contouring. There is no need for post-op lymphatic massages because the thin cannulas minimize tissue damage and fluid collection.
What Type of Anesthesia is Used?
The type of anesthesia depends on the size of the treated area.
- Local anesthesia is used for small areas.
- IV sedation is preferred for larger areas, providing faster recovery and a lower risk profile than general anesthesia.
Extraction of Fat with Thin Cannulas
Once the area is numbed with the tumescent solution, I insert thin 3mm cannulas through tiny incisions to remove the fat. These tiny incisions are only 1/4" - 1/2" long and they are placed very strategically into hidden areas such as the buttock fold. In nearly all patients, these tiny incisions close completely and do not leave any type of mark or scar.
I use very precise extraction pressures. Fat is collected in 1-liter medical containers. Each liter holds 1000cc of fat.
How Much Fat is Removed?
Dr. Rodriguez typically removes 4-5 liters of fat in one session. Thanks to the tumescent solution, even large quantities of fat can be removed safely. The current limit for fat removal is 5 liters per session, set by QuadA, a certification agency for Surgery Centers. This 5-liter rule went into effect in 2014.
How Much Weight Do I Lose?
The weight loss depends on the area treated. You can read more about this at How much fat is taken out during Liposuction?
Here are average fat amounts removed per area:
- Stomach: 2 pounds
- Love handles: 1-2 pounds
- Inner thighs: 1 pound
- Outer thighs: up to 2 pounds
- Upper back: up to 1.5 pounds
- Upper arms: up to 1 pound
Why Do Thin Cannulas Matter?
Using thin 3mm cannulas allows for finer contouring similar to using a small paintbrush for more detailed work. While it takes longer to remove fat with smaller cannulas, the results are smoother and recovery is easier, making the extra time in the operating room worth it.
What are the preoperative requirements?
Before your procedure:
- Stop smoking at least 2 weeks prior.
- Avoid aspirin and herbal supplements for two weeks
- Make sure your BMI is below 35 kg/m².
- Schedule a medical clearance within 30 days of your surgery
- Attend a pre-op appointment to review your surgical plan
- Fill all prescriptions
Make sure your surgeon is board-certified and your surgery facility is accredited. Dr. Rodriguez’s facility is accredited by both QuadA and Medicare, ensuring high safety standards.
What is Liposuction Post-Op recovery like?
After surgery, you’ll wear a custom compression garment to promote healing.
Recovery Timeline:
- Day 1-5: Rest and wear the compression garment at all times. No showers.
- Day 5: Follow-up visit to remove the garment and pads. You can now shower.
- Week 2-4: Continue wearing the garment for 12 hours a day and slowly resume activities.
Do I Need Drains or Massages?
No. Dr. Rodriguez’s technique with thin cannulas prevents fluid build-up, eliminating the need for drains or post-op massages.
What are the risks and possible complications?
Liposuction is generally safe. Minor complications can include contour irregularity or fluid collection.
More serious risks, although rare, include infection or pulmonary embolism. Dr. Rodriguez’s technique helps minimize these risks.
How much does Liposuction cost?
| Type of Liposuction | 2025 Liposuction Prices |
|---|---|
| Jawline and Neck (local anesthesia) | approx. $3,300 |
| One area (IV anesthesia) | $4,000 to $5,000 |
| Lipo 360: abdomen and flanks | approx. $7,500 - $8,100 |
| 5 Liter Lipo (Maximum fat removed from torso) | approx. $8,900 |
Total costs include the surgeon's fee, operating room fee, anesthesia fee, and post-op garments.
Can I finance my Liposuction?
Yes, we offer 6 month, no interest financing to make your procedure more affordable. Call us at 410-404-8100 or see our financing page for additional financing information.
Liposuction is all about precision, safety, and achieving natural-looking results—and that’s exactly what you’ll get with Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez in Baltimore. His expertise in body contouring and advanced liposuction techniques means every procedure is customized to enhance your shape, not just remove fat.
It has been 5 weeks and I see great definition in my waist, my stomach is flat and my bra rolls are gone!!
realself patient
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BOOK A COURTESY CONSULT TODAY!
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Board Certified Plastic Surgery, ASPS Member
NOTICE
Patients depicted in our before and after galleries have provided their written consent to display their photos online. Every patient is unique, and surgical results may vary. Please contact us if you have any questions.