How Long Can a Liposuction Procedure Take?

If you're thinking about liposuction, chances are you've already put in work at the gym and in the kitchen — and now you're ready to target the areas that just won't budge. Knowing how long lipo takes and how to prepare for liposuction recovery isn't always as straightforward as it sounds, but it's an important part of the lipo process. At Plastic Surgery Vegas, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins and Dr. Andrew G. Silver tailor liposuction procedures to align with each patient's needs, goals, and anatomy, which means the length of your surgery will vary compared to other patients' lipo timelines. On average, however, you may expect your liposuction fat removal surgery to take up to a few hours. Here, you'll learn more about what factors influence the timing for lipo and how long you can realistically expect for the procedure. 

Why does the liposuction time for surgery vary? 

No two liposuction surgeries are the same.. Some patients only need a small, precise refinement in a single area, while others want more comprehensive body contouring and fat removal surgery across multiple areas. Because of this, one lipo procedure might take under an hour, and another may last several hours. The most common factors that influence liposuction timing include:  

• Number of areas being treated 
• Size and density of fat deposits 
• Type of anesthesia used 
• Whether liposuction is combined with another procedure 
• Surgical technique selected by your provider 

Dr. Higgins and Dr. Silver will walk you through the details of liposuction during your consultation so you know what to expect on the day of surgery, including how long you're under anesthesia for liposuction. 

How long does lipo take with multiple areas? 

Treating a single area with liposuction, like the chin or inner thighs, can often be completed in under an hour. When you're having multiple areas addressed in a single surgery, however — like the abdomen, flanks, and back — the timing can increase fairly significantly. In more comprehensive cases, liposuction may take 3 – 4 hours or longer, especially if general anesthesia is used or if you're combining procedures for a more complete transformation. Still, even longer cases are typically performed on an outpatient basis, so you'll most likely be able to go home the same day after lipo with detailed recovery instructions and a tailored aftercare plan. 

Is there such a thing as too much fat removal with lipo in a single session? 

For liposuction safety and results, there's a recommended limit to how much fat can be removed with lipo at one time. Trying to do too much at once may increase the risk of liposuction complications and affect how smoothly you recover. If you have multiple areas you'd like to address, we may recommend a staged approach or suggest pairing your liposuction with other procedures like skin tightening or lifting techniques to enhance your outcome safely and give you a smooth, slim, younger physique you can enjoy for longer. 

Reimagine your figure and change your life with advanced liposuction in Las Vegas, NV 

At Plastic Surgery Vegas, your liposuction experience can be customized to your body and your goals, including the amount of time needed to do it right. Whether you're targeting one area or several, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins and Dr. Andrew G. Silver will create a tailored liposuction plan that aligns with your vision and lifestyle. To learn more about how long your procedure may take and what transformation may be possible for you with Las Vegas liposuction body sculpting, contact us today.