For nearly five decades, the board-certified plastic surgeons of Edina Plastic Surgery have helped patients throughout the Twin Cities refine the shape of their bodies through liposuction. Founded in 1977, our practice has watched this fat removal procedure grow into one of the most requested forms of body contouring in the country, and we have refined our approach right alongside it. Today, that means offering more than one path to eliminate stubborn fat.
Depending on your body sculpting goals, you may be a candidate for traditional liposuction, LipoAI laser-assisted lipolysis, or a combination of either with another procedure.
What Liposuction Does for Your Body
Liposuction removes stubborn pockets of fat that hold on no matter how consistent you are with diet and exercise. Those pockets are not a matter of willpower. Genetics, hormones, pregnancy, and the slow shift in metabolism that comes with age all influence where the body stores fat and how firmly it keeps it. Liposuction addresses the deposits that resist every other effort, then reshapes the area so it sits in better proportion with the rest of your figure.
Liposuction is a contouring tool, not a weight-loss method, and it works best when you are already close to a stable, healthy weight. The goal is definition and balance rather than a lower number on the scale. Commonly treated areas include the abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, arms, back, and under the chin. In some cases, the fat that is removed can be purified and used to add volume elsewhere, such as during a Brazilian Butt Lift or breast fat grafting.
Two Approaches to Fat Removal
The right method depends on your body, your goals, and how much fat and loose skin are involved. For a closer look at how the two differ, our plastic surgeons break it down in Traditional Liposuction vs LipoAI: 3 Key Differences to Consider.
Traditional Liposuction
Traditional liposuction is the proven, versatile version of the procedure that has earned its reputation over decades. Your plastic surgeon makes small, discreet incisions, then uses a thin cannula to loosen and suction away fat. It remains the strongest choice when a larger volume of fat needs to come out or when broader areas of the body are being reshaped.
You can read the full details on our liposuction page.
LipoAI Laser-Assisted Lipolysis
LipoAI pairs laser energy with artificial intelligence that responds to your tissue in real time. The laser emits wavelengths that are specifically absorbed by the fat and water present in the dermal layer of the skin. Absorption of this energy results in dissolution of fat and production of collagen in the dermis, resulting in contraction of the skin.
That combination makes it a strong option for smaller, precise zones like the neck or upper arms, and for patients who want fat removal with some skin tightening but do not need excess skin removed surgically. Dr. Stewart has been a driving force behind LipoAI at Edina Plastic Surgery, as detailed in our introduction to LipoAI.
More details about this procedure live on our LipoAI page.
How Your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Helps You Choose
No two bodies respond to fat removal the same way, and the best results come from matching the method to the person in front of us.
“Liposuction and LipoAI aren’t competing procedures. They’re different tools for different situations,” says Dr. Christine Stewart, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery. “Someone removing a larger volume of fat is often best served by traditional liposuction, while a patient who wants to smooth a smaller area and firm the skin at the same time may be a wonderful candidate for LipoAI. Part of my job in a consultation is helping you understand which one fits your goals.”
Good candidates for either procedure are in good general health, non-smokers (or willing to quit for a few months), and near their goal weight, with skin quality being one of the factors your surgeon evaluates. Every procedure is performed in our accredited surgical facility, which offers a level of safety and oversight that not every practice maintains.
Liposuction and LipoAI FAQ
Will liposuction or LipoAI get rid of cellulite?
No. Cellulite comes from fibrous bands that tether the skin to deeper tissue, not from the fat that liposuction and LipoAI remove, so neither procedure is a cellulite treatment. Removing fat beneath dimpled skin can sometimes make the surface look less even, which is one reason a consultation is vital.
How long does recovery take after liposuction or LipoAI?
Most people return to desk work and light activity within a few days to a week, then ease back into exercise over the following weeks as swelling settles. Because LipoAI dissolves fat before removing it, many patients notice less bruising and a gentler recovery, though your exact timeline depends on how many areas were treated and how much fat was removed. You will wear a compression garment during early healing to support the tissue and limit swelling.
When will I see my final liposuction results, and will they last?
Contour improvements appear as swelling goes down over several weeks, and they continue to refine for a few months. LipoAI patients also see gradual skin tightening as collagen rebuilds, usually over the course of six months. The fat cells that are removed do not come back, so your results are lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight, since the fat cells that remain can still enlarge if you gain weight.
How much fat can be removed during one procedure?
For safety, reputable practices limit outpatient fat removal to about 5 liters in a single session. If you need more than that to reach your goal, your surgeon may recommend dividing the work into separate sessions rather than pushing past a safe limit. Your plan is always built around your health and safety first.
Can I combine other procedures with liposuction or LipoAI?
Yes. Liposuction or LipoAI pairs well with other procedures and is frequently combined with a tummy tuck, Mommy Makeover, arm lift, or thigh lift to address fat and loose skin in a single surgery.
Does insurance cover liposuction, and is financing available?
Liposuction and LipoAI are cosmetic procedures, so they are generally not covered by insurance. To make treatment prices more manageable, we offer several financing plans that let you spread the cost over time. Our team is happy to walk you through the options during your visit.
Book Your Liposuction or LipoAI Appointment
If you are ready to see which approach fits your body and your goals, the board-certified surgeons of Edina Plastic Surgery are here to help. Book your appointment online or call 952-260-0055
