Liposuction in Brookline and Boston, MA
Excess fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, or neck can be difficult to reduce through diet and exercise alone. Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove localized fat and improve body contour.
At Dr. Richard A. Bartlett’s practice in Brookline, we perform liposuction for patients from Boston and beyond who want targeted, long-term fat reduction using established surgical methods.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a fat removal surgery that uses a small, thin tube called a cannula to extract fat from beneath the skin. The procedure addresses localized fat deposits, not overall weight.Â
Common treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, and neck. Liposuction can improve proportions and refine contours, particularly in areas where fat tends to be more resistant.
Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction?
You may be a candidate for liposuction if you’re in good health, near your target weight, and have specific areas of fat that don’t respond to exercise or dietary changes.Â
Candidates often seek:
Abdominal liposuction
Thigh liposuction
Arm liposuction
Neck liposuction
Good skin tone supports better results, and candidates should have realistic expectations about what liposuction can achieve. This procedure does not treat loose skin.
What Happens During Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the treatment areas.Â
Dr. Bartlett begins by making small incisions near the targeted site. A cannula is inserted to break up and remove fat. Once the desired contour is reached, the incisions are closed. The procedure usually takes one to three hours, and most patients go home the same day.
What to Expect After the Procedure
For the first few weeks, you can expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Compression garments are usually worn to minimize swelling and help the skin conform to the new shape.Â
Most patients return to work within a few days, depending on their job. Light activity can resume early, but more strenuous exercise should wait until cleared. Final results emerge gradually as swelling subsides, often within three to six months.
Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction removes stubborn fat from specific areas to improve body proportions. Because the fat cells are permanently removed, the results can be long-lasting with a stable weight.Â
It can reduce bulk in areas like the abdomen, arms, and thighs, or sharpen features such as the jawline and neck. The procedure offers a focused solution for those who want contouring rather than overall weight loss.
“The best things I would say are the results. I am very very happy with the results. There are no scars/marks of any kind and very precise results. Dr. Richard is an excellent surgeon and the surgery results are better than I expected. There are no scars/marks of any kind. Dr.Richard and his staff are very friendly. He is very direct in terms of expectation from the surgery.”
Cost of Liposuction in Brookline and Boston
The cost of liposuction depends on the number of areas treated, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it’s performed alone or alongside another surgery. A detailed cost estimate is provided during your consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Richard A. Bartlett
Dr. Richard A. Bartlett is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Named one of Boston’s Most Trusted Doctors by Boston magazine, he is also a faculty member at the Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency Program. He has held leadership positions at several Boston-area hospitals, including Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Bartlett performs all surgical procedures in a private surgical suite at his Brookline office.
Patients across Boston and New England choose Dr. Bartlett for his direct, measured approach and attention to detail. To explore related treatments, visit the Body Procedures page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do results last?
Fat cells removed during liposuction do not regenerate. Maintaining a consistent weight helps preserve your results over time.
Can liposuction tighten loose skin?
No. Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten skin. If skin laxity is a concern, additional procedures like a tummy tuck may be recommended.
How much fat can be removed?
There are safe limits to the volume of fat that can be removed in one session. Your health and goals determine this during your consultation.
Will I lose weight from liposuction?
Liposuction is not designed for weight loss. It reshapes and refines areas of the body rather than reducing total body weight.
When will I see the final results?
Initial improvements are visible as swelling decreases, typically within a few weeks. Full results appear between three and six months post-surgery.
Schedule a Liposuction Consultation
If you’re considering liposuction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bartlett today. We’ll evaluate your goals and determine whether the procedure is a good fit for you. Visit the consultation page to request your appointment.
Related Procedures
Check out these related procedures
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a body-contouring procedure that primarily involves removing excess fat and skin from the abdomen.
Body Sculpting
Significant weight loss will leave large amounts of loose skin in various areas of the body. We provide comprehensive body contouring after weight loss.