What is Hip Liposuction?

Hip liposuction is a type of liposuction procedure usually employed to remove excess body fat from the hips and thighs. Many people experience body fat accumulation on the hips and thighs, even when other areas of the body remain relatively free of fatty deposits. Often, the accumulation of fatty deposits on the hips and thighs occurs due to genetic predisposition, and it can be hard to remove through diet and exercise alone. Hip liposuction can be an option for those who wish to remove excess body fat from the hip area.

Both men and women can tend to build up body fat on the hips and thighs, and many people believe all of their excess body fat can be found in this region. While diet and exercise can help reduce total body fat, it usually can't entirely remove fatty deposits from one area of the body in particular. Instead, diet and exercise normally work to burn off excess body fat from the entire body at once. This can leave large fatty deposits on the hips and thighs, as well as on other parts of the body where fatty deposits have formed.

Most cosmetic surgeons perform a basic physical exam, including blood work, before performing a hip liposuction. It's generally considered vital that the patient be in good health. Patients are usually advised to avoid using tobacco or alcohol in the weeks before surgery.

The hip liposuction procedure is most often performed as an outpatient procedure, and it usually takes about two hours to complete. General or local anesthetic may be used, according to the surgeon's preference. The surgeon will make small incisions in the hip and thigh area. Hollow tools known as cannulas are typically inserted through these incisions. The cannula is usually attached to a vacuum device, which uses suction to remove fatty tissue from under the skin.

Patients may be asked to wear a supportive garment for a few weeks after undergoing hip liposuction. This garment assists in the proper healing of the treatment area. While patients are usually asked to resume normal movement right away, they usually can't begin to return to work until at least a week after the procedure. Light physical activity is usually possible two to three weeks after hip liposuction. Full recovery can take up to six months, depending on the patient's age.