Liposuction, also known as liposculpture, is a body contouring and fat removal procedure that harvests excess unwanted fat to modify the body’s contour and shape. Many people struggle with stubborn fat cells that seem resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is ideal for patients who have fatty deposits that are cosmetically bothersome. While it is not a weight loss procedure, liposuction can help people complete their weight loss journeys by removing small areas of excess fatty tissue to accentuate the new body contours and create a more toned appearance.
The most common areas for liposuction are the flanks, abdomen, and thighs, but other areas like the arms, back, and chest can be treated. Liposuction is also often combined with other cosmetic procedures, including the tummy tuck, Brazilian butt lift, fat injections, and more.
Dr. Timothy Janiga offers two options: standard or traditional liposuction and a form of laser-assisted liposuction using RF energy, which is often used in body contouring procedures such as BodyTite.
Traditional liposuction or suction-assisted liposuction uses a fluid containing a local anesthetic injected into the unwanted fat deposits, then a thin tube called a cannula equipped with vacuum-like suction power to break up and remove localized fat deposits from various areas of the body. This is considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure, since it only requires small incisions to insert the cannula under the skin.
Radio-frequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) not only removes fat cells from targeted areas of the body but also results in skin tightening to address skin laxity (loose skin). During the procedure, a fluid containing local anesthetic is injected into the unwanted fat deposits, and the radio-frequency device is passed through the port site to tighten the overlying skin and heat the fat underneath. Finally, the fat is then removed with a suction cannula through the same port sites as the radio-frequency was administered.
Before patients undergo liposuction at JanigaMDs, they will consult with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Timothy Janiga, where candidacy, goals, and targeted areas are reviewed. He will explain the procedure in greater detail and provide a comprehensive list of instructions about how to prepare for surgery. Individualized treatment plans will be created to remove unwanted fat from specific areas of the body while ensuring smooth contours and a natural-looking result.
For the best results, patients should have good skin elasticity, minimal amounts of excess skin, and strong overall health. They should also be committed to maintaining a stable weight, and ideal candidates are often within 30% of their ideal body weight. Liposuction is suitable for both men and women when they are otherwise good candidates and have realistic expectations, since this procedure is intended to refine body contours rather than serve as a weight-loss solution. Many have already established a healthy diet and exercise routine and are seeking a more sculpted appearance through cosmetic surgery options.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tim Janiga performs liposuction surgery under general anesthesia in a Reno outpatient surgery center for larger areas, or the office procedure suite with sedation or local anesthesia for smaller areas. Small incisions (port sites) are made in the treatment areas, and a cannula is used to remove excess subcutaneous fat; liposuction works by removing pockets of fat from certain areas to improve body shape rather than serve as traditional weight loss. If RF-energy devices are used, they first melt the fat cells for easier removal. Liposuction procedure times can range from one to four hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. In one session, up to 5,000 ml of fat can typically be safely removed, or roughly up to 11 pounds depending on the case.
For patients looking to refine a smaller area, such as the chin, arms, or a limited section of the abdomen or flanks, Dr. Janiga also offers in-office liposuction performed in our office procedure suite using local anesthesia (tumescent), with or without light oral sedation. The tumescent technique numbs the treatment area directly with a dilute local anesthetic solution, allowing fat to be removed without general anesthesia, and is best suited to smaller, more contained treatment zones with modest fat volumes. Larger or multiple treatment areas, cases combined with other procedures, or sessions removing greater volumes of fat are performed under general anesthesia at Mountain West Surgical Center, our accredited outpatient surgery center. This distinction is about safety as much as scope: the American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises that liposuction performed under anesthesia beyond minor local anesthesia or mild oral sedation should take place in an accredited surgical facility and considers liposuction removing more than five liters of total aspirate to carry added risk that calls for a monitored surgical setting. During your consultation, Dr. Janiga will help determine which setting best fits your goals and the extent of the procedure you’re considering.
Dr. Timothy Janiga is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience and countless patient success stories. His calm, expert, and meticulous approach has transformed the lives of both cosmetic and reconstruction patients, helping them feel good in their bodies. Dr. Janiga is an expert in all aspects of plastic surgery and specializes in cosmetic facial surgery, body contouring, and breast surgery.
Recovery time varies based on the size of the treated area and how much fat is removed; early downtime often ranges from two to seven days, while full recovery typically takes four to 12 weeks. During this time, mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness are expected. Patients may be prescribed pain medication, but some patients only need over-the-counter medications to relieve discomfort. Many patients return to work and other normal activities within a few days, depending on the extent of treatment. Patients must avoid strenuous activities for approximately two to three weeks and wear the compression garment we provide to reduce swelling and help their bodies heal properly during liposuction recovery. Staying well hydrated also helps your body flush out treated fat cells. Although uncommon, serious complications can include infection, bleeding, and fat embolism.
For both standard and radio-frequency-assisted liposuction, swelling and bruising may take two to three weeks to subside, while minimal swelling may persist for a couple of months. Most patients will see full results after three months, with continuing improvements in skin tightening and contraction for up to a year with RFAL. Liposuction does not remove cellulite, so surface irregularities may still remain in the treated area. It is best for stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond to traditional weight loss methods, not for overall weight loss. To maintain your results, you’ll want to follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise to help preserve your new shape. The removed fat cells do not return, but the remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain after surgery.
Dr. Timothy Janiga is a highly experienced plastic surgeon who trained at top programs, including a residency at the University of Michigan. As a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, he continues to stay educated on the latest surgical techniques and procedures, offering the safest and most effective options to patients in the Reno/Tahoe area. Dr. Janiga is an experienced surgeon whose regular performance of liposuction helps support optimal liposuction results, and his meticulous technique and personalized care help patients achieve the sculpted appearance they desire.
Dr. Janiga’s skill and patient-centered approach have earned him numerous accolades and honors, such as “Top Doctor in Nevada” awards, repeated inclusion among the 10 Best Plastic Surgeons in Nevada for client satisfaction, recognition as a NAOPS Top 10 Plastic Surgeon, and selection as one of “America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 5%.” These distinctions reflect his commitment to patient satisfaction and outcomes that exceed expectations.
JanigaMDs is a standout in the region, uniquely housing both a board-certified plastic surgeon and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Jennifer Janiga. Together, they provide a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments and create long-term treatment plans to create and maintain beautiful results. For patients considering liposuction in Reno, NV, JanigaMDs offers surgical expertise with individualized plans tailored to each person’s goals, whether they want a more contoured appearance through cosmetic surgery or are weighing body sculpting options and other procedures as part of a comprehensive approach. Our dedication to compassionate care and patient comfort makes JanigaMDs a top choice for liposuction in Northern Nevada.
Had an amazing experience with Dr Tim Janiga and his staff. Super friendly and always answered any silly question I had by end of day or faster! […] I had a TT, MR, and Lipo … WOW! So far loving my results! I still had a lot of concerns and questions after surgery, same thing WOW they called me so fast always willing to see me to make sure I was good, I will never go anywhere else. I have already scheduled my next consult for A breast lift and augmentation lol. Hands down best PS in Reno. Both doctors are so professional, perfectionist, and knowledgeable.
Dr Jennifer Janiga is 5 stars in my mind. Always very professional and caring. I am a RN an refer her to all coworkers and friends.
My family and I have seen Dr. Jennifer Janiga many times. She is knowledgeable, caring and honest. Dr. Tim Janiga has cared for me several times and I feel very confident in his skills. They both seem like they are genuinely interested in their patients. They are both very nice people and fine physicians.
For those who have already established their healthy lifestyle but are combatting stubborn pockets of fat cells through their abdomen, thighs, flanks, or other specific areas around the body, liposuction may be the cosmetic surgery to help them achieve their ideal contoured appearance.
For more information or to set up a consultation with Dr. Timothy Janiga for liposuction in our Reno plastic surgery offices, please send us an email or call 775-364-0224.
JanigaMDs is the only practice in Reno where patients can consult with both a board-certified dermatologist and a board-certified plastic surgeon in one visit.
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Dr. Timothy Janiga is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades experience serving the Northern Nevada community. He has been awarded multiple "Top Doctor in Nevada" and patient satisfaction awards. He is a member of several organizations, including American Institute of Plastic Surgeons (AIOPS), American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), as well associated with establishments such as the Nevada State and Washoe County Medical Societies.
Founded in 2010, the team at JanigaMDs has been proven to provide the utmost care for all patients. With an almost 5 star rating over almost 700 reviews, JanigaMDs is the premier aesthetic practice in Northern Nevada.
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