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What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure that targets and removes stubborn areas of fat. Many people, despite diet and exercise, are prone to specific regions of excess fatty tissue which are exercise resistant. Liposuction safely contours the neck, arms, abdomen, upper back, hips, inner and outer thighs, and knees.

Targeting these areas with liposuction can all be performed through small inconspicuous incisions. Liposuction technology today allows even better contouring than in the past.

Baltimore Liposuction

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

Good candidates for our Baltimore liposuction procedure are men and women in good physical and psychological health who have localized fat and good quality, elastic skin. With lax or overhanging skin, a skin-tightening procedure would probably be necessary.

Liposuction may be combined with tummy tuck surgery, a back lift, a thigh lift or breast augmentation to rejuvenate the entire torso. Combination options are limitless. During the initial consultation you will discuss with female Board-certified Baltimore plastic surgeon, Dr. Michele Shermak, what you would like to improve so she can understand your expectations and determine how to best achieve the desired result.

Liposuction can also be combined with fat transfer procedures, recycling the fat that would otherwise be discarded to add volume and reduce sagging of the breasts, buttocks and face.

Liposuction in Baltimore

Liposuction Lutherville Liposuction Baltimore Liposuction in Baltimore

Liposuction recovery

Liposuction surgery tends to be performed on an outpatient basis. One may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, numbness, and bruising. Patients are up and walking within hours of surgery. Most resume regular activities and return to work after 1 week. Swelling and firmness may take up to a month or two to resolve, and final shape will evolve by the end of the first year.

With focal, limited procedures, individuals undergoing our liposuction in Lutherville may recover in as little as 5 days. Dr. Shermak has had patients return to work within a week after surgery. Some patients may require two weeks for better function with day-to-day activities. Hydration, deep breathing, walking and reduction of pain medication all allow for a more optimal recovery.

Why I love liposuction


Can liposuction improve my silhouette and reduce my clothing size?

Yes! If you have localized fat around your torso, arms and/or thighs – and good quality skin – liposuction can improve your contours and reduce your clothing on average one to two sizes. Healthy diet and exercise after surgery will optimize your outcome further.

There is no direct correlation between fat removed and weight loss, but Dr. Shermak can guarantee reduction in inches and clothing size, as long as the patient resumes a healthy diet and lifestyle after surgery.

The confidence that Dr. Shermak’s patients have gained after undergoing our liposuction in Baltimore makes a world of difference to how they approach people in their personal and professional lives, and how they are perceived by the people around them.

Is surgical liposuction the best way to remove fat cells?

Yes. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise after liposuction surgery, fat cells are removed; and most importantly, the fat cells that remain will not enlarge. While liposuction is not a cure for diabetes or diseases related to obesity, physiologic changes that occur with total body fat reduction may make diabetes onset less likely or reduce medication requirements.

All individuals seeking liposuction surgery need to be assessed for safety and candidacy for the procedure.

Are there other reasonable alternatives to liposuction?

Excisional procedures like a tummy tuck may provide a better alternative. Dr. Shermak can help determine how you can best reach your goals.

Nonsurgical alternatives to liposuction such as CoolSculpting, heating or laser technologies performed in a lunchtime with no downtime cannot approximate the results you can achieve with liposuction in a single procedure for a single cost over a long period of time.

Once the time and money required for nonsurgical liposuction alternatives are calculated, it is obvious that surgical liposuction offers a much better contouring solution over the long term at a reasonable cost and recovery.

Liposuction vs. tummy tuck – What’s the difference?

When patients come to see Dr. Shermak for abdominal and body contouring, the two broad categories considered for each patient include liposuction and tummy tuck.

Liposuction primarily treats the fatty layer of tissue under the skin. While liposuction may conservatively tighten skin, it does not reduce loose skin with stretch marks or after weight loss, and it certainly does not address muscle laxity. Liposuction is an optimal treatment for healthy individuals with localized excess fat in the neck, torso, arms, and thighs who desire minimal scars and maximal contour results.

A tummy tuck involves removal of excess or lax skin with tightening of weakened and/or bulging abdominal muscles, and lifting of a hanging or full pubis and inner thigh region – a more comprehensive contouring approach for the torso in those who need it.

In exchange for the dramatic result with a tummy tuck, there is a scar across the lower abdomen above the pubis (which is well hidden in undergarments and bathing suits) and oftentimes around the belly button. These scars fade over time and are optimized with advice from Dr. Shermak that encompass the first year after surgery.

For some of the best results in liposuction Baltimore has to offer, Dr. Shermak may perform it as an adjunctive procedure to a tummy tuck to more globally improve contour.

Why choose Dr. Shermak for liposuction?

Dr. Michele Shermak is a top-ranked, board-certified plastic surgeon who is known for extraordinary results, understanding patient care, and innovative body contouring and sculpting techniques. Her work with patients who want to slim and shape their physique is always thoughtful and customized, making her a trusted choice for her many satisfied clients.

Liposuction — Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Results of Liposuction Long-Lasting?

Yes. You have a finite number of fat cells in your body and, once removed, those cells will never return. It is important that you make a commitment to yourself to maintain the newly sculpted look with a healthy diet and exercise.

When Will I Notice Results from Liposuction?

Many patients begin to see results as soon as one month following liposuction. As your body begins to heal and swelling dissipates, about ninety percent of the results are achieved within one to three months.

Is Liposuction Safe?

While liposuction is a surgery that involves risks, when compared to other surgical procedures, liposuction is one of the safest. The procedure is minimally invasive and requires only very small incisions.

Can I Have Multiple Areas Treated with Liposuction at One Time?

Absolutely! Dr. Shermak recommends that no more than three or four areas be treated during one procedure in order to minimize the necessary downtime following surgery.

How Should I Prepare for Liposuction?

Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals and drinks, eat healthy foods, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol prior to your procedure to help speed healing.

Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?

Liposuction is designed to slim and sculpt small areas, and it is not a weight loss procedure.

Will there be scars after liposuction?

In many cases there is no scarring. For those who do have a scar, it will be a small dot about the size of a freckle, which will fade over the next few months.

Are the results from liposuction permanent?

Because the fat cells won’t return once they’re removed, the results are considered permanent. However, other fat cells can still grow in other parts of the body.

Are there any risks associated with liposuction?

Like any surgical procedure, liposuction has risks such as infection, numbness, and scarring. The more fat removed, the greater the risks of lumpiness or dents in the skin.

Is recovery after liposuction painful?

There will be some pain and discomfort for the first few days after your procedure that gradually decreases.

What is the ideal weight to have liposuction?

Patients should be within 30 pounds of their ideal weight to have liposuction.

What other procedures can enhance my liposuction results?

A number of other procedures can be done to complement your liposuction procedure, such as a tummy tuck, a Brazilian Butt lift, a thigh lift or other procedures.

How much weight can you lose with liposuction?

While liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, you may lose up to 8-10 pounds, maximum, after the procedure.

Liposuction swelling and discomfort – How long until they resolve after surgery?

Patients often experience swelling and bruising from liposuction surgery. Compressive garments and herbal medications such as Arnica Montana and Bromelain (found in pineapple) recommended by Dr. Shermak reduce initial bruising and swelling. Manual compression and massage help in working out edema and smoothing and softening contour.

You should see improved results at the first visit; however, it may take up to four to six months to see the final result. Healthy diet and exercise assist in taking postoperative results even further. Poor diet and no exercise may impair results.

Is liposuction recovery better using compression garments?

Recovery from liposuction may be faster using compression garments, including binders, girdles and foam padding. Results may ultimately be the same without compression; however, compression may reveal your optimal results sooner. Dr. Shermak will recommend for you the best compression garments to help you achieve your goals as quickly as possible.

If I have liposuction on my “problem areas,” will other areas grow if I gain weight after liposuction?

There is no scientific data to support this urban tale. Having said that, liposuction does reduce fat cell quantity in treated regions, so areas left untreated may be more prone to becoming fatter with weight gain. This theory remains untested, but makes practical sense.

What areas liposuction help reduce fat?

One of the reasons liposuction is so revered is the high degree of customization. The procedure can be performed virtually any area of the body where you have unwanted fat. Some common treatment areas include:

  • Waist & Hips – The waist and “love handles” can be challenging to improve with diet and exercise alone. The skin in the area generally has good elasticity, making it ideal for liposuction. A slimmer waist can also complement the results of a Mommy Makeover or other cosmetic procedures.
  • Abdomen – The upper or lower abdomen are popular areas to treat with liposuction and can help you achieve a flatter, more firm looking tummy zone. When the amount of excess fat is too large or you have poor skin elasticity, a tummy tuck may be a better option.
  • Thighs – Whether you carry excess fat on the inner or outer thighs, liposuction can help. Women often opt to treat their upper inner thighs to create a more youthful, fit, firm look to the lower body. Reducing the quantity of fat creating “saddle bags” on the outer thighs can accentuate your buttocks or give a smoother curve to your leg.
  • Back – Fat in the upper back can result in unflattering “rolls” or bra lines. Reducing the quantity of fat in the area can result in a sleeker silhouette and accentuate a slim waist.
  • Arms – Age often brings with it unwelcome storage of fat in the upper arms that can be difficult to reduce with diet and exercise. Liposuction is a minimally-invasive alternative to a surgical arm lift.
  • Knees – The inner part of the knee is difficult to target with exercise. Liposuction can be performed to reduce frustrating fat in the area and is often treated along with the thighs.
  • Neck – Fat tends to accumulate along the jawline and under the chin, leaving you with a double chin. It can be unflattering or make you look heavier and older in photos. Liposuction on the neck can help redefine your jawline and make you appear slimmer.

Talk to Dr. Shermak about any additional areas of concern, and she will help you put together an individualized treatment plan to reduce areas of unwanted fat with the best results in liposuction Baltimore has to offer.

What are some alternatives to liposuction?

Virtually every area that can be resolved with liposuction has a surgical alternative. A neck lift, arm lift, tummy tuck, or thigh lift can be used to remove excess fat and skin from the respective area. Surgical methods are usually reserved for those who have poor skin elasticity or a large amount of excess fat or lax muscle structure that cannot be resolved with liposuction alone.

Non-surgical treatments like CoolSculpting have recently become popular for fat reduction because it is non-invasive and doesn’t require downtime. No incisions are required and you can immediately return to work, exercise, or other activities.

What is the cost of liposuction in Baltimore?

Liposuction costs vary for each patient depending on which type of liposuction is performed, the amount of areas that are treated, and how much fat needs to be removed. Dr. Shermak will determine your exact treatment plan during your consultation. Our liposuction prices start at $4,600.

Benefits of liposuction over other treatments

Even with the rise of non-surgical treatments, liposuction remains a very popular option. Liposuction can reduce unwanted fat and provide immediate, noticeable results without a long recovery period. Liposuction treatments are typically short, and the incisions typically do not require drains or complex aftercare, although a compression garment is usually involved after treatment.

Non-surgical treatments may be ideal for those who have small amounts of unwanted fat, but most patients with larger fat deposits can achieve better results with liposuction. The minimally-invasive procedure is ideal for those who are apprehensive about a surgical procedure or a longer recovery time.

Taking the first step towards your Liposuction in Baltimore

I am not happy with the results from liposuction surgery performed elsewhere. Although my surgeon came highly recommended, he is not interested in my concerns and I am dissatisfied and disappointed. What should I do?

Come and see one of the top plastic surgeons in liposuction Baltimore, MD has available. Dr. Shermak's body contouring prowess is second to none, having completed a fellowship focused on achieving optimal results for complex body contouring situations. When it comes to unsatisfactory outcomes, Dr. Shermak successfully addresses asymmetry, contour irregularities with over- and under-resected areas, firm spots, and poor scarring.

Dr. Shermak is happy to have a conversation with you, to hear your concerns and see how you can achieve excellent results consistent with your desires. Dr. Shermak is known for the way she connects with her patients, and she will serve as an active resource before, around the time of, and after your liposuction procedure.

1304 Bellona Avenue Suite 100, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

Dr. Michele Shermak offers some of the top cosmetic procedures Baltimore, MD has to offer
including Baltimore breast augmentation & liposuction

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$100 in office consultation fee. If patient decides to go ahead with the treatment, that $100 will be credited towards the procedure

COVID-19 Update 03/15/2022

This is a new day, with new safety protocols. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and respect the continued concerns COVID-19 may present.

The state of Maryland is now fortunately downgraded to Yellow Status. COVID stress on the medical system has lessened and most areas in the state no longer mandate masks.

Currently in our office we are maintaining sterile surfaces and compulsive cleaning protocols – as always. We are requesting information about vaccination status, to particularly better help us prepare for patients interested in surgical procedures.

We are not mandating masks. We do respect our patients’ wishes and will wear a mask when requested to do so. We want our patients to be absolutely comfortable. All of our staff are vaccinated.

This is certainly an evolving issue and we will continue to pivot as COVID statistics change – hopefully for the better! Thank you!