Liposuction and Liposculpture

Liposuction postoperative compression garment
BODY SURGERY

Liposuction and liposculpture in Valencia

The Definitive Guide to Liposuction with no visible scars in Valencia, with Dr. Alberto Sánchez García

If you are looking for excellence in body contouring, liposuction in Valencia has evolved into a procedure of high technical precision and natural results. At Alsaga Plastic Surgery, with Dr. Alberto Sánchez García, we understand that every body tells a unique story. Our goal is not to transform who you are, but to sculpt your figure so that it reflects your best version, eliminating those stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise.

Whether you reside in the city of Valencia, in other towns within Valencia, or visit us from other provinces in Spain (mainly Castellón, Alicante, Cuenca, Teruel, and Albacete) looking for the best specialists, this definitive guide is designed to answer absolutely all your questions. Here you will find the most rigorous, transparent, and detailed information about liposuction and liposculpture.

If you are looking for the best plastic surgeon in Valencia for liposuction and liposculpture, this information will help you make an informed decision.

Introduction: Your Safety and Results in Expert Hands

The decision to undergo a plastic surgery intervention requires absolute trust in the medical team. Dr. Alberto Sánchez García is a leading plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon, with an extensive career in both public healthcare (Hospital La Fe in Valencia) and private practice. His approach combines scientific rigor, innovation in surgical techniques, and a humane, approachable bedside manner.

At Alsaga Plastic Surgery, the approach to liposuction is not simply based on “extracting fat,” but on three-dimensional liposculpture. We analyze your body’s proportions, the quality of your skin, and your bone structure to achieve a harmonious, safe, and aesthetically superior result.

Definition: What is Liposuction really?

Liposuction, also known as lipoaspiration or liposculpture, is a surgical intervention designed to extract localized fat deposits (lipodystrophies) in specific areas of the body. It uses fine cannulas connected to a vacuum system to aspirate subcutaneous adipose tissue.

It is essential to demystify this procedure: liposuction is not a treatment for obesity nor a weight-loss method. It is a body contouring technique. Its purpose is to harmonize the silhouette by removing fat that persists despite maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.

Difference between Liposuction and Liposculpture

Although often used as synonyms, there is a technical nuance:

Liposuction
Strictly refers to the technique of suctioning and removing fat.
Liposculpture
Involves a more artistic approach. Not only is fat extracted from where there is an excess (abdomen, flanks), but often that same fat is purified and infiltrated into areas lacking volume (such as the buttocks), a technique known as lipotransfer or lipofilling.

Indications: Is this surgery for you?

By Dr. Alberto Sánchez García, your plastic surgeon in Valencia.

The success of liposuction at our plastic surgery clinic in Valencia lies in proper patient selection. Dr. Alberto Sánchez García will evaluate your case in a detailed initial consultation.

You are an ideal candidate if you meet the following criteria:

Stable weight
You are close to your ideal weight (with a Body Mass Index - BMI - preferably under 30), and you have maintained this weight stably over the last few months.
Localized fat
You have areas of stubborn fat that do not disappear with diet or training (typically in the flanks, lower abdomen, saddlebags, or double chin).
Good skin elasticity
This is a critical factor. After extracting the fat, the skin must retract and adapt to the new volume. If the skin has a lot of laxity or stretch marks, liposuction alone could worsen the sagging, making a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or body lift more suitable.
Optimal general health
You do not suffer from severe cardiovascular diseases, bleeding disorders, or conditions that compromise healing or the immune system.
Realistic expectations
You understand that the surgery improves contour and proportion, but it does not seek absolute perfection nor does it stop the aging process.

Treatable Body Areas

The versatility of the technique allows treating almost any area of the body:

Upper third
Double chin, neck, arms, and bra roll area.
Middle third
Upper and lower abdomen, flanks (waist), and back.
Lower third
Hips, buttocks, thighs (inner and outer or "saddlebags"), knees, and even ankles and calves.
Approach and Technical Details of the Intervention
At Alsaga Plastic Surgery, we use the most advanced techniques to ensure not only the best aesthetic result but also a faster recovery with less discomfort. The Surgical Process Step by Step

Pre-surgical marking

With the patient standing, the surgeon draws a topographical map of the areas to be treated on the skin.

Anesthesia

Depending on the extent of the liposuction, local anesthesia with sedation, epidural anesthesia, or general anesthesia may be used. Your comfort and safety are priorities.

Incisions

Millimetric incisions (3 to 5 mm) are made in natural body folds or hidden areas, through which the tumescent solution and subsequently the cannula are introduced.

Aspiration

Fat is extracted with controlled and precise movements, sculpting the area.

Closure and bandaging

The incisions are closed with very fine stitches, and a compression garment is immediately placed.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

The success of liposuction depends 50% on the surgery and 50% on strict compliance with postoperative guidelines. At our plastic surgery clinic in Valencia, we accompany you throughout the entire process.

First 24-48 hours: Relative rest and drainage.
It is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and a feeling of intense muscle soreness. It is common for a blood-tinged fluid to drain from the incisions during the first few hours; it is part of the injected tumescent solution. You should maintain relative rest, but gentle walking around the house is recommended to stimulate circulation and prevent blood clots.
Use of the compression garment: It must be worn for 4-6 weeks.
You will leave the operating room wearing a special compression garment. This garment is crucial: it controls edema (swelling), helps the skin adhere to the new muscle contour, and minimizes irregularities. You must wear it 24 hours a day during the first month, taking it off only to shower.
Start of Lymphatic Drainage: From the 4th - 7th day.
We highly recommend starting manual lymphatic drainage sessions by specialized physiotherapists. These gentle massages accelerate the reabsorption of edema, prevent fibrosis (internal hardening of the tissue), and significantly relieve discomfort.
Return to work: Between 5 and 10 days.
Depending on the volume extracted and your type of work, most patients return to their work activities (if they do not involve physical exertion) within a week.
Return to physical exercise: From the 4th week.
You will be able to resume light cardiovascular exercise around the third or fourth week. Weightlifting or high-impact exercises should be postponed until the sixth week, always under the authorization of Dr. Sánchez García.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Liposuction and Liposculpture in Valencia

Answered by Dr. Alberto Sánchez García, your plastic surgeon in Valencia.

We know that searching for information about plastic surgery can be overwhelming. We have compiled and directly answered the most common doubts our patients raise at our plastic surgery clinic in Valencia.

How much weight will I lose with liposuction?

Liposuction is not designed to lose weight, but volume. It is customary to extract between 2 and 4 liters of fat (which equals approximately 2-4 kilos), but the drastic change is noticed in contour centimeters and clothing size, not on the scale.

Can the extracted fat come back?

Fat cells (adipocytes) extracted through suction in adulthood do not regenerate. That specific area will be much more resistant to gaining weight. However, if you gain significant weight after surgery, the remaining fat cells in the body (including those in the operated area) can increase in size.

How much does liposuction in Valencia cost?

The price varies enormously depending on the areas to be treated, the technique used, the type of anesthesia, and the operating room time. In Valencia, a liposuction can range from €1,800 to €9,500. An in-person assessment is essential to provide an exact and final quote.

Are there visible scars left?

The incisions measure just a few millimeters (3-5 mm), and Dr. Alberto Sánchez García strategically places them in natural body folds, near the navel, or in the bikini line so that, once mature, they are practically imperceptible.

Is the recovery after liposuction in Valencia painful?

Rather than acute pain, patients describe the sensation as "muscle soreness" or discomfort in the treated area. This discomfort is perfectly controlled with the regimen of painkillers and anti-inflammatories that we will prescribe upon discharge.

What is Vaser or ultrasonic liposuction?

It is an advanced technique that emits ultrasound waves through the cannula to liquefy the fat before aspirating it. This allows fat to be extracted much more gently, respecting blood vessels and nerves, which translates into less bruising and better skin retraction.

What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?

Liposuction only removes subcutaneous fat. A tummy tuck removes excess skin, repairs separated abdominal muscles (diastasis), and also removes fat. If you have excess skin or severe stretch marks on your abdomen, liposuction alone will not be enough and could even worsen the sagging.

Will I have loose skin after the fat is removed?

It depends on your skin's natural elasticity, your age, your genetics, and your habits (such as smoking). The surgeon will evaluate this meticulously before the operation.

When will I see the final results?

Although you will notice an almost immediate reduction in volume, the body will be swollen. At 3 weeks, you will see a very noticeable change, but the final result, when the skin has fully retracted and the inflammation has completely disappeared, is evaluated between 6 and 12 months.

Can I use the extracted fat to put it somewhere else?

Yes, it is one of the most requested procedures. It is called lipofilling or lipotransfer. The extracted fat is decanted and purified in the same surgical act and infiltrated to augment and round the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), breasts, or to rejuvenate the face.

Is general or local anesthesia used?

It depends on the extent. For small areas (like the double chin or knees), local anesthesia is sufficient. If it is a full abdomen with flanks, an epidural or mild general anesthesia is usually used to guarantee the patient's maximum safety and comfort.

How long does the surgery take in the operating room?

A liposuction can last from 1 hour (for a small area) to 4 or 5 hours if it is a circumferential high-definition liposculpture (abdomen, back, flanks, and fat transfer to the buttocks).

Do I have to stay admitted to the hospital?

In small or medium interventions, the procedure is outpatient, and you can go home the same day after a few hours of recovery. For more extensive surgeries, we recommend an overnight hospital stay for monitoring and pain management.

What are lymphatic drainage massages?

They are very gentle manual massages that stimulate the lymphatic system to help the body eliminate excess inflammatory fluid and blood remnants. They prevent the formation of seromas, reduce recovery time, and avoid fibrosis (hard lumps under the skin).

Can the entire legs be treated (lipedema)?

Liposuction is the surgical treatment of choice for lipedema (a chronic disease causing a disproportionate accumulation of fat in the limbs). It requires a specific technique (WAL - water-assisted liposuction) to protect the lymphatic vessels in the legs.

Does cellulite disappear with liposuction?

No. Liposuction removes deep fat. Cellulite is a structural problem of the skin and superficial fat (fibrous septa pull the skin down creating dimples). Although the volume decreases, cellulite dimples may persist or even become more evident. There are other specific treatments for cellulite.

When can I shower again?

Generally, you can shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, depending on your surgeon's instructions. You will need to take off the garment, wash with mild soap, dry the incisions well, and put the garment back on immediately.

Is liposuction dangerous?

Any surgery carries risks (infection, bleeding, reactions to anesthesia). However, when performed in an accredited hospital setting by a board-certified plastic surgeon (like Dr. Alberto Sánchez García) and with a thorough preoperative evaluation, it is a very safe procedure.

Does liposuction affect a future pregnancy?

Not at all. However, if you plan to get pregnant in the short term, it is usually recommended to postpone abdominal liposuction, as skin stretching and weight gain during pregnancy can alter the results of the surgery.

What is postoperative fibrosis?

It is a hardening of scar tissue under the skin. It is a normal response of the body, but if left uncontrolled, it can cause tactile irregularities. It is prevented and treated by wearing the compression garment for the indicated time and receiving post-surgical drainage and radiofrequency massages.

Can I smoke before and after the operation?

Smoking is strictly prohibited for at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the intervention. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow to the tissues, dramatically increasing the risk of skin necrosis, poor wound healing, and infections.

What are the most common complications?

The most common ones are minor and temporary: bruising, temporary changes in skin sensation (numbness), and small asymmetries or contour irregularities that, in most cases, resolve with time and massages.

Are there age limits for this surgery?

There is no numerical limit, but skin quality tends to worsen with age. In patients over 60, it is vital to thoroughly evaluate skin elasticity and overall health status (cardiovascular risk).

Is it normal to have "numb" skin?

Yes, it is completely normal. The cannulas, when extracting fat, irritate the small sensory nerves in the skin. That feeling of numbness or lack of sensation can last from a few weeks to several months, but it gradually recovers 100%.

How should I sleep during the first few days?

It will depend on the treated areas. If the abdomen has been liposuctioned, it is advisable to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees to avoid tensing the area. If a fat transfer to the buttocks was performed, you should sleep on your stomach to avoid putting pressure on the grafted fat.

Does liposuction in Valencia treat back "love handles"?

Yes, and with excellent results. The back area (posterior flanks) responds very well to liposuction because the skin in that area is usually very thick and has a great capacity for retraction, especially if Vaser technology is used.

What is a 360 liposuction in Valencia?

It is a comprehensive approach that treats the entire torso in a single intervention. It includes the abdomen (upper and lower), lateral flanks, and the entire back. The goal is to sculpt the waist from all angles to achieve an "hourglass" figure.

Can I sunbathe after the surgery?

You should avoid direct sun exposure (and UVA rays) on the treated areas and especially on the scars while there is bruising or redness, which usually lasts 4 to 8 weeks. The sun can pigment bruises, leaving permanent dark spots on the skin.

What preoperative tests do I need?

As with any major surgery, a complete blood test (including coagulation tests), an electrocardiogram (ECG), and, depending on your age and medical history, a chest X-ray are required.

Do I have to follow a diet after the operation?

There is no restrictive diet, but a high-protein, low-sodium diet is recommended during the first month to aid healing and minimize fluid retention. Maintaining healthy habits long-term is vital to preserving the results.

Why is the first assessment appointment so important?

Because there are no "standard packages." Dr. Sánchez García will evaluate your anatomy, measure your body fat percentage, study your skin, and explain which technique is right for you and what expectations are realistic for your specific body.

What happens if I have irregularities or indentations left?

In expert hands, this is rare, but if it occurs after the healing period is over (6-12 months), small irregularities can be corrected with minor in-office procedures, injecting small amounts of fat or hyaluronic acid, or through a very light touch-up liposuction.

When will I be able to wear my normal clothes?

During the first month, you will have to wear the garment under your clothes (they are usually discreet). From the 4th or 6th week, when you take off the garment, you will be able to wear your normal clothes, noticing that many garments will fit you more loosely.

Can liposuction be done in the summer?

Surgery can be performed at any time of the year. However, the uninterrupted use of the compression garment for a month can be more uncomfortable in the summer heat. For this reason, many patients in Valencia prefer to schedule these surgeries between autumn and spring.

Is there any non-surgical alternative that gives the same results?

No. Aesthetic treatments such as cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, or cavitation can slightly improve the appearance or reduce small accumulations, but no non-invasive technology can match the volume extraction and sculpting capacity of surgical liposuction.

Can men get liposuction?

Of course. It is one of the most requested aesthetic surgeries by men. The most common areas are the abdomen, flanks, and pectoral area, to treat pseudogynecomastia (accumulation of fat in the male chest).

Are compression garments custom-made?

Medical-grade prefabricated garments are usually used, but they are available in a multitude of sizes and designs depending on the operated areas. At the clinic, we will provide you with (and include in the price) the appropriate garment and adjust its size.

What is a seroma?

It is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid under the skin, in the space where the fat used to be. It manifests as a soft lump or fluctuating fluid. It is prevented by compression and massages, but if it appears, the surgeon drains it simply and painlessly in the office with a syringe.

How long does it take for the scar stitch to close?

The incisions are so small that they usually close superficially in less than a week. The stitches (if they are not absorbable) are usually removed between 7 and 10 days after surgery.

Why choose Alsaga Plastic Surgery in Valencia?

Because we combine deep technical knowledge, backed by the training of Dr. Alberto Sánchez García and his team, with top-tier hospital facilities. Our commitment does not end in the operating room; we provide close postoperative follow-up to ensure that your recovery is impeccable and the result exceeds your expectations.

Taking the step towards improving your body contour is an important decision. At Alsaga Plastic Surgery, we guarantee honesty, medical rigor, and the constant search for proportion and natural beauty.

The medical information contained in this article is for guidance purposes and does not replace, under any circumstances, an in-person consultation with our plastic surgeon. Request an appointment and let’s talk.

Dr. Alberto Sánchez García | Plastic surgeon in Valencia

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