Overview
Liposuction remains one of the most effective and popular body contouring procedures available, and at The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu, Dr. John C. Ferguson, MD, FACS, offers both traditional liposuction and SmartLipo laser-assisted liposuction to give patients the most precise, customized fat removal and body sculpting results possible.
SmartLipo is an advanced laser-assisted liposuction technology that uses laser energy to liquefy fat cells before removal, allowing for more precise fat extraction with less tissue trauma than traditional liposuction alone. The laser energy also stimulates collagen contraction in the skin, producing a skin-tightening effect that traditional liposuction cannot achieve. For patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, this dual action — fat removal plus skin tightening — can eliminate the need for additional skin-tightening procedures.
As a quintuple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Ferguson approaches liposuction as a sculpting procedure, not simply a fat-removal exercise. His five board certifications — including the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the only board dedicated exclusively to cosmetic surgery of the body — reflect the comprehensive training and aesthetic judgment necessary to produce smooth, natural contours that enhance your body’s natural proportions.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you have localized fat deposits that resist diet and exercise; are at or near a stable, healthy weight; have good skin elasticity (for traditional liposuction) or mild to moderate skin laxity (SmartLipo’s skin-tightening capability can address this); and desire improved contour in specific body areas.
Common treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks (“love handles”), hips, thighs (inner and outer), arms, back, bra rolls, chin and neck (submental area), male chest (gynecomastia), and knees.
Liposuction is not a weight loss solution. It is a precision contouring procedure designed to remove stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to a healthy lifestyle. The ideal candidate is within approximately 30 percent of their goal weight and seeking specific improvements to body shape.
The Procedure — What to Expect
Dr. Ferguson performs liposuction and SmartLipo procedures at his AAAHC-accredited facility in Honolulu. Depending on the extent of treatment, the procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
SmartLipo Laser-Assisted Liposuction
SmartLipo begins with the insertion of a small laser fiber through a tiny incision. The laser energy is delivered directly to the fat cells, liquefying them for gentler, more precise removal. The laser simultaneously heats the underside of the skin, stimulating collagen production and causing the skin to contract and tighten as it heals. The liquefied fat is then removed through a small cannula.
Advantages of SmartLipo over traditional liposuction include less bruising and swelling due to reduced tissue trauma, skin-tightening effect from collagen stimulation, smaller incisions, potentially faster recovery, and precision fat removal in delicate areas such as the chin and neck.
Traditional Liposuction
For larger volumes of fat removal or areas where laser-assisted technology is not necessary, Dr. Ferguson uses tumescent liposuction with power-assisted techniques. Tumescent fluid (containing local anesthetic and adrenaline) is infused into the treatment area to minimize bleeding and discomfort, and fat is removed through strategic cannula movements that create smooth, even contours.
Combination Approach
Dr. Ferguson frequently combines SmartLipo and traditional liposuction techniques within a single procedure, using laser assistance in areas where skin tightening is beneficial and traditional methods where larger volume removal is needed. Liposuction is also commonly combined with tummy tuck surgery for comprehensive body contouring.
Recovery and Results
Days 1–3: Mild to moderate soreness, similar to a deep muscular workout. Compression garments are worn immediately and continue for several weeks. Most patients are mobile the same day and can perform light activities.
Week 1: Swelling and bruising are present but manageable. SmartLipo patients typically experience less bruising than traditional liposuction patients. Most patients return to desk work within three to five days.
Weeks 2–4: Compression garments continue to support contouring. Swelling begins to subside noticeably. Light exercise resumes at two to three weeks.
Weeks 4–6: Most patients are cleared for full exercise by four to six weeks. The body contour becomes increasingly visible as swelling resolves.
Months 3–6: Final results emerge as all residual swelling resolves and, for SmartLipo patients, skin tightening continues as collagen remodeling progresses. The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated and will not regenerate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SmartLipo and regular liposuction?
SmartLipo uses laser energy to liquefy fat before removal and to stimulate skin tightening through collagen contraction. Traditional liposuction relies on mechanical suction alone. Dr. Ferguson often uses SmartLipo for areas where skin tightening is desirable and in smaller, more delicate areas like the chin and neck.
Is the fat removal permanent?
Yes. The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated. However, remaining fat cells can enlarge with significant weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight is essential to preserving your results. Dr. Ferguson counsels all liposuction patients in Honolulu on the importance of a healthy lifestyle after their procedure.
How much fat can be removed during liposuction?
The safe volume of fat removal depends on the patient’s size, health, and the areas being treated. Dr. Ferguson follows established safety guidelines and prioritizes patient safety above all else. For patients requiring very large-volume fat removal, he may recommend staging the procedure across multiple sessions.
Can liposuction treat cellulite?
Traditional liposuction does not effectively treat cellulite. However, SmartLipo’s laser energy can improve skin texture to some degree. For significant cellulite concerns, Dr. Ferguson may recommend complementary treatments during your consultation in Hawaii.
Will I have visible scars from liposuction?
Liposuction incisions are very small — typically three to four millimeters — and are strategically placed in natural creases or inconspicuous locations. They fade to nearly invisible marks within a few months.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. Liposuction is frequently combined with tummy tuck, breast surgery, and other body contouring procedures. It is a core component of many mommy makeover plans that Dr. Ferguson designs for his Honolulu patients.
Why Choose Dr. Ferguson for Liposuction
Liposuction results depend entirely on the surgeon’s skill in removing fat evenly and sculpting natural contours. Too much removed in one area, too little in another, and the result is lumpy, uneven, or disproportionate. Dr. Ferguson’s 25 years of body contouring experience, combined with his certification by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery — the only board focused exclusively on cosmetic surgery of the body — means he brings both technical precision and refined aesthetic judgment to every case. His investment in SmartLipo technology reflects his commitment to offering Honolulu patients the most advanced options available, and his AAAHC-accredited facility ensures the highest safety standards.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ferguson at The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu. Call (808) 521-1999 or book online.