Liposuction in Gig Harbor, WA
Targeted body contouring with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Liposuction
Even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, stubborn fat deposits in certain areas of the body can be remarkably resistant to change. Liposuction is one of the most versatile and commonly performed procedures in plastic surgery — and when performed by a skilled surgeon, it can produce a dramatic improvement in body contour and proportion.
Dr. Larsen takes a personalized approach to liposuction, selecting the technique best suited to your anatomy, the areas being treated, and the results you're looking for.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Liposuction may be right for you if you:
Have localized fat deposits that don't respond to diet or exercise
Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
Have good skin elasticity — skin that will contract smoothly after fat removal
Are not looking for a weight loss solution, but rather improved contour and proportion
Are in good overall health with realistic expectations
Liposuction is a contouring procedure, not a weight loss treatment. The best candidates are those who are already living a healthy lifestyle but want to address specific areas that remain disproportionate. Dr. Larsen will assess your skin quality, fat distribution, and goals during consultation to determine whether liposuction is the right approach for you.
Procedure Overview
Surgery is performed at an accredited outpatient facility and patients return home the same day.
Duration: 1–3 hours depending on the number of areas treated
Anesthesia: General, or local with sedation for smaller areas
Technique: Dr. Larsen selects the most appropriate liposuction technique for each patient — options include tumescent, power-assisted (PAL), and water-assisted (WAL) liposuction, chosen based on the area being treated, volume of fat, and your individual anatomy
Incisions: Small, discreet incisions placed in natural skin folds or inconspicuous locations
All techniques use a thin cannula to loosen and remove fat through small incisions, leaving no significant scarring. The choice of technique does not change the result you see — it is a clinical decision made to optimize safety, precision, and recovery for your specific case.
Recovery
Liposuction recovery is generally well-tolerated, particularly for smaller treatment areas. Here's what to expect:
Week 1 Swelling, bruising, and soreness in treated areas are normal. A compression garment is worn and plays an important role in shaping results and reducing swelling. Light walking is encouraged.
Weeks 1–2 Bruising fades and swelling begins to improve. Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities within 1–2 weeks.
Weeks 3–4 Swelling continues to decrease and contour improvements become more visible. Light exercise may resume as directed by Dr. Larsen.
Week 6+ Most normal activities and workouts can fully resume. Compression may be recommended for longer depending on the areas treated.
Final results develop gradually as swelling fully resolves — typically over 3–6 months.
Results
Liposuction produces a permanent reduction in fat cells in the treated areas. Results are long-lasting when weight remains stable.
Improved contour and proportion in treated areas
Clothing fits better and more comfortably
Results become progressively more visible as post-operative swelling subsides
Final contour is typically fully apparent at 3–6 months
It's important to note that while removed fat cells do not return, remaining fat cells in the body can still enlarge with weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight after surgery preserves your results long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is liposuction a weight loss procedure? No. Liposuction removes localized fat deposits and improves body contour — it is not intended as a treatment for obesity or significant weight loss. The best candidates are already close to their goal weight and looking to address specific areas of disproportionate fat.
How much fat can be removed? The volume of fat that can safely be removed in a single session is determined by medical guidelines and individual patient factors. Dr. Larsen will discuss realistic expectations for your specific areas during consultation.
Will my skin look smooth after liposuction? Good skin elasticity is key to a smooth result. Patients with firm, elastic skin typically see the best surface results. In patients with looser skin, liposuction alone may not be sufficient — a skin removal procedure such as an arm lift or thigh lift may be recommended in combination to achieve the desired outcome.
How long do results last? The fat cells removed during liposuction are gone permanently. However, remaining fat cells can grow with weight gain. Patients who maintain a stable weight after surgery enjoy long-lasting results.
Can liposuction treat lipedema? Yes, though lipedema surgery requires a specialized approach focused on pain relief, lymphatic preservation, and staged treatment. Dr. Larsen offers dedicated lipedema care.
What does liposuction cost? Cost depends on the number of areas treated and the complexity of your case. Financing options are available — learn more here.
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your goals, ask questions, and find out if breast augmentation is right for you.