Liposuction with Dr. Claire Duggal
Liposuction
A body-contouring procedure designed to remove localized pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Through small incisions, Dr. Duggal carefully reshapes targeted areas to create smoother, more defined contours and a balanced overall silhouette.
At a glance
Surgeon
Dr. Claire Duggal
Procedure time
Under 1 hour to 3+ hours
Anesthesia
Local, sedation, or general
ProNox available
Yes
Setting
West Annapolis Surgery Center
Home same day
Yes
Light activity
Within a few days
Full activity
2–6 weeks
Final results
About 6 months
What liposuction can treat
Dr. Duggal uses the SAFE® liposuction technique to sculpt areas including the neck, chin, arms, bra roll, back, waist, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. Her technique focuses on smooth, even contouring rather than simply removing fat — she carefully separates the fat before removal, then smooths and equalizes the remaining tissue to help minimize bumps, dips, and contour irregularities.
Depending on the treatment area and extent of the procedure, liposuction may be performed under local anesthesia, with ProNox®, or under general anesthesia.
Am I a good candidate?
Liposuction is best suited for healthy patients who are near their desired weight and have localized areas of excess fat that have not responded to diet and exercise.
Patients with firm, elastic skin generally achieve the most predictable results. If your skin is loose or sagging, Dr. Duggal may recommend combining liposuction with another procedure.
Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. It is designed to refine your natural shape, improve proportions, and create more defined contours.
Abdomen liposuction before and after — an actual patient of Dr. Duggal.
Back liposuction before and after.
“I take an individualized approach to each patient and am able to tailor each surgery or combination of surgeries depending on personal goals.”
Claire Duggal, MD
How the procedure works
Liposuction is performed through small incisions using a thin cannula. Dr. Duggal carefully separates and removes the unwanted fat, then smooths and equalizes the remaining tissue to create natural, even contours.
Compression garments are used after surgery to support healing and help manage swelling. When paired with a tummy tuck, Dr. Duggal may contour the waist and flanks, upper back, or bra roll to create greater definition and balance around the abdomen.
Treatment takes place in the West Annapolis Surgery Center, one floor above the Sandel Duggal Center in the same building. The most straightforward treatments take less than an hour, while more extensive surgeries can last more than three hours.
What to expect in recovery
You will go home the day of the procedure, once you have recovered from the anesthesia or sedation. Under local anesthetic you can drive yourself; with sedation or general anesthesia you will need a ride and someone to stay overnight. If you combine multiple procedures, Dr. Duggal may recommend a night in an overnight suite with a nurse.
Expect some pain, swelling, and bruising in the first days. You will go home with a compression garment or dressings on the treated area, and may have temporary drains placed in the incisions. Dr. Duggal will prescribe pain-relief medication and schedule a follow-up visit to check your progress.
Most patients return to work and light activity within several days, with more strenuous activity gradually resumed over the following weeks. Swelling continues to improve as you heal, with final results developing over the following months. The fat cells removed are permanently removed from the treated areas — maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve your results over time.
Often combined with
Questions patients ask.
The fat cells removed with liposuction are gone from your body forever. After the procedure you will have fewer fat cells in the treated area. If you gain weight, those cells may increase in size, but the area will remain proportionally slimmer compared with other parts of your body. For the best long-term results, adopt healthy eating and exercise habits to maintain a stable weight.
No. Liposuction is a body contouring treatment for people who are within 20 to 30 pounds of their ideal weight. There are limits to how much fat can safely be removed, and after treatment the number on the scale will probably remain about the same. You will, however, enjoy a more toned and tightened physique.
Unfortunately, no. Cellulite is a skin condition — bulges and dimpling from fat near the surface of the skin. Liposuction removes deeper layers of fat and does not have a significant effect on cellulite.
Recovery varies depending on the extent of treatment and individual healing. Most patients resume light activities in a few days, and typically all normal activities including exercise within two to six weeks.
Liposuction typically uses tiny, strategically placed incisions to minimize scarring. Over time, scars fade and become less noticeable.
Like any surgical procedure, liposuction carries risks including infection, bleeding, uneven contours, and changes in sensation. Risks can be minimized when you choose a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon.
Yes. Wearing compression garments after liposuction helps minimize swelling, supports healing, and optimizes your completed results. Dr. Duggal will provide specific instructions on how long to wear them.
Yes. It can be combined with a tummy tuck, breast surgery, body lift surgery, or performed as part of a mommy makeover for comprehensive body contouring results.
Multiple factors influence the total. The primary considerations are the amount of excess fat removed and the number of areas treated. Pre- and post-operative appointments, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, and the cost of post-surgical compression garments are other variables. You will receive a detailed quote after your consultation.
Board-certified surgeons are the most qualified in terms of education, training, and standards of medical ethics and patient safety. During your consultation, ask to review before-and-after images so you can get an idea of the results a surgeon has helped previous patients achieve.
Schedule your consultation.
Dr. Duggal will assess your skin and contours, review which areas can be treated together, and tell you how long you can expect to spend in our surgical center.