Body surgery
Liposuction
Removes stubborn fat from areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss method.
From $5,500, all-in. Financing examples from about $117 a month.
- Surgery time
- 1 to 3 hours
- Anesthesia
- General or local with sedation, depending on areas
- Hospital stay
- Home the same day
- Back to desk work
- 3 to 7 days for one or two areas
- Exercise
- 3 to 4 weeks
Liposuction, explained
Liposuction removes fat through small incisions using a thin tube. It is best for areas that stay the same even when you eat well and stay active, like the lower belly, flanks, thighs, arms or under the chin.
Liposuction does not tighten loose skin and it is not a way to lose weight. If your skin has lost its stretch, we will tell you, and we may suggest a different plan.
What it can do
- Reduce fat in specific areas that resist diet and exercise
- Improve body shape and proportion
- Pair with a tummy tuck or breast surgery for a combined plan
What it cannot do
- Replace weight loss or treat obesity
- Tighten loose skin
- Remove cellulite or stretch marks
Is it right for me?
A general guide only. Dr. Merrow decides with you at your consultation, after an exam and a full health history.
Often a good fit if
- You are close to a weight you can keep
- Your skin still has good stretch and bounce
- You have one or a few areas that have not changed with effort
Better to wait if
- You are still losing weight
- Most of your concern is loose skin rather than fat
- You smoke or have health conditions that are not yet under control
Recovery, honestly
What the weeks after surgery look like
Typical timings for healthy patients. Everyone heals at their own pace, and we adjust your plan at each visit.
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Days 1 to 3
Bruised and sore
Some fluid leaks from the small incisions. This is normal. You wear a compression garment and rest with short walks.
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Week 1
Desk work
Many people return to desk work in three to seven days. More areas means a longer week.
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Weeks 2 to 4
Garment and walks
Compression day and night, then daytime only. Light exercise returns as bruising fades.
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Weeks 4 to 6
Most exercise
Dr. Merrow clears most exercise. Swelling still comes and goes, especially late in the day.
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Months 3 to 6
Final shape
Swelling settles slowly. The final contour shows at about three to six months.
Risks, in plain words
Every surgery has risks, including the risks of anesthesia. These are the main ones for liposuction. We go through each one with you, and how likely it is for you, at your consult.
- Lumps, dents or uneven areas that may need touch-up treatment
- Numbness or tingling in treated skin, which usually fades
- Loose skin that does not tighten after fat is removed
- Fluid build-up, infection or bleeding
- Blood clots, and in rare cases fat entering the bloodstream
How we lower your risk
- A full health review at your pre-op visit, and a check with your own doctor when needed
- A board-certified anesthesiologist for the whole surgery
- Blood clot prevention for every patient, matched to your risk
- Nurse check-ins in the first days and a direct line to our team
- Written recovery instructions you can share with whoever is helping you
What it costs
All-in price
From $5,500
Most plans fall between $5,500 and $12,000. The price depends on how many areas we treat. Your quote lists each area separately.
Example: $5,500 over 60 months at 9.99% APR is about $117 a month. Example only; your rate depends on approval.
Pricing and financingYour quote includes
- Dr. Merrow's surgeon fee
- Board-certified anesthesiologist
- Our accredited surgical suite
- Implants, when your plan uses them
- Compression garments or surgical bra
- Follow-up visits for the first year
Not included
- Pre-surgery lab tests or clearance from your own doctor
- Prescription medicines
- An overnight stay, when you choose one and it is not part of your plan
- Travel and hotel for out-of-town patients
Common questions
More answers on our questions page, or call (303) 555-0148.
Will the fat come back?
The fat cells removed do not grow back. If you gain weight later, the fat that remains can still grow, including in other areas. A stable weight keeps your result.
How much can you remove?
We remove what is safe for your body in one session, not a target number. Large amounts raise the risks, so sometimes we stage it in two surgeries.
Is liposuction painful?
Most people describe deep soreness, like a bruise, for the first week. Prescription pain medicine is usually only needed for a few days.
Thinking about liposuction? Let's talk it through.
Book a consultation in person in Cherry Creek or by secure video. You leave with a written plan and an all-in quote, and you decide in your own time.
Consultations are $150, credited to your surgery if you book within 12 months.