The Athenix Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered.

How is this different than traditional liposuction?

Micro-Body Contouring is a body sculpting and fat removal technique that combines the latest, less-invasive technologies including the Body-Jet and lasers for gentler tissue removal than traditional liposuction. Traditional liposuction methods utilize sharp instruments, force and aggressive suctioning to tear the fat from connective tissue. This typically requires general anesthesia, and patients can experience significant bruising, swelling, and post-operative pain. Recovery is slow and can take 1-2 weeks before returning to normal activity. With Micro-Body Contouring, we can remove fat virtually pain-free under local anesthesia, while you are awake. These new, cutting-edge technologies are less traumatic to the tissue so there is less bleeding, minimal bruising, and little-to-no downtime. Patients typically return to normal activities in a few days.

What does this cost?

Every person is unique in body size, structure, amount of fat and specific desired outcome. As a result, an accurate price for the procedure can only be properly established after your consultation and examination by a medical professional or our physicians. Our fees are generally lower than those of traditional liposuction and plastic surgery because our procedures are less-invasive and do not require a hospital, outpatient surgery center, lengthy recovery time, or the use of an anesthesiologist. The procedures are very affordable and we offer financing with payments as low as $97.00 per month.

How much does the consultation cost and how long does it take?

There is no charge for the consultation. You should plan approximately one hour for your consultation.

What kind of results can I expect?

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the types of results we believe you can achieve for you. They will assess the body areas that are concerning to you and discuss the potential treatment options. You will also be able to view before and after photos of other patients with similar body types to see the results that are possible.

Will I be awake during my procedure?

Yes. Micro Body Contouring is less invasive and less traumatic than traditional liposuction and doesn’t require patients to undergo general anesthesia. Many physicians still perform traditional liposuction under general anesthesia because it is faster for them. However, we believe a less-invasive, less traumatic approach where patients have minimal downtime and minimal pain is more important than the speed of the procedure.

Is this safe?

Yes, our procedures are very safe. Our minimally invasive approach to body contouring ensures both a safer and more effective procedure. As a patient at Athenix, you can rest assured that our physicians see your safety as their primary responsibility. It starts with having a cosmetic or plastic surgeon delivering your care throughout the process. Every one of our doctors is a highly trained body contouring specialist. Click here to learn more about safety at Athenix.

What are the potential risks of these treatments?

With any type of cosmetic surgery, complications may arise, but they are rare. These may include infection, a reaction to the anesthesia, blood clotting, and fluid loss. Potential side effects can include temporary bruising, swelling, and numbing of the skin.

Is it painful?

Patients generally report very little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some patients report feeling mild aches and pains similar to those experienced after a strenuous workout. An over the counter pain reliever or prescription medication can be taken following your procedure if any discomfort is present, as directed by your Athenix physician.

What makes Athenix different than other liposuction centers?

At Athenix we can truly sculpt your body by removing unwanted fat from problem areas and adding contours through Natural Fat Transfer to accentuate other areas. Our surgeons specialize in body contouring and use the most advanced technologies, including Body-Jet™ and laser liposuction in combination therapy to deliver better results.

You can also be confident that your physician is a cosmetic or plastic surgeon that specializes in body contouring. Because your safety is our highest priority, our doctors have selected the most effective, least invasive treatment technologies and have established strict treatment protocols. A pre-treatment medical assessment and lab work are essential. These safety precautions and the expertise of our physicians set Athenix apart.

Who performs the procedures?

Our plastic and cosmetic surgeons perform all of our surgical procedures, such as Micro-Body Contouring or Natural Breast Augmentation. Non-invasive procedures using a device such as the Velashape™ are performed by a nurse or another medical professional.

How many treatments will I need?

Typically, patients need only one treatment. This is an advancement from traditional liposuction, which often required follow-up procedures.

When can I begin exercising and other normal activities?

Unlike traditional liposuction, Micro-Body Contouring patients can return to work or normal activities after just a few days. The day after your procedure you should be able to drive your car and engage in light to moderate physical activities, though we always recommend getting as much rest as possible during this period.

It is recommended that patients return to approximately 25% of their regular exercise routine a week after their procedure and increase intensity and duration over time. As everyone is unique, it’s important to listen to your body and the exercise recommendations as directed by your physician.

Will I have loose skin after the procedure?

The ability to tighten loose skin after fat volume loss is a significant advantage of our Micro-Body Contouring procedure. Due to the loss of fat volume, excess skin can become more evident and unsightly for patients after a traditional liposuction procedure. With Micro-Body Contouring more connective tissue is left intact which reduces the amount of loose skin. Depending on the patient and physician preference, certain surgeons may also use a laser in conjunction with water-assisted liposuction to shrink and tighten the skin and improve the overall cosmetic results for our patients.

When will I meet with my doctor?

During your initial consultation you will first meet with our medically trained Patient Care Consultant who will discuss your goals and treatment options. Assuming you are a good candidate for the procedure, your physician will meet with you to assess the body areas and further discuss the results that can be obtained for you. This often occurs during the same visit.

Who is the ideal candidate?

Our plastic and cosmetic surgeons are the best gauges of the appropriateness of Micro-Body Contouring for each individual patient. During your consultation, they will review your medical history and target areas to ensure our treatments will be safe and effective for you.

There are some general guidelines:

If you have a specific area of fat that simply will not respond to diet and exercise
You have good skin tone and elasticity
You have realistic expectations
You are in good health
You are within 30% of your ideal body weight

If you only meet some of these criteria, you may still be a good candidate. Our physicians will make that determination or recommend a course of treatment better suited to your body type or situation during your consultation.

How long does the procedure take?

Each patient and procedure is different. The amount of time the procedure takes depends on how many areas are being treated, the type of treatment and how much fat is being removed. During your initial consultation, your doctor can give you a more accurate timeframe for surgery.

What should I expect right after my procedure?

You will see a new, slimmer body shape immediately after your procedure and the results will continue to improve daily. Depending on the size and number of areas treated, most patients will experience soreness and minimal swelling the day after the procedure. If necessary, patients can use an over-the-counter pain medication for the soreness. And, unlike traditional liposuction, we use micro-sized instrumentation during Micro-Body Contouring so there are no large incisions that require stitches.

How long until I see results?

In most cases, results can be seen as soon as the next day. Because our procedures are minimally invasive, our patients experience less swelling and bruising, and can see their new body sooner. Our patients continue to see daily improvement in their body shape with full results realized over several months.

Will I have scars after my procedure?

Micro-Body Contouring uses very small instruments that only require tiny incisions in the skin, about the size of a grain of rice. Due to the small size of the incision, our patients do not require stitches. The tiny incisions are placed as inconspicuously as possible and usually do not produce any visible scarring. The initial incision marks fade away in time for most patients.