
Even with consistent effort, some fat deposits tend to persist in areas like the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. Liposuction can change that. Board-certified plastic surgeon James Rough specializes in advanced liposuction procedures in Tucson, AZ, to safely and effectively remove unwanted fat, revealing your most sculpted, streamlined contours.
Our practice specializes in both VASER® ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) and MicroAire® power-assisted liposuction (PAL), providing patients with highly refined body contouring results with less downtime than traditional liposuction. These treatments are often paired with advanced skin tightening techniques such as Morpheus8, BodyTite, Quantum RF, and Renuvion/J-Plasma for improved results. Dr. James Rough is a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized training in high-definition liposuction techniques, allowing him to deliver exceptional results tailored to each individual’s needs.

Even if you watch what you eat and exercise regularly, you might still see stubborn fat deposits that impact how you feel in your body. James Rough, M.D. Plastic Surgery in Tucson, AZ, offers the latest liposuction methods to safely and precisely sculpt away fatty tissue from specific areas of the body, creating a more balanced, streamlined silhouette.
Dr. Rough specializes in power-assisted liposuction (PAL) with MicroAire® and high-definition, ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) with VASER®. Dr. Rough specializes in power-assisted liposuction (PAL) with MicroAire® and high-definition, ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) with VASER®. Both methods reduce pockets of fat from the flanks, tummy, buttocks, and thighs to create a more defined appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Rough received his training in high-definition liposuction from the surgeon in Colombia who created the technique, bringing a high level of expertise and precision to every procedure he performs. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rough to discuss how these minimally invasive body contouring treatments can help you attain your ideal body.


VASER and MicroAire liposuction are both performed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia. A very small incision is made through the skin, through which a narrow surgical tube called a cannula is introduced. In the VASER technique, the cannula releases ultrasound energy to help loosen the fat so it can be gently suctioned out. MicroAire, on the other hand, uses a cannula with a vibrating tip that helps break down the fat. After the localized fat deposits have been removed, Dr. Rough will close the incision with dissolvable sutures.
Depending on the number of areas being treated, your procedure may last several hours. Afterward, you will be asked to wear a compression garment for six weeks, and pain medication may be prescribed for the first week. Dr. Rough will provide you with detailed recovery instructions and check your healing at post-op visits.
Liposuction can target multiple areas of the body where subcutaneous fat tends to accumulate. Common treatment zones include:

Liposuction is a highly effective way to treat and eliminate unwanted fat from areas of the body. Its many benefits include:
Liposuction is a terrific procedure for individuals who are at a healthy weight but have troublesome areas of fat that cannot be resolved with diet and exercise alone. Those interested in liposuction should have good skin elasticity because liposuction is not a treatment for excess skin. Patients with concerns about loose skin may benefit from combining liposuction with other procedures like a tummy tuck.
It’s important to know that liposuction is not a solution for weight loss but a body contouring technique designed to sculpt specific areas. Women undergoing liposuction should have no plans to become pregnant again, as this could compromise the outcome. At the time of your consultation for surgery, Dr. Rough will set realistic expectations for your procedure, recovery, and results.

You may need to recover at home from liposuction surgery for 1–3 weeks, depending on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed. It is normal to see bruising and swelling for 1-2 weeks. Dr. Rough typically removes sutures 7-10 days following surgery.
What is most important following any surgery is to allow your body time to rest and recover. When you decide to go back to your job after your procedure, you should do your best to take it easy. To increase your strength and stamina, stick to walking and light workouts as advised by Dr. Rough. Keep in mind you may see some changes after six weeks, but it will take 6–10 months to see your most refined results.

As your recovery progresses, your newly refined contours begin to emerge. Most patients begin to see visible changes within 6 weeks, with final results settling in around the 6-10-month mark.
Once your body fully heals, you will enjoy a slimmer, more defined silhouette. The results of your liposuction procedure can be long-lasting, especially when paired with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Because liposuction removes fat cells permanently, the treated areas are less likely to store fat again. However, other fat stores in the area can still expand, so it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet and staying active will help you enjoy your refined contours for years to come.
MicroAire power-assisted liposuction and VASER high-definition liposuction at James Rough, M.D. Plastic Surgery offer men and women the chance to have unwanted fat diminished almost instantly. Without the help of liposuction, it can be difficult to get the slimming results you want. To learn more about each liposuction method, we invite you to contact our practice in Tucson, AZ, to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Rough.
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Dr. James Rough brings advanced training, artistic skill, and compassionate care to every procedure he performs. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he is committed to delivering safe and effective liposuction results using modern technologies like ultrasound-assisted liposuction and power-assisted liposuction. Dr. Rough’s training in high-definition body contouring and aesthetic surgery techniques ensures you receive customized, natural-looking results tailored to your goals. Our Tucson practice offers a welcoming and professional environment where your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Surgical liposuction only addresses excess fat in the body. If you have loose skin, Dr. Rough may recommend combining liposuction with lift surgery. Liposuction is often performed along with skin tightening surgery, such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thighplasty, to give you the best results. To correct cellulite, there are many minimally invasive and nonsurgical treatment options available. In your consultation, talk to Dr. Rough about concerns like excess skin and cellulite so that a comprehensive treatment plan can be created.
Since liposuction is a surgical procedure, incisions will need to be made and stitched. This will create scars; however, Dr. Rough does his best to reduce their appearance. This starts with making thin incisions in the natural folds of your body or in less visible areas. After your surgery, Dr. Rough or a member of his team will explain how to care for your incisions, so they heal properly and fade.
Before liposuction, it is important to be prepared to maintain your results. Although liposuction reduces the amount of fat cells in an area, you can still lose and gain weight. Dr. Rough recommends that you be at or near a healthy weight before having liposuction surgery. Afterward, it's best to stay within 5 – 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight. Getting pregnant after liposuction will also impact your results; however, a second surgery or mommy makeover can be done to refresh your appearance.
Your cost for liposuction varies based on the technique being used and how many areas are being addressed. During your consultation, Dr. James Rough will develop your personal liposuction surgical plan to meet your needs and goals. He will also consider your budget. When your plan is ready, estimated costs can be discussed. To help make your cosmetic surgery easy to afford, James Rough, M.D. Plastic Surgery accepts several payment methods and offers financing options.
Liposuction is generally considered a safe procedure; however, as with any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks and complications. Dr. James Rough will conduct a thorough evaluation and discuss the potential risks and benefits with you during your consultation to ensure that liposuction is a suitable option for your individual circumstances. One of the most important things you can do is follow the aftercare instructions provided to you to ensure proper healing and minimal side effects.
Liposuction should not cause any pain as it is typically performed under general anesthesia. After your liposuction procedure at James Rough, M.D. Plastic Surgery, you may have some discomfort or soreness in the treated areas, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients report that any pain afterward is manageable and diminishes over time.
Liposuction is not a weight loss method but rather a body contouring surgery. It is best suited for individuals who are at or near a normal weight but struggle with localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. If you're seeking a solution for overall weight loss, your surgeon can guide you toward more appropriate treatment options.
Yes, liposuction is frequently incorporated into other body contouring procedures. For example, fat transfer procedures such as a Brazilian butt lift use liposuction to remove fat from areas of the body like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs and transfer it to the buttocks. Liposuction can also be used for fat removal during procedures like a tummy tuck to address stubborn fat deposits. Dr. Rough will work alongside you to design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
The amount of fat that can be safely removed with liposuction varies depending on the patient's body type, medical history, and the specific areas being treated. Most plastic surgeons recommend removing no more than 5 liters of fat (about 11 pounds) in a single liposuction procedure to minimize risks and ensure proper healing. Your personalized plan will be based on how much fat is present, your goals, and what can be removed safely during body contouring.

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