Dr. Shell and his staff are respectful. The staff is awesome and kind. I love the welcome when you come in, and when you leave, they are very helpful. I love the staff and am joyous and happy when I come there. They know what they are doing and are not mean people at all. I recommend my family to go there.
Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures for patients looking to refine and sculpt their figure. At Shell Cosmetic Surgery Center, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dan Shell III brings decades of surgical experience to every liposuction case, offering personalized care and state-of-the-art techniques designed to deliver natural, long-lasting results. This procedure effectively removes stubborn fat from common problem areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, hips, and more—helping patients enhance their contours when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction, also known as suction lipectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes localized fat deposits through a small cannula inserted beneath the skin. It is not a weight-loss surgery but rather a body contouring method for individuals who are near their ideal weight and struggling with persistent fat pockets that resist lifestyle efforts. The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the areas treated. Using power- or suction-assisted technology, Dr. Shell makes sure that symmetrical outcomes with minimal visible scarring and downtime are achieved.
Benefits of Liposuction
Many people find that even with dedicated fitness routines and healthy diets, specific areas of the body retain stubborn fat. Liposuction addresses this issue directly by removing fat cells from targeted zones—commonly the abdomen, flanks, thighs, upper arms, buttocks, knees, or chin. The result is a slimmer, more proportioned silhouette. Patients typically enjoy improved confidence, better-fitting clothing, and a renewed sense of body satisfaction. When paired with a stable lifestyle, liposuction results are both noticeable and enduring.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for liposuction are adults who are in good general health, within 30% of their target weight, and have firm, elastic skin. Non-smokers with realistic expectations tend to experience the best outcomes. Liposuction is ideal for patients seeking focused fat reduction rather than broad weight loss. It can be especially beneficial for individuals affected by genetics, aging, or post-pregnancy body changes. Dr. Shell meets with each patient to assess their needs and develop a surgical plan tailored to their anatomy and desired results.
The Liposuction Process: From Consultation to Results
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation at our Memphis office. Dr. Shell evaluates your goals, health history, and areas of concern. Together, you will design a customized treatment strategy focused on achieving balanced and natural-looking body contouring.
Prior to surgery, patients receive complete preoperative guidance, including medication management and lifestyle recommendations to support recovery. On the day of your procedure, tiny incisions are made to access the fat layer. A thin cannula is used to break up and suction away unwanted fat. The procedure may be performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the size and number of areas treated.
Recovery is generally smooth. Most patients return to light activities within a few days, with full recovery in one to two weeks. Temporary swelling and bruising are normal, and a compression garment is worn to support healing. As swelling subsides, your body’s new contours will gradually become more visible.
Results are long-lasting when paired with consistent exercise and a healthy diet. Fat cells removed during liposuction do not return, though untreated fat cells can expand if weight is gained. Dr. Shell and his team are committed to supporting your recovery and long-term success through attentive care and expert follow-up.
What to Expect from Your Results
As your body heals, you’ll begin to notice a leaner, more sculpted silhouette in the treated areas. Clothing may fit more comfortably, and many patients report an increase in self-confidence and satisfaction with their appearance. With proper aftercare and ongoing healthy habits, your liposuction results can remain stable and rewarding for years to come.
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Why Choose Dr. Dan Shell III?
Choose Dr. Shell for trusted, personalized cosmetic surgery. His highly regarded clinic specializes in body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and breast enhancement. Discover expert cosmetic solutions that put your beauty and wellness first. Schedule your consultation today!
Professional Credentials:
- MD from University of Mississippi School of Medicine
- Board Certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Member, Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- Over 50 years of surgical experience
- Outstanding Resident Award recipient (1981)
Dr. Shell and his entire staff will forever hold a place in my heart for their kindness, patience, and ability to handle a patient like myself!
From the initial consultation to almost a year later, they all have been a dream! Dr. Shell and his entire staff will forever hold a place in my heart for their kindness, patience, and ability to handle a patient like myself! If no one has said this to you all lately, thank you for everything! My life has forever changed!
Dr. Shell did an abdomen revision for me several years ago. He did such an excellent job and I recommended him to other friends as well
Dr. Shell did an abdomen revision for me several years ago. He did such an excellent job and I recommended him to other friends as well. Thank you again Dr. Shell and staff!
The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the doctor is very experienced and caring
I received a drainless tummy tuck. I am happy with my results so far. I am only 2 months postoperation. I am so happy I chose to stay close to my home rather than travel somewhere farther. I am able to get all the postoperation care that I need. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the doctor is very experienced and caring. I love my belly button, lol.
I love Dr. Dan Shell and his entire crew! Very professional and knowledgeable about his job
I love Dr. Dan Shell and his entire crew! Very professional and knowledgeable about his job. Whatever he tells you, believe it and follow it, and he’s going to make it happen. I am 6 days post abdominalplasty, and I am in love with my results! Dr. Dan is this BEST!!
Dr. Shell & his staff welcomed me in with open arms
After being turned down by multiple surgeons here in Memphis for a simple removal, Dr. Shell & his staff welcomed me in with open arms. The environment is clean & professional. I felt comfortable and feel like I made a great decision reaching out to him & his staff. I’m soooo happy & relieved right now. Thanks a lot, Dr. Shell & nurse!
Dr. Shell was incredible, and I went from consult to operation in just a little over 24 hours
I had piercings that were embedded in my face and had to be cut out. Dr. Shell was incredible, and I went from consult to operation in just a little over 24 hours. I am very grateful for him and the entire staff at the surgery center. Thank you so much, Dr. Shell.
DR. SHELL YOU ARE THE BEST!!
I love Dr. Shell I had surgery and I was so terrified but in true Dr. Shell fashion he came in made me laugh and the next thing I knew he was done. I’m loving what I see so far still swollen but excited to see the end result. Brandi is great she is always willing to answer questions and to put your mind at ease. No need to go to other states or over seas when we have and outstanding plastic surgeon right in Memphis, TN. DR. SHELL YOU ARE THE BEST!!
Dan Shell did an INCREDIBLE job with my plastic surgery
Dan Shell did an INCREDIBLE job with my plastic surgery. I was super nervous the day of surgery, but everything he said and did made the experience one of the easiest things I had done. He is very knowledgeable and experienced, and has a reason for the ways he does things. It was a bit of a leap of faith to trust him but 10/10 I would do it again. He and his staff have been so helpful and given me all kinds of advice and support. I read complaints of people have to wait to see him – I never once have had this issue.
My healing process has been so, so easy, and the scarring is minimal – not even a factor. I am beyond happy with the work Dan Shell did and would recommend him to anyone.
If you want a place to go where people care about you and look out for your best interests, and best health, go see Dr. Shell
Dr. Shell, and his staff are absolutely amazing. Brandi is hands down the best ever! His nurse is amazing too! Every staff member exceeded my expectations. They sealed the deal in my decision to chose Dr. Shell as my doctor. If you want a place to go where people care about you and look out for your best interests, and best health, go see Dr. Shell.
Love Love Love Dr. Shell & Staff!
Complimentary Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Liposuction removes localized fat deposits using a thin tube called a cannula. Fat is gently suctioned from targeted areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or arms to create a smoother, more proportionate figure. Dr. Shell uses modern techniques that minimize downtime while maximizing precision. Strenuous exercise can be resumed in three weeks.
Ideal candidates are individuals close to their goal weight with areas of fat that are resistant to lifestyle changes. Good skin elasticity and realistic expectations are important. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss but is highly effective for refining body shape.
Most patients return to regular routines within one to two weeks. Some swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort is normal and will subside with time. Dr. Shell provides thorough postoperative instructions and monitors healing to verify optimal results.
The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated. However, maintaining a healthy weight is essential to preserving your outcome. Significant weight gain can lead to the enlargement of fat cells in untreated areas.
As with any surgical procedure, risks may include infection, bleeding, or contour irregularities. At Shell Cosmetic Surgery Center, we take every precaution to minimize complications while ensuring a smooth experience.
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