Refine your contours and restore confidence with liposuction in Gulf Shores at Southern Coastal Aesthetics. Led by Carrie L. Morris, MD, FACS, a trailblazing surgeon specializing in laser-assisted techniques, this treatment targets stubborn fat in the neck, abdomen, thighs, arms, and more—sculpting what feels right for you, not changing who you are.
Sculpt a balanced physique
Liposuction is a procedure that removes stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise. It’s not about weight loss—it’s about refining your shape. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, Dr. Morris uses advanced techniques, including Smartlipo® Triplex® laser-assisted liposuction, to gently break down and remove fat while stimulating collagen for skin tightening. Whether it’s your neck, arms, abdomen, thighs, or flanks, liposuction can sculpt a more balanced silhouette while honoring your individuality.
Liposuction treatment areas:
- Neck and jawline
- Upper arms
- Abdomen and waist
- Hips and flanks (“love handles”)
- Thighs (inner and outer)
- Buttocks
- Back (“bra fat” area)
- Knees
- Other areas…
Traditional liposuction vs. laser-assisted liposuction
Traditional liposuction
Traditional liposuction involves manually breaking up and removing fat using a cannula inserted through small incisions. A surgeon uses controlled back-and-forth movements to dislodge fat, which is then suctioned out of the body. While this method is effective for removing moderate to large volumes of fat, it can also cause more trauma to surrounding tissues. Additionally, it does not address the issue of skin laxity—so in cases where the skin has lost elasticity, it may appear loose or uneven after fat removal.
Laser-assisted liposuction
Laser-assisted liposuction enhances the traditional approach by using targeted laser energy to liquefy fat before it’s suctioned out. This results in less physical disruption of the tissue and a more gentle extraction. The laser also heats the underlying skin, stimulating collagen production and leading to tissue coagulation and contraction. This skin-tightening effect is especially beneficial in areas prone to laxity, like the neck, arms, or abdomen. This technique offers smoother, more refined results with a lower risk of irregularities or loose skin.
How liposuction is done
Dr. Morris begins by cleansing and numbing the treatment area with tumescent anesthesia—a solution containing saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine—which minimizes discomfort, constricts blood vessels, and facilitates fat removal. Once the area is anesthetized, she makes a small (2–3 mm) incision and inserts a cannula equipped with the Smartlipo Triplex laser fiber beneath the skin. The device emits three specific wavelengths to target adipose tissue.
As the laser fiber passes through the subcutaneous fat layer, it thermally liquefies fat cells, which are then removed through the cannula with minimal trauma to the surrounding structures. Simultaneously, the thermal energy induces collagen production by stimulating fibroblasts to tighten the skin over time. Most treatments are completed within 1-2 hours.
Benefits of laser-assisted liposuction:
- Less trauma to surrounding tissue during fat removal
- Enhanced skin tightening through collagen stimulation
- Reduced bruising, swelling, and downtime
- Smaller incisions with minimal scarring
- Greater precision in sculpting delicate or smaller areas
- Faster recovery compared to traditional liposuction
- Ideal for areas with mild to moderate skin laxity
Why Dr. Morris uses the Smartlipo Triplex
Traditional liposuction can effectively remove fat but often leaves patients with loose or sagging skin—especially in delicate areas like the neck, arms, or abdomen. This laxity can compromise results and often requires additional procedures to achieve a smooth, sculpted look. That’s why Dr. Morris prefers using the Smartlipo Triplex system for most liposuction treatments.
Smartlipo Triplex uses a combination of three laser wavelengths (1064, 1320, and 1440 nm) to simultaneously liquefy fat, coagulate blood vessels, and stimulate collagen production in the skin. This precise thermal energy tightens tissue during the procedure, reducing post-treatment skin laxity and improving overall tone. Dr. Morris integrates this technology into her surgery to create smoother, more refined outcomes with minimal post-surgery bruising and risks.
Liposuction FAQs
Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
You’re likely a good candidate for laser liposuction in Gulf Shores if you’re at or near your ideal body weight but struggle with localized fat pockets that don’t respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution—it’s a body contouring tool. The ideal candidates have good skin elasticity, are in overall good health, and have realistic expectations. If you have significant loose skin, Dr. Morris may also recommend combining liposuction with a skin-tightening procedure.
Will I lose weight with liposuction?
No—liposuction isn’t a weight-loss procedure. It’s done to remove and reshape small, stubborn fat deposits, typically resulting in a loss of inches, not pounds. You might notice your clothes fit better, and your silhouette may appear more defined, but the scale won’t necessarily change much. Liposuction is all about refining, not reducing.
What is recovery like after Smartlipo Triplex liposuction?
Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and soreness for a few days. You’ll wear a compression garment for one to two weeks to support healing and reduce fluid buildup. Many people return to work within two to three days, though Dr. Morris may advise waiting longer if larger areas are treated. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about two weeks. The treated areas may feel firm or slightly lumpy as your body heals—this is normal and temporary.
How soon will I see the results?
You may start to see visible changes within a week or two as the swelling begins to subside. However, the final, sculpted results typically take three to six months to fully emerge. This is because your body continues to metabolize any residual fat and produce collagen over several weeks or months. Your skin may continue to appear firmer and tighter over time.
Will the fat come back?
The fat cells removed during liposuction are gone permanently. However, if you gain weight after the procedure, the remaining fat cells in untreated areas can still expand. Maintaining a stable weight through a healthy lifestyle is key to preserving your results long-term. Liposuction is a partnership—it refines your shape, but you play a role in sustaining the results.
Why Choose Dr. Morris for Liposuction in Gulf Shores?
Dr. Carrie L. Morris is a triple board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon and a pioneer in minimally invasive body contouring techniques. With nearly two decades of experience and a mastery of laser-assisted liposuction, she blends her surgical precision with an artist’s eye to deliver natural-looking results. Her approach is about empowering you to refine, not reinvent, what makes you feel like your best self. If you’re ready to invest in yourself with intention, schedule your consultation for liposuction in Gulf Shores, AL.
