LIPOSUCTION - LIPOSCULPTURE

Liposuction, sometimes called liposculpture or lipoplasty, is body contour surgery. The goal of liposuction is to re-shape the body by removing stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to dieting and exercise. Liposuction is not a replacement for diet and exercise -- it is a partner. It will give you a body that fits into clothes better and looks better without bulky clothes. Liposuction can be done in patients of all ages. This procedure can be done in nearly any area of the body and is commonly used on multiple areas during an operation. Liposuction results in a slimmer and better proportioned figure. Liposuction is used effectively to reduce love handles, saddlebags, a double-chin, a bulge around the waistline, or other unsightly fatty deposits in order to develop a better shape and create a more beautiful body.

Liposuction is a cooperative effort. The surgeon does her part and you (the patient) must do yours. We encourage you to lose weight after the surgery: usually about 10% of your pre-operative weight. If we eliminate your problem areas with liposuction then you will lose the weight in other areas and the end result exponentially improves. Traditionally, it's much easier to lose weight after the surgery as we have reduced your fat to lean body mass ratio. This makes you into a more effective "fat burner."

We utilize the “gold standard” method of liposuction called "Tumescent Technique." This is performed by putting "tumescent" solution into the fat before the liposuction begins. This technique allows for smoother, more comfortable results after the procedure.

Finally, we utilize a 636 nm red light laser. Studies have shown that exposure to laser light of this wavelength will cause a cell membrane reaction that will make liposuction more efficient and provide for significant subjective improvements in post-operative pain management.

Liposuction is not a replacement for proper exercise and diet. Instead, liposuction is a reduction procedure for stubborn areas where fat accumulates. Used in combination with several areas of the body, liposuction can provide a well proportioned body appearance. Ideal surgical candidates are those already in good physical condition but having stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.

GENERAL PROCEDURE

Liposuction can be done under general anesthesia with the patient asleep or under local anesthesia where the area is numbed and the patient remains awake. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or “cannula” is inserted and used to vacuum out the fatty tissue beneath the skin. The surgeon determines the amount of fat to be removed by massaging the skin and squeezing the tissue. After eliminating the excess fat, the incisions are closed by applying a compression dressing or bandage to the area in order to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area.

Liposuction can last from thirty minutes to several hours depending upon the amount of fat to be removed. Liposuction surgery is an excellent procedure that can benefit those who want to remove unattractive fatty deposits.

RECOVERY PROCESS

New techniques allow for faster recovery from liposuction procedures. The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive of an operation the patient undergoes. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. A support garment may need to be worn for several weeks after the surgery, depending upon which area(s) are selected to be treated. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the directions given after surgery.