Liposuction Body Contouring
Liposuction is the surgical suctioning of unwanted fat collections from many areas of the body. Liposuction eliminates stubborn fat from areas that are difficult to target with diet and exercise. Good candidates are those at an ideal body weight (BMI<30) who have fatty deposits resistant to weight loss efforts. Liposuction is not a short cut to weight loss.
Benefits of Liposuction Surgery
- Fit into your clothes more comfortably: Liposuction eliminates fat from problem areas so that you can fit into clothing better and have a wider variety of options that flatter your figure. After liposuction you can actually enjoy going shopping for new clothes or even looking through your closet knowing that your clothes will adorn your body in a more fetching way.
- Relieve stress on the body: Carrying extra weight can put stress on certain parts of the body, such as the back, knees, and hips. Although liposuction should not be looked at as a form of weight loss and does not result in a dramatic reduction in weight, the excess fat can be enough to make a difference when it comes to straining your body. Liposuction can result in a small amount of weight reduction and may encourage patients to continue with a healthy lifestyle that allows them to lose more weight and take even more stress off their bodies.
- Improve your confidence: You may have struggled for several months or even years to eliminate stubborn fat without success, and these enduring bulges may cause you to be self-conscious about your appearance. After liposuction you will feel happy knowing you look good, which will help make you feel more comfortable in your own skin and give you the confidence you deserve.
Liposuction Candidates
Patients with localized pockets of fat that remain despite diet and exercise are good candidates for liposuction. Common areas are the neck, lower abdomen, flanks, and thighs. Liposuction is not a weight loss tool.
Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction first involves instillation of a fluid mixture of anesthetic and adrenaline. This numbs the area and prevents bleeding. A blunt cannula, which is a thin hollow tube is then inserted through several tiny incisions in the skin. The cannula is connected to a vacuum device that removes the excess fat with a suctioning technique, and the result is more slender and attractive body contours.
Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit to how much fat can be removed? How much weight will I lose from liposuction?
The maximum amount of fat that can be safely removed via liposuction is 5000 cc’s, or 5 liters. The more you take the more physical stress that is put on the body. Most patients have less than 2000 cc (2 L) removed. Liposuction should not be viewed as a form of weight loss; it is designed to remove localized fat that has been unresponsive to diet and exercise or that has been genetically predisposed to accumulate in a specific area. Patients should be as close to their ideal weight as possible before undergoing the procedure.
What is done with the fat that is removed after liposuction? Can I put the removed fat somewhere else?
Most of the fat from liposuction is sent to medical waste, however, we are now able to purify the fat and inject into other areas. We can now use the fat to augment the breasts, buttocks, and face. This is a developing field in plastic surgery.
What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?
Please refer to the following form published by the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)
Will I need to stay in the hospital following liposuction surgery?
No, liposuction is an outpatient procedure performed in an accredited hospital or ambulatory surgery center. Sometimes small volume liposuction can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.
What is the recovery time after liposuction surgery?
You will typically be able to return to work in 1-3 days, but you may require a week if multiple areas are treated. You will need to wear a binder for one month at all times, and at night for an additional month.
Are liposuction results permanent?
The fat cells that have been removed with liposuction are permanently eliminated from the body; they will not grow back. However, the remaining fat cells may increase in size if weight is gained, which may distort the results of liposuction. To maintain optimum results, patients should follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
