Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that is performed to remove tough layers of fat that are resistant to exercise and dieting. The procedure is typically performed by a dermatologic or plastic surgeon and it typically targets the face, arms, thighs, back, belly, buttocks or hips. It helps to improve the shape of these areas.
Liposuction is often combined with Renuvion/J-Plasma. This procedure is used to tighten loose skin which can occur after liposuction if a significant amount of fat is removed. Tightening the skin produces a more toned and youthful look.
Liposuction provides many benefits to the patient including:
While there are a few different ways to perform liposuction, each technique uses a thin tube (cannula) that is connected to a device that creates a vacuum. The suction forces are used to extract fat from the patient's body. During the procedure, the doctor makes small incisions in the patient's skin and the cannula is inserted into the areas being worked on through this. It is then used to extract the problematic layers of fat the patient wants removed.
Popular liposuction techniques include:
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As is the case with most surgical procedures, patients have to be in good health prior to getting the treatment. Ideally, the patient should:
The first step all patients go through is a consultation with a surgeon. During this visit, the doctor will go over the patient's goals and options. They will explain the risks, benefits and costs of the procedure. The initial consultation is the perfect time for the patient to ask all the questions they have.
The doctor will also ask the patient questions about their medical history including any allergies and medications they are currently taking.
If the patient decides to go ahead with the procedure, the surgeon will give them tips on preparing for the surgery. The doctor might place restrictions on the patient's diet and the use of certain medications. Alcohol and tobacco use will also be restricted.
The surgery might be done at the doctor's clinic or a surgery center. It is an outpatient procedure, so the patient gets to go back home. Given the fact it does involve the use of anesthetics, patients are advised to make arrangements for transportation back home afterward. The exception to this standard would be if the patient needs a significant amount of fat removed. Such patients would likely have their procedures performed in a hospital and they might have to spend the night there.
Prior to the start of the treatment, the doctor may mark the areas that will be worked on. Photos might also be taken for before and after analysis.
Next, general anesthesia will be administered. This renders the patient unconscious during the treatment. If the patient only needs fat removed from small areas, the doctor might decide to use a local anesthetic instead. This numbs the area being worked on, but the patient gets to be awake for the procedure.
Not all patients who undergo liposuction will have to spend the night in a hospital, but most will deal with some soreness, swelling and bruising that can last up to a month. The patient might have to wear a compression suit for the first couple of months after their treatment. This helps to keep the swelling that occurs after the procedure to a minimum.
The patient will usually be prescribed antibiotics to keep infection away. While the soreness and swelling can last up to a month, most patients are ready to get back to work in a few days and they are back to their regular activities within a couple of weeks.
The recovery time for each patient varies depending on how fast they heal, how well they follow the instructions provided by the doctor and how much rest they get after the treatment.
Liposuction permanently removes fat from the areas worked on. But, it is possible for the patient to gain more weight and thus build up new fat reserves which are spread all over the body. To maintain the results of liposuction over a long period of time, consume a diet that is composed primarily of lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products and whole grains.
If you are considering liposuction, call our office today so that we can provide you with more information or schedule an appointment for a consultation. Liposuction has many benefits, and we can help you achieve them!