Body Balance
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that utilizes small cannulas to move back and forth through fat deposits and removing and sculpting the remaining areas to match the surrounding areas of your body. Liposuction is not a magic wand to replace weight loss. Rather it is a way of contouring troublesome areas to balance with the surround areas.
Liposuction is one of those procedures that is frequently discussed because so many people have areas of fat on their body that just seems to never go away. Liposuction is frequently discussed on afternoon talk shows as there is always some “NEW WAY’” procedure out there. Not all “new way” procedures are helpful, but many of those techniques have stood the test of time and are standard procedures. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
Who is a Candidate?
- If you have excess subcutaneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise.
- If you wish to change the contours of your body. Commonly involved areas are the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits, male chest/breasts, trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves, and ankles.
- Most patients are near normal weight and desire permanent contour changes.
- The "tumescent" technique allows larger amounts of fat removal. Liposculpture can be useful to heavier persons as well.
Intended Result
- A permanent improvement in the contour and proportion of the treated areas.
- A more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing.
Procedure Description
- The procedures are done on an outpatient basis.
- Local, IV sedation and general anesthesia can be used for safety and comfort.
- Small suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted through very short incisions placed in inconspicuous locations near the fat deposits, and excess fat is removed.
Recuperation and Healing
- The patient goes home with a compression garment (or tape) covering the treated areas. Compression is advised for about a month as it helps reduce swelling and helps you achieve the final result more quickly. Once pain and soreness decrease, it is frequently more comfortable to wear Lycra or spandex exercise pants.
- Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
- Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2-4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2-3 months.
- This is general information to prepare patients for surgery and not a reference for our post-operative patients.
Other Options
- Additional procedures that may enhance the result are Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Thigh Lift, or Buttock Lift.
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.