Liposuction
Did you know that . . .
liposuction can be performed on almost any part of the body where you want fat removed?
Liposuction goes by a variety of names (lipo, lipoplasty, suction lipectomy, body contouring or sculpturing), but it has one primary purpose: to sculpt the breasts, abdomen, and other body parts to create a slimmer, more contoured you.
Since the first primitive version of liposuction surgery was introduced in France in the 1920s, it has undergone dramatic advances and ranks consistently as the top cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States and the world. Its popularity is attributed to its effectiveness and the tiny scars it leaves behind. As liposuction techniques continues to evolve, 1800BeYourBest’s independent surgeons stay on the cutting edge of technology to ensure that you receive the best plastic surgery experience possible.
Chunky thighs, love handles, double chins – they can all be eliminated with liposuction, which contours the body by breaking up and suctioning out localized fat deposits. Liposuction works best on those troublesome areas that we all have where diet and exercise seem to have little effect on fat. In women, that’s generally the hips, buttocks and thighs; for men, the problem areas are the torso, back, abdomen and sides. As an added bonus, people who have undergone liposuction not only appear thinner, but they’re less likely to accumulate fat in the treated area again.
Is Liposuction an Ultimate Weight Loss Solution?
Liposuction surgery is not, however, a substitute for traditional weight loss. In fact, the ideal liposuction patient is within 20% of his or her target body weight and already incorporates regular exercise and a balanced diet into a healthy lifestyle. The ideal surgical candidate is also mentally stable, free of any active diseases, and realistic about what can be accomplished by cosmetic surgery. Skin quality is always a factor in any plastic surgery procedure. It should be sufficiently elastic to promote proper healing after surgery. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or heart disease can complicate surgery and should be discussed with the surgeon. Although liposuction is a common procedure, it is still major surgery and should be approached as such.
Liposuction Techniques
There are several different liposuction techniques, all variations on the same theme: dry, wet, tumescent, super-wet, ultrasound-assisted, and power-assisted liposuction. Liposuction is an outpatient procedure that is performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia in a surgeon’s office, free-standing surgical center, or hospital.
How Liposuction Surgery is Performed
After marking up the areas to be treated, the surgeon begins the procedure by inserting a narrow tube called a cannula through a small incision into the targeted pocket of fat. The surgeon works the surgical instrument back and forth to break up the deposit, which is then sucked out through a tube in the cannula by a strong vacuum device. The procedure can take up to several hours, depending on how many areas are treated and how much fat is removed. Patients are monitored in the recovery room before being allowed to go home.
Recovery after Liposuction
Recovery after liposuction takes a couple of weeks. Swelling and discomfort are common and controlled with pain relievers. Swelling usually subsides within a week or two, but final results may not be seen for many months. Most people return to work about 2 weeks after having liposuction, but this depends on the extent of the treatment and their activity level on the job. Strenuous sports are usually put on hold for at least 6 weeks.
Find a Board Certified Surgeon
If you’re ready to reshape your body, liposuction might be the perfect solution for you. 1800BeYourBest customer service representatives are available to answer your questions, provide pricing information, and set up a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction.