Liposuction, or liposculpting, removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body that do not respond to diet or exercise. This procedure can improve your appearance and enhance your self-confidence. It is not a substitute for traditional weight loss methods.
Who should have liposuction?
Anyone who is dissatisfied with the shape of his or her body due to disproportionate accumulations of fat might be a good candidate for liposuction. In order to acheive the best results from liposuction, you should be within ten to twenty pounds of your ideal body weight and have isolated areas of fat that are not in proportion to the rest of your body.
It is best to have firm, elastic skin; loose or sagging skin will not reshape to your body's new contour after liposuction—potentially requiring additional surgeries to remove the excess skin.
Liposuction is not recommended for individuals with poor circulation or other skin complications.
Can the fat return after liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that suctions out excess pockets of unwanted fat in certain areas of the body. Once the fat cells are removed they do not return; the results of liposuction are permanent as long as you follow a proper diet and exercise program and do not gain a significant amount of weight. Patients must realize that liposuction is not a cure for gaining weight nor a substitute for proper diet and exercise. Liposuction is a powerful tool used to create dramatic changes in your appearance—if it is properly performed and maintained. With appropriate diet and exercise, you should be able to enjoy the results of liposuction for the rest of your life.
What are the goals of liposuction?
Liposuction is performed in order to:
Unfortunately, liposuction cannot reduce overall obesity or remove stretch marks, cellulite, or loose skin.
What are the risks of liposuction?
Liposuction is typically a very safe procedure, however, all surgeries carry uncertainty and risk. Qualified surgeons will reduce the risks by carefully choosing their patients. Surgeons usually find that the best candidates for liposuction are of relatively normal weight but have deposits of excess fat in particular areas. Having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour as well.
While there are risks associated with any surgery, complications from liposuction are rare. Potential complications from this procedure inlude bleeding, infection, blood clots, wrinkling, poor countour, and asymmetry.
How is the procedure performed?
Liposuction is performed in a hospital operating room on an outpatient basis. Before your operation you will be placed under local or general anesthesia depending upon how extensive your liposuction procedure will be. Before the suctioning begins, a solution of adrenaline or epinephrine will be injected into the area to be operated on in order to minimize bleeding. Then, small incisions are made and a hollow tube called a cannula is inserted. The other end of the cannula is attached to a machine that acts as a very strong vacuum. The surgeon then manipulates the cannula to loosen and remove the fat deposits and fluids. Occasionally, additional incisions are necessary to remove all the areas of fat.
What can I expect after the surgery?
Recovery from liposuction is not difficult. You will experience some burning and pain in the areas that were treated, as well as a moderate amount of bruising and swelling. A pressure garment, or girdle, is a very important part of your liposuction recovery and results. It should be worn day and night for at least four weeks. In addition, you should refrain from exercise for two weeks after liposuction to avoid increased and prolonged swelling and bruising.
Any swelling and discomfort after liposuction will vary in duration and intensity depending upon the area treated and the amount of fat removed. In general, most swelling is down after four to six weeks, but small areas may remain swollen for up to six months after surgery. Discomfort after surgery is easily controlled using prescription pain medication for two to three days.
Liposuction for the Neck and Chin
Fat can settle underneath the chin, creating an older and less refined appearance. Liposuction of the neck and under the chin is one of the most popular procedures to improve these areas; it produces excellent results by creating a smoother facial contour.
Liposucton for the neck and chin is an outpatient procedure with a speedy recovery time and minimal scarring. It is often performed in conjunction with a facelift, but it can also be performed as a stand-alone procedure on younger patients. The surgeon may use either general or local anesthesia, depending on the patient. A very small incision will be made on the underside of each jaw and possibly under the chin. A very thin, hollow tube is then attached to the suction machine and, using the machine, excess fat is suctioned out through the incisions.
If you have excess fat on your chin or neck that creates a full-looking face or double-chin effect, liposuction may be the perfect way to give your face a smoother, cleaner contour.
Liposuction for the Stomach, Hips, and Buttocks
Liposuction of the stomach, hips and buttocks are the most common surgeries performed on women. During your consultation, discuss with Dr. Bonness precisely what concerns you about your body. She will complete a thorough examination and recommend where liposuction or other procedures can help.
Before your surgery, Dr. Bonness will determine where the necessary incisions should be. Liposuction of the hips and buttocks to remove "saddle bags" is an easy outpatient procedure. Incisions will be placed on the lower half or crease of your buttocks.
Liposuction for the tummy requires small incisions to be made in or around the navel and/or just above the pubic mound. If you have loose skin, it may be necessary to remove it by performing a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery.
The minimal scarring that may occur from the incisions can be easily concealed by clothing and swimwear.
Liposuction for the Arms and Legs
The goal of liposuction of the arms or legs is to remove unsightly pockets of accumulated fat. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and it usually takes one to two hours. Incisions are made in certain body creases and the fat is suctioned out, leaving you with better contoured arms or legs.
Some patients might require removal of excess skin on the arms because this skin may not be as elastic as on other areas of the body. This is particularly common for patients that have lost a significant amount of weight.
Any scars left from the incisions should fade with time, but some minor scarring will be permanent. Any remaining scars can be easily concealed by clothing. As with all lipsuction procedures, wearing pressure garments after surgery is extremely important for the healing process.
After liposuction on the arms or legs, you can expect to return to work after a few days and to resume all of your normal activities within three to four weeks.