Who should have liposuction?
Anyone who is dissatisfied with the shape of his or her body due to disproportionate accumulations of fat. To obtain the best results from liposuction you should be within 10-20 pounds of your ideal bodyweight and have isolated areas of fat that are out of proportion to the rest of your body. Liposuction, more accurately described by the term 'liposculpting,' is NOT for weight reduction.
Important Considerations
Liposuction is a procedure to remove unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. It is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method of removing fat that doesn't respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction can improve your appearance and enhance your self-confidence. It is best to have firm, elastic skin. If you have loose or sagging skin, it will not reshape to your body's new contour and may require additional surgeries to remove the excess skin. Also, liposuction is not recommended if you have poor circulation or other skin complications.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that suctions out excess pockets of unwanted fat in certain areas of your 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. It is important to realize that liposuction is not a cure for gaining weight or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. Liposuction is a powerful tool used to create dramatic changes in your appearance, if properly done. With proper diet and exercise, you should be able to enjoy the results of your liposuction the rest of your life.
- To reduce the area of fat
- To restore a more balanced and proportionate body shape
Unfortunately, liposuction cannot improve overall obesity, stretch marks, cellulite, or loose skin.
Liposuction is usually a very safe procedure; however, all surgeries carry uncertainty and risk. Qualified surgeons will reduce the risk by carefully choosing their patients. Surgeons usually find that the best candidates 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. Although there are risks associated with any surgery, complications with liposuction are rare. These include bleeding, infection, blood clots, wrinkling, poor contour 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. The type of anesthesia depends on how extensive your liposuction procedure will be. Regardless of the type of anesthesia before the suctioning a solution of adrenaline or epinephrine will be injected into the area. This solution will minimize the amount of bleeding. Small incisions are than made and a hollow tube called a cannula is inserted. The other end of the cannula is attached to a machine that creates 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?
The recovery from liposuction is not difficult. You will experience some burning and pain in the areas that were treated. There will also be a moderate amount of bruising and swelling. A pressure garment, or girdle, is a very important part of your liposuction result. It should be worn day and night for at least four weeks. Also, it is prudent to refrain from exercise for two weeks after liposuction to avoid increased and prolonged swelling and bruising. There will be swelling and discomfort that will vary in duration and intensity depending on the area and amount of fat removed. Most swelling is down after four to six weeks, but small areas may remain swollen up to six months after surgery. Discomfort is easily controlled using prescription pain medication for two to three days.
Liposuction for the Neck and Chin
One of the most popular surgical procedures that produces excellent results is liposuction under the neck or chin. Sometimes fat can settle underneath the chin, giving you an older and less refined appearance. With liposuction, a smoother contour to your face can be created. This out-patient procedure is popular because of the fast recovery time and hardly noticeable scars. Liposuction can be done on younger patients with excess fat under the chin, but is also done in conjunction with face-lifts. The surgeon will use either local or general anesthesia. Next, the surgeon makes a very small incision on the underside of each jaw and sometimes under the chin. A very thin, hollow tube is then hooked to a suction machine and the excess fat is suctioned out. If you have excess fat on your neck giving your a full or double chin effect, this procedure may be an excellent way to give your face a smoother, cleaner contour.
Liposuction for Stomach, Hips, and Thighs
Liposuction of the tummy, hips & buttocks are the most common surgeries done on women. Known as "saddle bags," the hips and buttocks is an easy out-patient procedure. Before your surgery, tell Dr. Bonness what's specifically bothering you about your body: your tummy, hips or buttocks. It may be a combination. During your consultation, Dr. Bonness will examine you to see what and where the incisions need to be placed. If you have loose skin, skin removal may be necessary (tummy tuck). For your hips and buttocks, small incisions will be made on the lower half or crease of your buttocks. For your tummy, small incisions are made in or around the navel and/or just above the pubic mound. Any incisions made can be easily concealed by clothing or swim wear.
Liposuction for the Arms and Legs
The goal of liposuction under the arms or legs is to remove unsightly pockets of fat accumulation. This procedure is usually done on an out-patient basis that takes about 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. Sometimes skin removal with arms may be necessary because the skin is not as elastic as it may be on other areas of the body. This is especially common in patients that have lost a significant amount of weight. Any scars made from the incisions can be easily concealed by clothing. Scars on your arms or legs should fade, but will remain permanent. Just as in other areas treated with liposuction pressure garments are very important. You can expect to return to work after a few days and to resume your normal activities within three to four weeks.