Liposuction

Though there are several fat removal methods in use today, liposuction is a surgical procedure that remains the gold standard in body contouring cosmetic surgery. There are a variety of liposuction techniques, but overall, it is a straightforward procedure that delivers consistent results. It’s also extremely versatile. Unlike other body contouring cosmetic procedures, liposuction can be used to sculpt even very small areas of the body.

Patients can choose to have liposuction performed on any of the following areas:

• • The upper and lower abdomen

• • The back

• • The hips and flanks

• • The inner and outer thighs

• • Male breasts (removed enlarged male breast tissue to treat gynecomastia)

• • The cheeks, neck, and area under the chin

Liposuction candidates must be in good overall health and be close to their ideal or normal weight. They must also have realistic expectations for this procedure.

Liposuction patients must also be current nonsmokers.

You should also review any medications or supplements you are taking before you have surgery. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can increase your risk of bleeding. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Wilson will review your complete medical history to make sure that you’re a good candidate for surgery.

It’s also important to understand that liposuction is not a form of weight loss surgery or weight loss procedure. How much fat is removed varies from person to person, but only about ten pounds of fat can be removed from the body at one time. Liposuction is used to reduce deposits of fat that do not respond to conventional weight loss methods, but it is not a substitute for diet and exercise. People typically use liposuction to treat the fat that occurs during midlife or remove fat deposits that remain on the hips, flanks, or lower stomach after pregnancy.

There are a variety of liposuction procedures used today, including laser-assisted liposuction and ultrasounds-assisted liposuction, but at AW Plastic Surgery, we use the traditional or tumescent method.

During traditional liposuction (or tumescent liposuction), a thin surgical tube called a cannula is inserted directly into subcutaneous adipose tissue through a small incision. A liquid solution is then injected into the treatment area. This solution performs three distinct functions: It liquefies excess fat cells, making them easier to remove, shrinks blood vessels to reduce blood loss, and delivers a local anesthetic that numbs the treatment area. Once the patient’s fatty tissue is sufficiently pre-treated, it can be removed through the cannula.

Fat cells removed through liposuction surgery can be processed in a centrifuge and injected into certain facial areas to restore youthful facial contours and eliminate wrinkles. If you are interested in pursuing facial fat grafting, Dr. Wilson will develop a personalized treatment plan that meets both your body contouring and anti-aging goals.

If you’re worried about loose skin after liposuction, we can combine liposuction with BodyTite to ensure you achieve the contoured final results you’re looking for.

Recovery from liposuction usually takes seven to ten days. Patients typically experience symptoms of mild to moderate swelling and bruising for three to five days after this procedure, but soreness can be managed with prescription pain medication. Most people who have liposuction can return to work within one to two weeks.

After having liposuction, patients must wear a special compression garment in order to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process. Dr. Wilson will provide you with this garment on the day of your surgery. You can expect to wear this garment for at least ten days after your procedure, but you’ll be able to remove it when you shower or bathe.

Depending on the site where you had liposuction performed, you may need to maintain a reduced activity level for up to four weeks after your operation. During this time, you’ll be asked to avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting. Dr. Wilson will let you know when you’ve healed enough to resume all your normal activities.

Liposuction creates permanent results. The fat cells removed during liposuction will not grow back. Even if you gain weight, existing fat cells can expand, but the treatment areas will remain contoured.