Liposuction

Got tummy? Probably more than you'd like. You exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, but that stubborn bulge refuses to flatten. Unfortunately, no amount of exercise will remove localized fat deposits. As we age, muscle mass diminishes, skin loosens and body fat is redistributed. The number of fat cells in the body stabilize after puberty, but they may swell to store more fat. One of the areas where fat may collect is in the stomach. The distribution of fat is primarily regulated by genetic factors - it is inherited.

Diet and exercise are good things, very good things. But, sometimes diet and exercise just don't do the job. We're talking about those pockets of fat that no amount of sweat or will power seems to be able to budge. Localized fat in the thighs, hips and stomach may bulge in a way that you just don't like. The answer for these stubborn areas could be liposuction. Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed specifically to contour and/or diminish poorly proportioned pockets of fat. In the past decade, liposuction has become the most commonly performed cosmetic operation in the U.S.

It should be clearly understood that liposuction is not a weight loss program. There is no substitute for a reasonable diet and regular exercise. In fact, the best candidates for the procedure are no more than 10 pounds over their ideal weight.

The best results are often achieved in patients that fit a particular profile. The ideal patient is under 40, in good health, with resilient skin tone and does not smoke (smoking adversely affects your skin tone, slows the healing process and diminishes the result of almost any cosmetic surgical procedure). Though this is an ideal profile, a wide range of patients have had good results from liposuction.

There are many areas where liposuction can be of help. For women, the most obvious are the abdomen, flanks, and inner and outer thighs. Fat can be removed from the neck and jowls for a more youthful appearance. As hemlines have gone up, liposuction of the knees and ankles has become increasingly popular.

For men, the two most common areas are the "love handles" on their flanks and the protruding stomach.

Liposuction is a versatile tool for reshaping stubborn pockets of fat. If you are thinking about liposuction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Thompson to find out if this procedure is right for you.

THE PROCEDURE
After you are properly anesthetized, a special fluid is injected into the area to be treated. This fluid constricts blood vessels, which minimizes bleeding and bruising and reduces blood loss. The procedure requires insertion of a hollow tube, called a cannula, through one or more tiny incisions into the fat that is to be removed. The cannula is attached to a pump that creates a vacuum to suction out the fat. It is important to select a plastic surgeon who has the experience to determine when enough fat has been removed. Liposuction takes between one and three hours to perform, depending upon the number of areas to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed.

THE RECOVERY
Although most patients are mobile immediately after the surgery, complete healing is a gradual process. The discomfort should ease within a day or two, but the suctioned area(s) may be swollen and heavily bruised for two to three weeks or more. The stitches will be removed in seven to ten days. You will need to avoid strenuous activities for two to four weeks after the surgery.

Before and After Liposuction Photos

Liposuction Question and Answer