What is liposuction?

Despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, some people may still have a body with disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness. Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image. Liposuction techniques may be used to reduce localized fat deposits of the thighs, hips and buttocks, abdomen and waist, upper arms, back, inner knee, chest area, cheeks, chin and neck, and calves and ankles.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

If you are bothered by excess fat deposits - located anywhere on your body - that don't respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you. Ideal candidates for liposuction are adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone, non-smokers, healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing and individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring. It is very important to ask me questions about your liposuction procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with me and getting answers to your questions and concerns.

Who is not a good candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite, the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks, or loose sagging skin.  As with any procedure, we will review your options and expectations so that you will know if your are a good candidate for the procedure or not.

What technique will the surgeon use to perform the liposuction?

I use several different "types" of liposuction techniques depending on the needs of the particular patient.  Most commonly I use the tumescent technique which involves injection of a dilute solution of salt water, anesthetic, and small amounts of a substance designed to reduce the blood loss during the procedure.  When indicated, I will use a form of ultrasonic liposuction, Vaser liposculpture, to treat more difficult areas and provide for better skin tightening.  Since each person is different, I discuss and decide on which type or types of liposuction to use in consultation with the patient after evaluating their areas of concern.

What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?

The decision to have liposuction is extremely personal and you‘ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. The risks associated with surgery will be explained in detail. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications. Possible risks of liposuction include uneven contours, rippling or loose skin, skin or nerve damage, irregular pigmentation, infection, fat clots, blood clots, excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation, unfavorable scarring, thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty technique, anesthesia risks, bleeding (hematoma), change in skin sensation, skin discoloration or swelling, asymmetry, pain, which may persist, damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs, poor wound healing, persistent swelling in the legs, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, and the possibility of revisional surgery.

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop. The fulfillment you feel from the initial results of liposuction should continue as long as you control your weight and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Following liposuction, your slimmer and better-proportioned body should more accurately reflect the healthy and active life you lead.

How much does liposuction surgery cost?

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for liposuction can vary widely. The cost for liposuction may vary based on the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location. Our office does offer financing, so be sure to ask.  Costs generally include my fee, hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, prescriptions for medication, post-surgery garments, and medical tests.

How long is the recovery period?

Once your procedure is completed, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas. These help to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours. In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site(s), medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to make your follow up appointment with me.