Having the body we desire isn’t always as easy as exercising regularly and eating well. Often, stubborn fat stands in the way of you feeling great about your appearance. With Liposuction, there is a way to get rid of this stubborn fat and help you feel confident with your body.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction, also known as lipo, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that removes areas of fat from the body through a small thin tube called a cannula. The fat from the targeted area is suctioned from the body through this tube to help a patient achieve a slim and balanced appearance.
Although the conventional procedure was effective in removing excessive fat deposits, it was a painful procedure that involved suctioning out large areas of solid fat.
New technology has allowed for different techniques that have improved the accuracy and reduced the pain associated with this procedure.
Today, liposuction is usually performed via the tumescent technique or with the help of ultrasound imaging or a laser. These new technologies have transformed liposuction into a much safer and less invasive procedure.
Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?
The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who is in good overall health and maintains a healthy lifestyle, but has one or more problem areas with unresponsive fat deposits.
It is also important for patients to have realistic expectations, and remember that the procedure cannot be used as a means for major weight loss. It is instead used to remove localized areas of stubborn fat after the patient has attempted other natural weight-loss methods.
Liposuction Treatment Areas
Liposuction can be used to treat localized fat deposits within the:
- Thighs
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Back
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Chest
- Face
- Calves
- Ankles
This procedure may be performed alone, or can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift, breast reduction or tummy tuck, to achieve maximum results.
How Is Liposuction Surgery Performed?
There are several different techniques currently available for patients seeking liposuction treatment. New technologies have improved the accuracy of this procedure, allowing patients to achieve their desired results through a much less invasive procedure. Liposuction is performed through a tumescent technique, and may also include the assistance of ultrasound imaging or laser energy.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
Our surgeons will make several tiny incisions and inject a local anesthetic into the area to help expand and firm the fat, making it easier to remove. The cannula is then inserted through the incisions to suction out the fat. No stitches are needed after the procedure because the incisions are small enough to heal on their own.
In laser-assisted tumescent liposuction, a laser is used to liquefy the targeted fat before it is removed, allowing for easier and less painful removal. The laser may also be used to tighten skin in the treated area after fat is removed. Similarly, ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat before it is removed for a smoother removal process.
Liposuction Before & After Photos
After the liposuction procedure, patients may experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area. Compression garments or elastic bandages may be used to help reduce these symptoms while the area heals. Patients can return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which is usually after a few days. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks.
Dr. Walden will give you special instructions on how to care for your treated area and reduce any complications after the procedure. The results of the procedure may not be visible until any swelling and bruising subsides. This may take several months, and results will appear gradually throughout this time.
The results of liposuction can be permanent, as long as patients maintain a healthy and active life. If substantial weight is gained after this procedure, the results may be altered.
Although liposuction is considered safe, there are certain risks associated with any type of procedure. Some of these risks may include infection, scarring, allergic reactions, hematoma or unsatisfactory results.
Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, and rarely has serious complications. You can minimize potential risks by following our instructions before and after your procedure.
For those who don’t want to undergo surgery there are options for you too. With BodyTite and Emsculpt. BodyTite is an FDA approved device that uses patented radiofrequency assisted liposuction (RFAL™) technology to provide internal and external lipolysis. The handpiece device is successful in supplying a precise, unique three-dimensional contraction of the skin, focusing RFAL energy into unwanted fatty areas.
EMSCULPTÂ is a new technology which addresses both fat and muscle to help contour the body without surgery! This non-surgical technology is able to tone and shape the body, where other non-surgical treatments only reduce fat in the area.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in liposuction and would like to see if you are a good candidate, contact our office at 512-328-4100.
