Liposuction is an effective method of body contouring that can be used in nearly any area of the body. The procedure is one of the most requested plastic surgical among both men and women due to its ability to achieve dramatic results with minimal discomfort and downtime. What liposuction cannot do, however, is help you actually lose excess weight.
The Lowdown on Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn areas of fat from various areas of the body. The procedure uses a narrow tube called a cannula, which is inserted directly into the fat deposits. The cannula loosens the fat cells in the treatment area before suctioning them out of the body.
Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia in many cases, although general anesthesia may be preferred for some patients. The incisions used for cannula access are very small and often leave only small visible scars after they are fully healed. Most patients can return to regular activities within one week after a liposuction procedure.
Treatment Benefits
Liposuction is a versatile procedure that can create a smoother, leaner body contour in the following areas:
- Abdomen and midsection
- Hips and flanks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Upper and lower back
- Upper arms
- Behind the knees
- Calves and ankles
- Neck and jawline
Different techniques may be used for different areas to ensure the best possible results. It is important to keep in mind that the primary goal of liposuction is to improve the body contour, not to actually help a person shed pounds.
Best Candidates for Liposuction
The best candidates for liposuction are men and women who have achieved a healthy weight (learn about turmeric curcumin and other fat burning tips here) and are within about 30 pounds of their target weight. These candidates generally have localized areas of fat that have not responded to their diet and exercise efforts. Skin elasticity is also important for producing optimal results. The greater the skin elasticity, the greater the likelihood that the skin will conform to the new body contours.
The Science of Fat Reduction
The amount of excess fat cells that can be safely removed during a liposuction procedure is not unlimited. Factors that influence the amount of fat reduction in a liposuction procedure include the type of anesthesia used for the procedure, whether the surgery is performed with a planned overnight stay and the current health status of the patient. Removing more than the recommended amount of fat carries significant risks to the patient. Bleeding, fluid shifts and electrolyte abnormalities are just a few of the complications that can occur if proper pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative plans and protocols are not followed. These complications can be safely avoided if the right precautions are instituted in the peri-operative period.
If you are significantly overweight, your plastic surgeon may recommend you shed some of the excess weight before undergoing a liposuction procedure. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight after liposuction to ensure the results of the procedure are long-lasting. To learn more about your options in liposuction, or to find out if you are a candidate, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery today at 855-338-0261.
