Liposuction has been touted as a safe and effective body contouring procedure for some time, but now, two plastic surgeons have put the research behind the claims. Senior surgeons in different areas of the globe did their due diligence studying hundreds of liposuction patients to conclude that liposuction specifically of the hips, flanks and thighs has a high success rate with minimal risks.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove unwanted fat cells various areas of the body, including the hips and thighs (both the inner and outer thighs). Traditional liposuction is done with a thin tube that the surgeon inserts through a small incision to break up and suction out the excess fat cells.
Stubborn fat pockets affect many people, even with a healthy lifestyle. Although this is not a weight loss method, many patients can benefit from liposuction after they lose weight. Liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure, whether multiple procedures are being combined with it, and the patient’s comfort level. After the liposuction procedure, patients will be given a compression garment that should be worn for a few weeks to reduce swelling and aid in healing, ensuring optimal results.
Benefits of Hip and Thigh Liposuction
The hip and thigh area is a common area when excess fat accumulates, especially for many women after childbirth and natural aging. Liposuction removes fat from the treatment area to create a leaner figure and accentuate your natural curves. Excess fat in the inner thighs can also cause painful chaffing, making it difficult to exercise or engage in daily activities. Liposuction not only helps patients look their best, but also improves overall quality of life.
About the Study
The surgeons, Yixin Zhang, MD, PhD, of Shanghai JiaoTong University and Manuel Francesco Castello, MD, of Clinica Villa Salaria, Rome, reported on their liposuction experiences with more than 4,000 patients. In their two decades of experience, the surgeons concluded that liposuction is a “reliable method with proven results.” They published their findings in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open, which is an open-access journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
All of the patients observed in this study had liposuction procedures performed on the hips, flanks, thighs, or any combination of those areas. The surgeons followed the patients from their initial consultation through their post-operative care. In addition to focusing on the basic process of removing isolated pockets of fat cells, the plastic surgeons paid special attention to skin retraction after liposuction to achieve the smoothest, most natural results.
“If performed correctly, three-dimensional liposuction of the trunk, thighs and hips can yield very satisfying outcomes because of the excellent contour and enhanced skin retraction provided by the thin cutaneous (skin) adipose flap,” the authors were quoted as saying on the website for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Of the more than 4,000 patients treated by these surgeons, only one developed a serious complication from the procedure. That particular patient developed an infection that was successfully treated with antibiotics. Fifty other patients developed seromas, or fluid buildups, which were effectively resolved by drainage.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Liposuction Procedure
While this research demonstrates the safety and efficacy of liposuction, it is important to choose an experienced, qualified surgeon for your procedure to ensure the best possible results. A board-certified plastic surgeon will not only ensure safety during the procedure, but also has the skills necessary to limit the risk of contour irregularities following surgery and ensure natural-looking results.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrews performs liposuction procedures regularly. With his years of experience performing liposuction and artistic eye, Dr. Andrews is able to customize each treatment to the unique needs and desired outcomes of his patients. His goal is to create a smoother, leaner contour in areas that have not responded to diet and exercise.
Dr. Andrews can also help you determine whether this procedure is right for you, after carefully examining your medical history and the areas you wish to treat. Most patients can benefit but those with poor skin elasticity might not be good candidates, and those with significant amounts of excess fat may benefit from more invasive surgical procedures. At the time of surgery, patients should be at their ideal body weight, have good skin elasticity, be in overall good health, and have realistic expectations for their surgical procedure.
Schedule a Consultation for Hip and Thigh Liposuction in Coralville, IA
If you would like to sculpt areas of your body to create a more pleasing contour, Dr. Andrews can help. Contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery at 319-220-4644 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Andrews today.
