As one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed today, you have likely heard a bit about liposuction. You may even know someone who has had the procedure. However, if liposuction is now something you are considering for yourself, there are a few basic facts about the procedure you need to know.
Liposuction is Not a Weight Loss Procedure
One of the biggest misconceptions about liposuction is that the procedure can be used to help you drop pounds and clothing sizes. While the procedure does indeed produce a more slender body contour, it cannot replace weight loss efforts. In fact, liposuction is usually limited to those that have already achieved a healthy weight, but have small areas of fat remaining that will not respond to their diet and exercise efforts.
Liposuction can be Customized to Your Needs and Desired Results
Liposuction is not a “one-size-fits-all” procedure. Today, there are a variety of liposuction techniques that allow plastic surgeons to tailor the procedure to the unique needs and desired results of each patients. Newer techniques in liposuction, which include lasers and ultrasound energy, are designed to make fat cells easier to remove. These technologies can be used to emulsify fat but still require traditional liposuction techniques to actually remove the fat.
Many Areas can be Treated with Liposuction
Liposuction is frequently associated with a sculpted midsection, or more slender hips. However, these are not the only areas that can be treated with liposuction procedures. Other treatment areas include:
- Underneath the chin and the neck
- Upper arms and back
- Lower back and abdomen
- Thighs and calves
The breast can even be re-contoured using liposuction techniques. This is particularly useful for men who have large breasts that can produce significant embarrassment for some. The condition, known as gynecomastia, can be safely treated with liposuction which is sometimes combined with other techniques to fully contour the area.
Liposuction does Involve Surgery
Liposuction may be performed on an outpatient basis, but it is considered surgery. Patients are typically given local or general anesthesia prior to the procedure. Patients will have a recovery period after treatment, which gives their body time to heal from the procedure. In addition, liposuction is accompanied by risks common with all types of surgery, including infection, poor incision healing and side effects from the anesthesia. Choosing a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon for your procedure will greatly reduce those risks.
Liposuction is Permanent if a Healthy Weight is Maintained
The purpose of liposuction is to remove fat cells from the body via a gentle suction device. Because fat cells are completely removed from the body, the procedure is considered a permanent method of body contouring for the areas treated. However, if you do not maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle habits after your procedure, remaining fat cells can begin to enlarge and require a subsequent procedure to restore your positive results.
Dr. Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery has the training and experience necessary to offer his Cedar Rapids patients the highest level of care and the best possible results. To find out more about his choices in liposuction, contact his office today at 319-800-6877.
