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Are you struggling with excess fat that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how many crunches or lunges you do? It can be a frustrating problem. Liposuction could be the solution. The procedure targets specific pockets of fat and removes them from the body, giving you a slimmer, more contoured shape.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat pockets from specific areas of the body. More specifically, it removes superficial subcutaneous fat or subcutaneous adipose tissue just below the surface of the skin. It can be done in one or multiple areas of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, and back. Tumescent liposuction is the most popular choice and involves the injection of a specialized fluid that breaks up fat tissue. The excess fat deposits are then suctioned out using vacuum-like technology. Advanced liposuction techniques like power-assisted liposuction or ultrasound-assisted liposuction can be used to more easily break up fat cells in large sections of fatty tissue.
Liposuction is often performed when diet and exercise are no longer successful. It’s important to recognize that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. However, it can be a great way to complete your weight loss journey by removing stubborn localized fat deposits.
Liposuction with Other Body Contouring Procedures
Liposuction can be performed alone, but it is often combined with other body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, thigh lift, mommy makeover, and more. A combination body contouring surgery is often a great option for patients who are also bothered by excess skin and are looking for dramatic results.
Who is a Good Candidate For Liposuction?
Some of the things that make someone an ideal candidate for liposuction include:
- Adults who are close to their ideal weight
- Good skin elasticity and muscle tone
- Being in generally good health with no medical condition that may affect the healing process
- Nonsmokers
- Having realistic expectations
During your initial consultation with Dr. Andrews, he will assess your medical history, ask about your cosmetic goals, and assess the area(s) you wish to treat to determine whether liposuction is the right cosmetic surgery procedure for you.
The Liposuction Procedure
At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, liposuction often begins by administering local anesthesia if liposuction is only being performed on a small area, or general anesthesia if a larger area is being treated or liposuction is combined with other procedures.
Dr. Andrews will then start the surgery by making a small incision in the treatment area. A thin tube (called a cannula) will then be inserted to loosen the unwanted fat, and then a vacuum will be used to suction the fat from the body.
Once the surgery is complete, the treatment area will be wrapped in a compression garment to aid healing and control swelling. You will spend some time in the recovery room, and then a family member or friend can take you home.
DR. KAHLIL ANDREWS
Dr. Kahlil Andrews is a board-certified plastic surgeon from Los Angeles specializing in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
At his location in Coralville, Iowa, Dr. Andrews’ academic and technical achievements are only exceeded by his commitment to patient care. Whether they are seeking reconstructive breast surgery, outpatient injectable treatment, or a full-blown mommy makeover, Dr. Andrews gives his full attention and focus on achieving excellent patient outcomes.
MEET DR. ANDREWSRecovery
After liposuction surgery, Dr. Andrews will provide specific instructions on how best to take care of your incisions to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. You will likely notice some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area, but pain medication can help with any discomfort you’re experiencing. You may also have some drains put in to help drain fluid from the body. Dr. Andrews will give you instructions on how to take care of your drains and when they can be removed.
You will need to take at least a few days off of work, and it will likely take a few weeks before you can return to your normal activity levels. As for the swelling, it can take a few weeks to a couple of months for it to fully subside and for the final results to show themselves.
Liposuction results can last for many years if patients maintain a normal weight with a healthy diet and exercise routine.
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Schedule A Consultation
Are you ready to get the body of your dreams? Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Andrews is a great first step. He will address your concerns, perform an examination, and then build a liposuction treatment plan that suits your needs.
To schedule a consultation today, call our Coralville, IA office at (319) 800-6877 or use our online scheduling form.
