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.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn fat deposits from various areas of the body. The procedure uses a thin tube called a cannula, which is inserted directly into the unwanted fat deposits. The cannula loosens the fat cells in the treatment area before suctioning them out of the body. Dr. Andrews offers both traditional liposuction and power-assisted liposuction, which uses vibration to break down the fat cells for easier removal.
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. Patients can return to most regular activities within one week after a liposuction procedure, but should avoid strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.
Treatment Benefits
Liposuction surgery can create a smoother, leaner body contour by addressing body fat 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 fat removal 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 how much fat can be removed 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, blood clots, 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. Additionally, liposuction can only remove subcutaneous fat, not the the deeper layers of visceral fat. A healthy diet and exercise are needed to lose this weight.
These complications can be safely avoided if the right precautions are instituted in the peri-operative period. Because of this risks, it is also important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Andrews. If you are significantly overweight, he may recommend you shed some of your body weight before undergoing a liposuction procedure. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after liposuction so you do not gain weight again.
Effective Weight Loss Treatment
Most patients undergo liposuction after significant weight loss. The best way to lose weight is with a combination of diet and exercise, since this offers a safer approach and contributes to better health. We also offer the ReStart Shot, a GLP-1 weight loss injectable that reduces appetite and feelings of hunger to help you lose weight quicker. Once you are near or at your weight loss goal, you can consider body contouring procedures like liposuction to remove excess fat and eliminate the last few stubborn pounds. Liposuction can also be combined with other procedures specifically designed to eliminate loose or sagging skin, which is common after weight loss.
Schedule a Consultation
Although liposuction is not a weight loss tool, we can recommend other treatments and personalized lifestyle changes to help get you ready for your liposuction procedure. To learn more about your options for liposuction, or to find out if you are a candidate, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery today at 855-338-0261.
