Liposuction is a technique used to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific
areas of the body, including the chin, neck, and cheeks; the upper arms and
above the breasts; the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs; and the knees,
calves,
and ankles. This procedure removes localized fat that doesn't respond
to dieting and exercise, however, it is not a substitute for weight reduction.
Liposuction can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't
necessarily change your looks to
match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Think
carefully about your expectations before
you decide to have surgery.
New Procedural Video
Click on the photo box below to view this informative, procedural presentation including an introduction, an overview with illustrations indicating incisions and how the procedure is performed, how best to prepare and what to to expect, and how to take care of yourself after the procedure.
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The best candidates for liposuction are of relatively normal weight but have
pockets of excess fat in particular areas. You
should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your
expectations. Having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final
contour. (Hanging skin won't reshape
to your body's new contours, and may require an additional procedure to surgically
remove the excess skin. This
procedure will leave visible scars.)
Liposuction is not recommended if you've had recent surgery on the spot to
be sculpted, if you have poor blood circulation in that area, or if you have
heart or lung disease. Liposuction by itself will not improve the dimpled
skin known as cellulite, though there are other techniques that may improve
this condition.
Post-operative Procedures & Recovery
You should not expect to look or feel great right after surgery. You
may even be heavier for a while because of the extra fluids you've been given. The
suctioned areas will be swollen and bruised, and you may feel a burning sensation. Medications
can control the pain, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.
You should be back to work in 2 - 3 days, or as much as two weeks after surgery. When
you resume activity depends on the extent of your procedure, how you feel
and what is recommended. Most of the swelling and discoloration will
be gone a month or two after surgery, but some swelling can remain for six
months or more.
Suction-assisted lipectomy is a highly effective technique for giving you
a new body contour with very little scarring.
Providing you eat sensibly and exercise regularly, the result can be permanent.
If you do gain weight, you'll probably gain it more evenly throughout your
body, not just in the former "bulges."
Most patients are very satisfied with the results of their liposuction –
they feel more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes, and more at ease
with their bodies. As long as your expectations are realistic, you should
be happy with your new shape.
Call our office today at (757) 497-5400 for more information or to schedule
your consultation with Dr. JoAnne Lopes.
Information provided by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
