Liposuction – also referred to as lipoplasty, lipo, or lipectomy – is a cosmetic procedure performed to slim down parts of body that have excess fat. This popular treatment option contours away trouble areas and improves overall body shape.

Areas Commonly Treated with Liposuction

Liposuction is quite versatile as a method of spot reduction for fat loss. Some common regions treated with liposuction include the abdomen, hips, waist, calves, back, chin, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, and neck.

When Should You Consider Liposuction?

If you have excess fat in certain areas of your body and you are not able to lose the fat through diet and exercise, then liposuction may just be what you need.

Liposuction does not treat obesity, nor is it a treatment for conditions such as hanging excess skin or cellulite. It should not be treated as a weight-loss alternative.

Requirements for a Successful Liposuction

The following qualities make a person an ideal liposuction candidate:

  • No terminal illness or history of medical conditions (these conditions can make recovery difficult)
  • No smoking
  • A BMI that is less than 30% of the individual’s ideal body weight
  • Tight elastic skin and healthy muscle tone
  • A realistic goal in mind regarding the desired body shape and the extent of fat reduction needed to achieve it
  • A positive mental attitude
  • Willingness to strictly adhere to the surgeon’s instructions

What Happens Before, During, and After Liposuction?

You may be asked to do the following before the surgery:

  • Get a medical examination done.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Avoid certain medication, including aspirin, herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory medicines, as they tend to increase bleeding.
  • Begin taking new medications or alter existing medications.

The steps of the surgery are as follows:

  • Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is administered.
  • A tiny incision is made in the chosen area. A slim tube known as a cannula is then inserted into the body through the incision.
  • The fat deposit in the location is first loosened by moving the cannula back and forth. Once the fat is loosened, it is sucked out of the body using high-pressure vacuum suction.

What to Expect After Your Liposuction Procedure

After your liposuction, expect swelling and bruising in the surgery area, which will subside. Instructions will be given regarding taking proper care of the surgical site, and oral or topical medications will be prescribed to aid in healing and in preventing infections.

Your Liposuction Consultation

This is a major procedure, so a consultation with Dr. JoAnne Lopes will need to be carried out before undergoing it. During a consultation, Dr. Lopes will talk to you about the liposuction process. She will get to know your medical history, examine your trouble areas, and discuss the different fat-reduction options available to you.

Contact Us for Liposuction

Dr. Lopes is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience and will be happy to help you with your liposuction surgery. Liposuction is highly effective for body contouring. If you’re interested in learning more about the procedure, contact the office of Dr. Lopes to schedule your consultation today!