This month in our nonsurgical blog post, we discussed the fat-reducing and skin-firming impacts of the noninvasive Accent Prime procedure. Although this procedure is simple and produces results, traditional liposuction still remains the most effective procedure for serious fat elimination and transformative results. As a surgical procedure, liposuction does take more time, both in treatment and during recovery, but our world-class surgeons will be with you every step of the way to ensure maximum safety, comfort, and, ultimately, results. Today, let’s break down the basics of liposuction. What the procedure entails, how recovery works, and what long-term results you can expect to see as you work on becoming your best self inside and out.
Simply put, liposuction (also known medically as Lipoplasty) removes fat from between the skin and the underlying muscle through a suctioning process, literally sucking fat out of your body. Ultrasonic Liposuction procedures are performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons at our state-of-the-art surgery center. Top care and top technology work together to eliminate stubborn excess fat in specific regions of the body. Target areas often include the face (Facial Liposuction or Chin Liposuction), neck, abdomen, buttocks, hips and thighs, and other areas as well. Liposuction alone may not be the most appropriate procedure to address general weight problems, but when combined with other life changes like diet and exercise, it’s the best at correcting area-specific weight issues that have not responded to overall life changes.
Think of it as a great way to reduce pockets of fat in specific areas that you just can’t change with your workouts.
Liposuction is usually performed with local or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, though there may be circumstances where it is better for the patient to spend the night. Fat is removed by our surgeons from specific regions of the body through a narrow tube (called a cannula) inserted into a tiny incision only a few millimeters in length. Modern technology has provided methods for emulsifying fat before it is suctioned out. This means Ultrasonic Liposuction causes less discomfort and minimal blood loss than traditional methods.
Recovery time depends on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed.
If you undergo extensive liposuction, it’s important to have assistance at home for several days following the surgery. You may be asked to wear an elastic garment to help minimize swelling and enhance comfort during your recovery. Some discomfort and heavy bruising is common, but it will resolve gradually during the first week or two after surgery. Local anesthetic used during liposuction, followed up by anti-inflammatory medicine following the operation, minimizes the recovery time for most people.
Results can often be dramatic. During consultation, our surgeons will make a reasonable determination as to what your expected results will be. Patients with good, elastic skin tone and localized fatty deposits typically get the most transformative results. In other words, someone who is 100 pounds overweight with fat evenly distributed throughout their body presents a very difficult, if not impossible sculpting task. But someone with a stubborn muffin top or underarm giggle can expect more localized and noticeable results. Localized fat deposits in the hips, tummy, or thighs are easily contoured. The second factor influencing the result is the elasticity of the skin. Liposuction alone doesn’t tighten skin; we must rely on the skin’s inherent elasticity to shrink to the new contour. Liposuction also doesn’t remove cellulite or skin irregularities, which is why we may combine liposuction with skin tightening treatments.
For a more individualized picture on what liposuction might offer for you, schedule a virtual or in-person consultation with us today. We are eager to work with you on your journey to your best self.