What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that permanently removes fat from selected areas of the body. Using a special type of local anesthesia known as tumescent anesthesia, which freezes the area to be operated on, the surgeon inserts long slender metal tubes under the skin directly into the fat in the area to be sculpted. The metal tube, or cannula, is attached to a vacuum pump. The fat is directed into the tip of the tube and removed by suction. By this means, the surgeon can remove excess undesirable fat from almost any area of the body, often dramatically improving the shape of a patient's hips, waistline, bac, thighs, knees, buttocks, abdomen, legs, arms or neck.

What Can Liposuction do for Me?

For those who have failed with dieting and exercise, liposuction is the most effective way to permanently change the shape of your body and improve your figure. Specifically, it is meant to remove areas of disproportionate fat accumulation - areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is very effective for correcting "saddlebag" hips, flattening bulging abdomens, recontouring a sagging neck, removing stubborn "love handles", sculpting a more pleasing waistline, reducing facial "jowls", and thinning out fat thighs, knees and legs.

Is Liposuction Safe? Is it Painful?

Tumescent anesthesia has revolutionized liposuction over the past ten years. Liposuction is now an exceedingly safe and comfortable, in-office surgical procedure. Patinets are awake during liposuction and feel only minimal discomfort. The numbing effects of the tumescent anesthetic solution last from twelve to twenty four hours following the procedure, providing good relief from pain during this period. After the effects of the anesthetic wear off there is only mild to moderate pain, easily controlled by oral analgesics.

Because of the unique properties of the tumescent anesthesia, there is very little blood loss during or after the procedure, very little bruising, and no need for a hospital stay afterwards. Patients can usually return to work two days after the surgery and resume most of their regular activities within a week. Tumescent liposuction is now one of the safest surgical procedures performed today.

How Much Fat is Removed?

Enough fat is removed from each site operated on to give a desirable contour. The actual amount varies from site to site, and person to person. Sometimes as little as one ounce of fat removed from the neck can make a dramatic change in appearance. On the other hand, liposuction of the torso may yield as much as ten pounds of fat.

How Soon Before the Results of Liposuction are Noticeable?

Most people can notice a substantial improvement in their body contour within a day. However, the anesthetic injected to "numb" the sculpted area, which takes about two days to drain and absorb, and post-operative swelling can briefly obscure the results. By six weeks, 90% of the healing and remodelling of the fat compartment operated on and contraction of the skin over this area has occurred. Your new figure at this time is just about what it will be, although improvement can continue for up to 6 months following the procedure.

Is There Anything Special to do Before and After Surgery? When can I Resume my Regular Activities?

Preoperatively, a medical history and brief physical examination along with some basic bloodwork are required. Patients should avoid certain medications that may cause excessive bleeding, such as aspirin. Postoperatively, patients must wear special garments which we will order for you. These garments are worn for up to a month, depending on the area operated on. Tight but comfortable, they compress the skin over the area liposuctioned, ensuring proper remodelling and skin contraction. Patients can expect to resume regular activities such as work and some light exercise two days after the procedure.

Are There any Complications of Liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction is one of the safest cosmetic surgical procedures performed. We do expect some swelling and bruising of the areas operated on. Rarely, fluid or blood pockets can form under the skin and have to be drained. Other complications such as infection, heavy blood loss or scarring, while possible, rarely occur. Liposuction in the right hands is virtually complication-free!

What are the Limitations of Liposuction?

Although the results of liposuction can be quite remarkable and very gratifying, it is unrealistic to expect perfection. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity and should not be undertaken for that purpose. Designed as a recontouring procedure, liposuction is not a substitution fro proper diet and exercise. Liposuction will not elimibate dimpling of the skin, commonly known as "cellulite", that many people find objectionable.

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery and as such is not covered by health insurance. The charge for this procedure varies according to the size and number of areas on which liposuction is performed. In general, our minimum charge for liposuction is $2000. (Some areas are less expensive). We accept most major credit cards and financing is available for those who qualify.

If I am Considering Liposuction, What do I do Next?

Call (713)850-0023 for a free consultation with our staff!