Body

Liposuction

Individuals of any age with isolated fatty deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise are good candidates for liposuction. The procedure is most effective if you have relatively firm, healthy skin tissue without too much sagging. Areas which may be treated with liposuction include the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.

Liposuction is a procedure used to remove localized deposits of fat to recontour one or more areas of the body. To remove the fatty tissue, the surgeon makes a tiny incision and inserts a tube, or cannula, under the skin to remove the fat cells. As the cannula is pushed and pulled through the fat cell layers, the cells are broken up and suctioned out. The surgeon will move carefully from one area to the next to achieve the desired contouring effect.

You will be encouraged to be up and walking around as soon as possible to reduce the risk of blood clots and swelling. You will need to wear a compression garment for a time after your procedure to control swelling and promote healing. You may have some discomfort for a while which can be controlled with medications. Stitches will come out within a week to ten days, and you will be able to return to non-strenuous work within a few days after your procedure. Swelling and bruising may take a few weeks to subside, and some swelling may continue for up to six months. You will need to restrict strenuous activity for a month to several weeks to promote good healing.

As the post-surgical swelling subsides, you will notice a firmer, shapelier abdominal area without the saggy skin and tissue you formerly had. You will see a noticeable difference almost immediately after your surgery, and the contours of your body will improve more as the swelling subsides over a period of several weeks. Stitches are dissolvable and there is little to no scarring. You will notice that your clothing fits better because of the removal of excess fatty deposits, and with realistic diet and exercise, you should be able to maintain your new contours.