What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is what it sounds like, sucking fat. The more professional term is suction assisted lipectomy or the removal of fat with suction. Liposuction is an out-patient surgical procedure that uses a cannula (a thin hollow tube with a rounded tip that has holes on the sides) to suction pockets of fat to reshape your body.
Also called Liposculpture, the procedure has the advantage of using small incisions to remove relatively large volumes of fat, from specific areas, with a relatively short recovery period.
To facilitate the safe and predictable removal of fat, Tumescent Fluid is injected into the fat prior to aspiration. This technique decreases post-operative discomfort, allows for the smoother removal of fat and minimizes bruising.
Is Liposuction a Weight-loss Treatment?
No. Suction Assisted Lipectomy (SAL) is meant for body contouring, not for treating obesity or losing large amounts of weight. It is important that your weight is stable prior to SAL. This provides a stable structure to sculpt.
Large changes in weight will negatively affect your results by changing your body proportions. On the other hand, if you are at a stable weight, but have stubborn areas of disproportional fat, SAL may provide the answer. Which brings us to the next Liposuction FAQ answer.
Who is a Good Candidate for Tumescent Liposuction?
Ideal Liposuction patients are close to their target weight, have firm and elastic skin and are bothered by localized pockets of persistent fat that resist diet and exercise.
Since Liposculpture can selectively remove disproportionate collections of fat, treatment can be targeted to sculpt and contour desired areas. If you like some curves, they can be preserved.
Good skin tone is a prerequisite for successful liposuction. When the skin is tight, it will shrink to the new contours smoothly. Loose skin will collapse when the fat under it is removed yielding an undesirable result.
Which Body Parts can be Treated with Liposculpture?
Common areas targeted with Liposuction include the:
- Abdomen
- Flanks (love handles)
- Thighs
- Hips
- Arms
- Back
- Neck and Chin
Any areas where the skin is smooth and tight, and the fat is disproportionate, can be treated with Tumescent Liposuction. On the other hand, some areas such as liposuction of the lower leg, are more risky and are prone to problems with wound healing and infections and are therefore avoided. Calf Liposuction in particular is relatively more risky. There is often less fat present than it appears, so the results are rarely as dramatic as expected. Moreover, because the circulation to this area is distal, less blood flow and lymphatic drainage lead to more problems with wound healing and infections. Minimal results and maximal problems are worth avoiding.
Are Liposuction Results Permanent?
Yes. The removed fat cells do not grow back; however, the remaining fat cells can still expand if you gain weight. If you maintain your weight, you will maintain your results, aside from normal aging. We can’t stop that, yet.
How Long Does the Liposculpture Take?
The length of surgery depends largely on the size and number of areas treated. Most procedures last between one (abdomen and sides) and two hours (if the back is also addressed).
The choice of anesthesia will affect the length of surgery. The numbing up process is longer under local, and this adds time, and expense, to the procure.
Revision Liposuction always takes longer, and may involve replacing as well as removing fat.
What is the Recovery Time for Liposuction?
Patients usually return to light activities and work within a few days, and more strenuous activities in a few weeks. Mild aches and swelling gradually fade over several weeks. It takes a few months to see the “final” results, but with proper diet and exercise, gradual improvement progresses for a year.
Are Liposuction Scars Visible?
Yes. Liposuction requires small incisions to insert thin cannulas. The result is small, often barely noticeable scars that fade over time. The scars are often placed in natural skin folds and hidden in areas under clothing.
Additionally, I use Liposuction Ports. Liposuction Ports protect the skin from being abraded by the moving cannula, and allow for better quality scars and quicker scar healing.
What does Post-operative Care for Liposuction Entail?
Patients typically wear compression garments to reduce swelling and help the skin conform to the new contours for several weeks. At first, garments are worn 24/7, and after two weeks, this is reduced to half-time.
Scar care is initiated early postoperatively to speed with scar maturity. This helps make the scars less visible more quickly.
Post-Liposuction activity is determined on an individual basis, but an overview is provided above under “What is the Recovery Time for Liposuction?”
How do I Choose a Safe Surgeon?
This is the last question, but the most important. Choosing the right tools helps your surgeon get the best results; however, the right surgeon is more important than the method they use.
Verify that your doctor is well trained and experienced with Liposuction. Be certain they are certified by an official board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Check their Medical License with your state Board of Medicine. Be sure they are in good standing and review any disciplinary actions taken.
Liposuction Consultations in the San Francisco Bay Area
If you are considering Liposuction in the SF Bay Area, give my office a call at (925) 943-6353. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, with 30 years of experience in Liposuction.
My Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office can provide you with additional information, Liposuction costs and schedule a private, personalized consultation appointment at your convenience.
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