Liposuction
Liposuction, also known as “lipoplasty,” is a surgical procedure that eliminates excess fat from areas of the body that are difficult to target with diet and exercise. This procedure restores a more slender, attractive physique. As demand for cosmetic surgery keeps booming, the demand for liposuction is showing no signs of subsiding. As of 2015 and according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Inc., liposuction, along with breast augmentation remain the most popular cosmetic procedures in the US.
Treatable Areas
Liposuction is a very versatile procedure that can be used to remove stubborn fat from almost any area of the body. As a procedure that addresses diverse areas of the body by focusing on specific target areas, it is the one procedure that can offer patients the look they desire with more options than one. Below are areas that liposuction can address.
Neck
Excess fat below the jaw and in the neck can create a double chin, and make even a thin person appear much heavier. Liposuction can restore a smoother profile to the neck improve definition in the face and along the jawline.
Arms
The accumulation of fat in the upper arms can lead to embarrassing flab that hangs and jiggles with every movement, making you feel self-conscious when wearing clothing that exposes this area. Liposuction can remove this excess fat to restore more slender arms with better definition.
Abdomen and Waist
The midsection is one of the most difficult areas to rid of stubborn fat. Liposuction produces a slimmer waistline and flatter abdomen by eliminating this resistant fat for good. Liposuction in this area is often combined with a tummy tuck when excess skin in the abdomen produces a less than ideal result with liposuction alone. A combination of tummy tuck and liposuction of the abdomen creates an hourglass waist and a flat as a board stomach.
Back and Flanks
While seen more in men and endearingly referred to as love handles, liposuction eliminates the fat from tough areas to trim into shape such as the extra fat on the back and sides just above the waists. While women commonly have unnecessary fat along their bra line, liposuction can reduce this fat to achieve a smooth back and eliminate stubborn extra padding in that area.
Buttocks
Fat deposits that gather in the buttocks can cause permanent sagging and loss of a pleasant butt shape. Liposuction will restore a firmer, rounder contour to the buttocks to improve the overall appearance of the butt. Banana roll liposuction, is when liposuction is performed to the fat underneath the crease of the buttocks and the top of the thighs. Liposuction of this area, in conjunction with fat transfer to the buttocks cheeks, is the secret behind any successful buttocks augmentation procedure. The procedure is said to be on the rise with patients in search the Kim Kardashian derriere.
Hips and Thighs
Excessive fat in the hips and thighs can cause unsightly “saddlebags” to develop, often resulting in discomfort and embarrassment. Liposuction can provide a slimmer appearance and sculpt your hips and thighs to help make your body bikini-ready and boost your confidence.
Knees and Ankles
Excess fat accumulation in the lower legs can result in flabby knees and “cankles,”. Cankles, or calf-ankles simply refers to chubby thick ankles. A patient can have cankles and not be overweight and can be seen in women of all shapes and sizes causing many to hide their legs even during the warmer summer months. Liposuction can effectively rid these hard to target areas of unwanted fat and sculpt the legs into a thinner and more defined shape.
Liposuction – What to Expect
Liposuction is one of the most rewarding procedures for patients who want to improve their physique, and the entire process from preparation to recovery is really quite simple.
Before Your Liposuction
Before the procedure, Dr. Walker recommends that you do the following:
- Do not take any anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for at least two weeks
- Refrain from smoking for at least two weeks
- Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least one week
- Shower the morning of surgery, but do not apply any lotions or other moisturizers
- Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure
While Undergoing Liposuction
Liposuction is usually performed on an outpatient basis with local intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. With a specialized suctioning device, excess fat deposits are permanently removed through small incisions using a thin hollow tube called a cannula. The incisions are very small since there is no cutting in liposuction and it does not involve removing skin.
At Walker Plastic Surgery, while liposuctioning fibrous areas of the body, Dr. Walker often uses the VASERLIPO® device. The device uses ultrasound probes that facilitating breaking up and shaking the fat cells apart, allowing Dr. Walker to easily liposuction the loose fat with minimal trauma to the body and resulting in a smoother more natural sculpturing of the treated areas.
After Shedding All of That Unwanted Fat
After your liposuction surgery is complete, it is best to follow these guidelines to ensure you have the safest and most effective recovery:
- Get plenty of rest
- Wear compression garments to help reduce swelling
- Take prescribed medication
- Limit physical activity
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon
At Walker Plastic Surgery, Dr. Walker will provide you with more detailed instructions to follow for after the procedure and will go over your step by step recovery routine at home.
Your Transformation Is Complete!
After a couple of weeks, swelling and bruising will subside and the contours of your body will be noticeably slimmer and more defined. The results of liposuction are generally permanent, and patients can maintain their results by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
Liposuction FAQ
Q. Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
A. Ideal candidates for liposuction are close to their ideal weight with stubborn areas of fat that have been difficult to eliminate with diet and exercise. Liposuction candidates are in good overall health and do not have any pre-existing health conditions. It is important to have realistic expectations of the procedure and to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure.
Q. Will liposuction improve the appearance of cellulite?
A. Although liposuction removes excess fat and usually provides the skin with a smoother appearance, it is not considered a viable treatment for cellulite.
Q. How long will the results of liposuction last?
A. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells. However, the remaining fat cells in the treated area(s) can still increase in size with weight gain. Therefore, it is crucial that you maintain a stable weight by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen to preserve your results.
Q. How much does liposuction cost?
A. The total cost of liposuction depends on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed.
Q. Is liposuction covered by health insurance?
A. Health insurance providers do not typically cover the cost of liposuction because it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
