Liposuction
Introduced in the U.S. in the early 1980s, liposculpture, lipoplasty, or suction lipectomy, is a technique developed by cosmetic surgeons to remove stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to dieting and exercise.
These fatty bulges are most commonly found in the thigh, hip, abdomen, buttock, knee, ankle, and arm areas. They are also found in the facial areas such as the chin, cheeks, jowls and neck. Lipoplasty can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, facelift or chin augmentation to achieve the desired result.
Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
The best candidates are healthy men and women with good skin elasticity and realistic expectations. "Realistic" means that improvement, not always perfection, is the goal. The fatty bulges should be localized to a few areas and the individual should be near their ideal body weight. Cellulite, or waffled skin, will not be cured by this procedure.
It is natural for women, in particular, to accumulate fatty deposited on the hips, buttocks and abdomen; and fat in men tends to accumulate around the mid-section. Some men experience pseudo-gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts.
Liposuction can improve the appearance of men and women of all ages while boosting self esteem. It is not for obese people. It is not meant to replace good eating and exercise habits, or to counter obesity, however, it can offer help to remove unwanted fatty deposits in many areas of the body.
There Are Risks in All Surgical Procedures
This very popular procedure is normally a safe and effective method of removing excess fat. Like all surgeries, it involves some level of risk. To help ensure a successful outcome, the patient should be a good candidate, the surgeon should be well-trained in Liposculpture techniques, the surgical facility should be properly equipped and the patient should follow the doctor's instructions and advice..
This procedure can provide a new shape for people who never thought it was possible. Discuss the benefits and risks with your surgeon given your particular circumstances.
Before Surgery
During your consultation, you and your doctor will discuss the areas of your body you'd like to change. You may undergo an examination to thoroughly assess your fat storage, skin elasticity and review your medical and health history. Your surgeon can discuss the placement of incisions and what other procedures may need to be performed to achieve the proper result. He or she will discuss what medication you should avoid, such as any that affect blood coagulation, and you may be asked to stop smoking for one to two weeks before and after surgery.
Although you'll be mobile immediately following the procedure, you will want to arrange for someone to drive you home and to help out around the house for a day or so.
After Your Surgery
Most patients are immediately mobile, although an extra day or two of bed rest may be needed when large amounts of fat are removed. Keep in mind that healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will want to begin normal activity as soon as possible to reduce post-operative complications, but in some cases you may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks. Light exercise is usually permitted within a few days.
It may be recommended that you wear a tight-fitting garment, similar to a girdle, to reduce swelling. This may need to be worn for up to six weeks. Your stitches, however, will be removed within a week-and-a-half if they are not the type that dissolve.
Remember, this is a surgical procedure, and your body has to heal before you see the full benefits. Your results will likely be visible within two or three weeks, but the full effect may not be fully evident for six months to a year after lipoplasty surgery in some cases.
You should maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly to fully enjoy the new you for years to come. Many patients find that the procedure is such a psychological boost that it gives them the incentive to exercise even more than before to improve other parts of their physique. With realistic expectations, most patients are pleased with the improvements they see. The goal is for you to be more comfortable with your body and happy with your new shape.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation please contact us at
(800) 375-0134 or (405) 691-3111. |
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