Liposuction (Liposculpture)
Many patients can have difficulty achieving their ideal body shape due to localized areas of excess fatty tissue that do not respond to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and traditional weight loss methods. Liposuction, also known as liposculpture, is a cosmetic procedure that specifically targets these “problem areas” to provide improved shape and contour throughout the body. Liposuction reduces and can permanently remove undesirable fat deposits leading to a slimmer, more defined appearance with long-lasting results. Dr. Robert Schlenker, an aesthetic fellowship trained and board certified plastic surgeon, utilizes the most advanced techniques available and has extensive experience performing liposuction in a wide range of areas on the body, and in patients of all different body shapes and sizes.
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Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
In addition to being in overall good health and having realistic expectations about the post-operative result, candidates for liposuction should maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and be close to their ideal weight. Although liposuction is used to remove excess fatty tissue, it is not intended to be a method of weight loss or a treatment for obesity. Instead, liposuction is designed to sculpt and contour localized areas in patients with stubborn fat deposits that are preventing them from achieving their desired body shape. Patients should have good skin quality and elasticity, as liposuction can lead to worsening skin laxity if it is unable to tighten and properly redrape over the newly contoured regions following fat removal. During your initial consultation, Dr. Schlenker will determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for liposuction and let you know if this procedure can successfully address your particular concerns.
Can I combine liposuction with another procedure?
Yes, of course. Liposuction can be performed alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, including tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast lift (mastopexy), and breast augmentation. Patients who have firm, elastic skin and isolated fat deposits can benefit from having the liposuction procedure on its own. On the other hand, a more extensive body contouring procedure may be necessary to achieve the best outcome in patients that have both skin laxity and fat excess. Following significant weight loss or pregnancy, liposuction of the abdomen and flanks is usually performed with tummy tuck surgery in order to properly manage the loose, redundant abdominal skin and residual fatty tissue. Liposuction is often combined with a fat transfer procedure, which uses fat removed from unwanted areas to augment and enhance another part of the body, such as the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift) or breasts. In addition, liposuction of the neck is often included with facelift surgery to create a more contoured and well-defined profile.
What should I expect during recovery after liposuction?
Liposuction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to return home the same day as the surgery. If “large volume” liposuction is performed (removal of more than 5 liters), an overnight stay at a post-surgical aftercare facility may be recommended. The length of recovery will be different for each patient depending on the location and number of areas treated, and the total volume of fat removed. It is normal to have swelling, bruising and some tenderness after surgery, which will gradually improve over the course of several weeks. We will prescribe medication to minimize any pain and discomfort, and post-operative instructions will be provided to help you recover as quickly and effectively as possible. Most patients are able to return to work and resume normal daily activities within a week, and they are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for at least a month. A post-operative compression garment should be worn for approximately four to six weeks to minimize swelling, facilitate skin retraction, provide support, and ensure that the recovery process progresses normally. Even though you will notice an immediate improvement after surgery, it can take several months for swelling to resolve, skin tightening to occur, and the full extent of the final results to become apparent.
For more information about liposuction procedures, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schlenker, please contact our office today.