Liposuction Questions
Serving Fort Collins, Northern Colorado & Cheyenne, Wyoming
Can I use liposuction as a weight loss technique?
Although liposuction removes fat, and, as a result, you will lose some weight, it is not advised that people think of liposuction as a weight loss technique. Liposuction is a method of liposculpture, sculpting the body's fat to give it more pleasing contours, that can be used to target fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is good for patients who may be slightly overweight, but have essentially a few areas of stubborn fat deposits that diet and exercise have not been able to address. It should be done when you have achieved a stable weight as a result of diet and exercise. In addition, the best candidates for liposuction are in good health, are non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. While patients between the ages of 20 and 60 are considered ideal, skin quality is more important than chronologic age.
How does liposuction work?
In liposuction, a small incision is made near the fat deposit(s) to be removed. Then a hollow tube, called a cannula, is inserted into the fat deposit. Suction is applied to the tube, removing the fat. While traditional liposuction can damage other tissues such as nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, more advanced techniques, like Vaser Liposelection, utilize lasers or ultrasound to burst fat cells so they can be preferentially removed.
How much fat will be removed during a liposuction procedure?
This depends on the structure of your body and size of the fat deposits, but, in general, no more than 10 pounds are removed during a liposuction procedure, although more can be removed as part of an inpatient procedure.
What areas can be targeted during liposuction?
Liposuction can be used on many areas of the body, including:
- Neck and chin
- Upper arms, elbows
- Male breast tissue (Gynecomastia)
- Upper back / bra rolls
- Lower back
- Flanks ("love handles")
- Abdomen
- Inner thighs or outer thighs ("saddlebags")
- Buttocks
How can I tell whether I need liposuction or a tummy/arm/buttock lift?
The main distinction is the amount and condition of your skin. If you have significant excess skin, stretch marks, or skin that is insufficiently elastic to contract after the fat is removed, liposuction will simply take your areas of fat and leave areas of loose, hanging skin.
Will I be awake during my liposuction procedure?
Unless the area to be treated is very small (in which case you might consider Injection Lipolysis), we generally recommend a light general anesthesia. Patient comfort is really important to us. Multiple needle pokes and the use of narcotics that cause nausea and constipation are not comfortable.
How long will the body contouring procedure take?
Liposuction can take from 30 minutes to eight hours depending on the area to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed.
What are the possible complications of liposuction?
Liposuction should not be taken too casually. It is a significant surgery, and has several potential complications associated with it, including:
- Skin contour irregularity after treatment
- Incomplete correction or overcorrection of fat deposit
- Unsatisfactory scarring
- Bleeding or hematoma, requiring a return to surgery
- Infection
How long is the recovery period for liposuction?
Most people recover from a liposuction procedure fairly quickly. We recommend that you seriously moderate your activity for about a week. By the end of a week, you can return to work, normal activities, and light exercise. Within six weeks, you will be able to return to your full regimen of exercise.
If you would like to learn more about liposuction, contact cosmetic surgeon today at the Plastic Surgery Associates in Fort Collins, Colorado, to set up your initial consultation.
970.493.7445
1701 E. Prospect Rd.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
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