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What is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. It's popular for contouring and reshaping these areas to achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing appearance. 

The main purpose of liposuction is to remove stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction can enhance the appearance and self-confidence of the patient, but it does not treat obesity, cellulite, or sagging skin. 

The procedure involves the insertion of a thin tube, called a cannula, into the targeted fat deposits. The fat is then suctioned out through this tube, sculpting the body to desired contours.

Liposuction can improve the shape and contour of the body, but it is not a weight-loss method. Liposuction is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Areas of the Body for Liposuction:

Liposuction can be performed on various body areas, including:

Abdomen: For targeting abdominal fat or achieving a flatter stomach.

Thighs: To reduce inner or outer thigh fat for improved leg contours.

Hips and Waist: For a more defined waistline and smoother hip contours.

Arms: To address excess fat in the upper arms, commonly known as "bat wings."

Chin and Neck: For contouring and reducing double chin appearance.

Buttocks: To sculpt and reshape the buttocks area.

Back: Addressing fat pockets or bulges in the back region.

Liposuction offers long-lasting results because it permanently removes unwanted fat.

The treated fat cells will not grow back in the area where you had liposuction. You don’t need to worry about the fat moving to other parts of your body, either. 

Keep in mind that you’ll want to stay at or near your post-procedure weight. Gaining weight can cause your remaining fat cells to get bigger and diminish your results. However, even if that happens, the treated areas will still look better than if you didn’t have liposuction. 

You can prevent post-lipo weight gain by adopting a few healthy habits, such as:

1.     Eating a healthy diet 

2.     Limiting alcohol and sweetened drinks 

3.     Drinking plenty of water

4.     Exercising regularly

More About Liposuction

Limitations of Liposuction

Not a Weight Loss Solution: Liposuction is not intended for significant weight loss; rather, it's for body contouring.

Potential Risks: Like any surgery, liposuction carries risks such as infection, bruising, and skin irregularities.

Skin Issues: Liposuction does not address loose or excess skin; additional procedures like a tummy tuck, breast lift, arm lift, face lift or neck lift, may be needed for this.

A consultation with Dr. Wilson can help you know what procedure is right for you and your problem area.

Best Candidates for Liposuction

Liposuction is most suitable for individuals who:

Have Stubborn Fat Deposits: Ideal candidates struggle with localized fat pockets that persist despite a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Are in Good Health: Candidates should generally be in good overall health with no significant medical conditions that could impair healing.

Maintain a Stable Weight: Candidates should be close to their ideal weight and committed to maintaining it after the procedure.

Have Elastic Skin: Good skin elasticity ensures the skin conforms well to the body's new contours after fat removal.

The ideal candidates for liposuction are men and women who are within 30% of their ideal weight, have good skin elasticity, and have realistic expectations. Liposuction is not recommended for those who have medical conditions that affect healing, such as diabetes, heart disease, or blood clotting disorders. Liposuction is may not be suitable for those who smoke, as smoking can impair wound healing and increase the risk of complications.

Types of Liposuction

There are different types of liposuction techniques. Two of the most common techniques are tumescent liposuction and power-assisted liposuction.  These are the techniques Dr. Wilson and the plastic surgeons at University Aesthetic Plastic Surgery utilize for liposuction.

Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a large amount of fluid into the area to be treated. The fluid contains a local anesthetic, a salt solution, and sometimes epinephrine, which constricts the blood vessels and reduces bleeding. The fluid makes the fat cells swell and easier to remove. A thin tube called a cannula is then inserted through small incisions and used to suction out the fat.

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is a revolutionary technique in cosmetic surgery that has transformed the way excess fat is removed from the body. In this advanced procedure, a specialized device is used to facilitate the gentle and efficient removal of fat, providing both surgeons and patients with numerous benefits.

PAL offers increased precision and control to the surgeon. The vibrating cannula allows for more targeted fat removal, enabling surgeons to sculpt specific areas of the body with greater accuracy. This precision can lead to more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing results, meeting the unique goals and expectations of each individual patient.

In conclusion, liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that offers effective body sculpting results for appropriate candidates. However, it's crucial to consult with a experienced, board certified plastic surgeon to understand the procedure, its potential risks, and realistic expectations for achieving desired outcomes.