Liposuction

Liposuction Description

Liposuction (lipoplasty) or suction lipectomy, is particularly well-suited for women and men who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate.

These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction is often the only way to eliminate them. Liposuction is a surgical procedure and does require incisions in or near the area to be suctioned.

While it is possible to undergo liposuction at almost any age, you will obtain the best results if your skin still has enough elasticity to achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. When skin is inelastic, as in some older patients, it may not re-drape well and a skin tightening procedure may be necessary.

Need personalized advice? Contact Us

Other procedures for your Body

Tummy Tuck Surgery | Body Lift Surgery | Arm Lift Surgery | Plastic Surgery

Liposuction Benefits

The liposuction process will:

• Remove excess fat deposits anywhere on your face or body that do not respond to diet or exercise;
• Slim and reshape specific areas of the body;
• Improve your body contour and proportions by removing unwanted fat, enhancing your self- image

Preparing for a Liposuction

You will begin the process with a doctor consultation where you will be asked many questions to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. Medical history, family history, allergies and surgery risks are a few examples of topics that will be discussed during consultation.

Lab testing, medications and reviewing anesthesia options (link to general faq regarding anesthesia) are also completed as part of procedure preparation.

Liposuction is a highly individualized procedure and will require evaluation of skin tone and elasticity, as well as fat density and distribution. The procedure will be conducted at licensed surgical center in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

• There are a variety of procedure options the doctor will discuss with you for your consideration:
• Traditional liposuction, simply defined as surgical suctioning of excess fat deposits;
• The super-wet technique ( formally known as tumescent technique) that requires an infusion of saline solution, with added adrenaline and possibly anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat;
• Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, or UAL, where ultrasonic energy is used to liquefy excess fat prior to surgical suctioning.

Liposuction FAQ

HOW DO I KNOW I AM A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LIPOSUCTION?

We recommend our patients be in good health and non-smokers to ensure successful healing. Ideal liposuction candidates are adults of any age within 30 percent of their ideal weight and with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone.

Liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite, obesity or a substitute for healthy eating.

HOW LONG WILL LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY TAKE?

Following all doctors’ instructions is essential to successful recovery.

Once your surgery is completed, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas. These assist to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contour.

You will need someone to drive you home following the procedure and stay with you the first night. Discomfort is common following the procedure but a return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, and is encouraged to prevent blood clots.

Initial wound healing may take 5 to 10 days with swelling dissipating over several weeks.

WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF A LIPOSUCTION?

It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate and a year or more for incision lines to refine to some degree. You will be encouraged to control your weight, as significant weight gain can reverse your results.

WILL MY NEW “LOOK” LAST FOREVER?

Your new body contour should last as long as you maintain your weight and general fitness. As your body ages you may find that some firmness is lost, however the loss should be minimal.

More liposuction questions? Please contact us for a free consultation.