Liposuction

Liposuction

Am I a good candidate for this surgery?   

Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image.  It is not a means to lose weight or tighten the skin. The best approach is to address regional areas or localized prominences involving hips, legs, abdomen, bra line, arms, and other areas.
 

What is the surgery?

Anesthesia medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure.  Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions.  First, a sterile liquid solution is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma.  This is the tumescent technique. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, measuring only 2 to 4 mm in diameter is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion.  The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum attached to the cannula. Doing this under local anesthesia alone is uncomfortable at best.
   
There are different kinds of liposuction. Dr. Nolan uses power assisted liposuction, traditional liposuction, and ultrasonic liposuction. External liposuction is without great benefit.  A specific corporation trademarks, licenses, and heavily markets its “Smart Lipo”.  Laser liquefaction of fat followed by small cannula liposuction is an evolving technology. Injections of concentrated vitamins and lecithin into fat deposits, known as mesotherapy, are untested, with unknown risks and consequences.  It should be avoided.
 

What does it not do?

Liposuction results are entirely predicated upon the ability of the skin to tighten down around the lessened area of fat removal. The skin must have the requisite tone, elasticity and memory in the treatment area. The quality of the skin is not dependent on youth or age, but on its current appearance and quality.

Liposuction cannot correct loose, overhanging soft tissues and skin. It is not a substitute for a tummy tuck or other kinds of body contouring surgeries.
 

What can I expect afterwards?

Your improved body contour will be apparent when the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subside. One would require a care giver for at least 24 hours after surgery. Time off from work and /or school should be 7 days.   Full exercise and activities resume in 6 weeks following surgery.
 

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