A fit and well proportioned body is often considered a symbol of health and vitality. But despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, some individuals may still have a body with disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to heredity or family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness.
If you are bothered by excess fat deposits, located anywhere on your face or body, that do not respond to diet or exercise, Liposuction may be right for you. Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing localized or regional excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image.
Liposuction, also called lipoplasty or suction lumpectomy, is the surgical removal of localized or regional excess fatty tissue
There are three common variations to the procedure:
- Traditional Liposuction, simply defined as surgical suctioning of excess fat deposits
- The tumescent or super-wet technique that requires an infusion of saline solution, with added adrenaline and possible 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
These techniques may be used to reduce localized fat deposits of the:
- Cheek, chin and neck
- Upper arms
- Breast or chest area
- Back
- Abdomen and waist
- Hips and buttocks
- Thighs
- Inner Knee
- Calves and ankles
In some cases, Liposuction is performed alone, in other cases; it is used with plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift, male and female breast reduction, or a tummy tuck. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is also not effective of treatment for cellulite, the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks.
Liposuction can, however, permanently reshape body contours where excess fat deposits create areas that are disproportionately large in an otherwise balanced figure. Ideal candidates for Liposuction are adults of any age within 30%, if their ideal weight and with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone. Good candidates are defined as:
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that would impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring
Special considerations may be necessary for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or previous surgery to the treatment area.
Liposuction is a highly individualized procedure that requires careful consideration of your specific concerns and the areas in which you desire improvement. An evaluation of skin tone and elasticity, as well as fat density and distribution will determine appropriate techniques for your specific case.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure. All Liposuction techniques require incisions in or near the area to be suctioned for insertion of an appropriately sized cannula. In some cases, incisions may be so small that no stitches are required for closure. Once the cannula tip has loosened excess fat, the fat is removed using a surgical vacuum or powered suction device.
Manual suctioning with a syringe is more commonly used when areas of fat removal are small and very isolated, or when it is planned that fat will be processed and re-injected in other areas of the body. This procedure is called fat grafting and may be used to fill-in wrinkles or hollow areas of the face or depressions appearing anywhere on the face or body.
When large amounts are suctioned from one area, compression garments may assist during the healing process to help skin conform to the reduced body contours. Secondary procedures may sometimes be recommended to reduce excess skin. Special considerations are needed when large amounts, usually more than 5 liters, or 5000ccs, of fat are removed.
Characteristics that can be addressed with Liposuction include a double chin, fatty upper arms, enlarged male or female breasts, love handles and excess fat in the abdomen. In addition, Liposuction can re-contour the lower body (hips, thighs, etc.), creating a slimmer and better-proportioned figure.
Your improved body contour will be apparent once the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced, following Liposuction, subside. With continued practices of healthy diet and fitness, the loss of excess fatty tissue should be permanently maintained. However, substantial weight gain can alter an otherwise permanent result.
Following surgery
Once your procedure is complete, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover the treatment areas. This will assist to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours. In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess fluid. Before you are released following surgery, you and an accompanying family member, friend or caregiver, will be given specific instructions that may include:
- How to care for the surgical site
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
- When to follow up with Dr. Yalamanchi
Progress and healing
Initial healing will include swelling, numbness, soreness, bruising, and discomfort that can be controlled with medication. These are common conditions.
Dr. Yalamanchi will provide specific postoperative instructions based on the technique and extent of your procedure. This will include instructions on the use of any compression garments, expected return to activity and appropriate care on incisions. Follow all instructions carefully-this is essential to the success of your outcome. In general, a return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready and is encouraged to prevent blood clots and other complications.
Initial would healing may take from 5 to 10 days, at which time any sutures will be removed, if necessary. Healing will continue for several weeks, as swelling continues to dissipate. Incisions lines will improve over time. Continue to follow Dr. Yalamanchi’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled. You will be encouraged to control your weight, as significant weight gain can reverse your results.
Results and outlook
It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.
The fulfillment you feel from the initial results of Liposuction should continue, so long as you maintain your weight and practice a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well and regular physical activity. Following Liposuction, your slimmer and better-proportioned body should more accurately reflect the healthy and active life you lead.