Liposuction continues to be one of the top surgical cosmetic procedures year after year. Why? Because it achieves what nothing else can—spot reduction. For those stubborn deposits of fat that linger even after you’ve maximized your diet and exercise routine, liposuction is often the only solution. It provides next-level results for your silhouette and can be the finishing touch on areas like your waistline, thighs as well as problem areas on the arms, back, ankles, and inner knees.
I perform liposuction as a standalone procedure and also recommend it to supplement and enhance other procedures, such as a tummy tuck, breast lift, or breast augmentation.
Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction isn’t a weight loss tool. It can’t be used safely to remove large volumes of fat. The best candidates for liposuction are people who are at or near their ideal body weight with “problem areas” that they’d like to address. For these patients, recovery is usually quick and uncomplicated.
For example, if you find shopping off the rack difficult because your waist size varies significantly from your thigh size so that no pants fit, liposuction can remove localized fat pockets to give you a more proportionate silhouette and, hopefully, improved self esteem.
One concern I often hear from potential patients is a worry that if they have liposuction and gain weight in the future, it will go to different or unnatural-looking areas. This is not true. We are genetically predisposed to store fat where we store it, and liposuction won’t change that. If you do gain weight after your procedure, it will be in the same places you gained it before.
What kind of liposuction should I get?
An online search will reveal a number of different types of liposuction, some with appealing taglines like “nonsurgical fat reduction” or “laser lipo.” They may sound tempting, but after reviewing the results from these procedures and all of the medical factors involved, I don’t recommend them. Using laser heat or ultrasound energy to dissolve fat can damage stem cells and burn the skin. My preference is the proven, effective super-wet liposuction technique.
During super-wet liposuction, a liquid solution (called a tumescent solution or tumescent fluid) is injected into the treatment area to break up fat cells, provide anesthesia, and shrink capillaries to reduce blood loss. A thin tube called a cannula is introduced into the area via a tiny incision and used to suction out the fat. I prefer the super-wet technique because, when performed by a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon, it is the safest, most effective form of liposuction available. Results can be absolutely stunning.
Combining liposuction with other procedures
Liposuction can do wonders on its own, but I also find it a useful complement to other procedures such as tummy tucks, breast lifts, and breast augmentations. Many times, when people come to me seeking body contouring, they complain of a combination of loose skin (as can occur with dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, or aging) and localized areas of fat (like love handles and “bra fat”). By combining procedures, I can address both of these issues. The “tuck” or “lift” takes care of any loose skin and firms up muscles for a sleek look, while the liposuction removes pockets of fat for a smooth, lean, and gorgeous result. The most dramatic of these transformations is the “mommy makeover” which, although customizable, most often includes a breast lift (with or without implants), tummy tuck, and liposuction.
Is liposuction right for you?
Liposuction alone may be what you need to meet your aesthetic goals, or your needs might be better met with a combination approach. The best way to find out is through a consultation. We’ll discuss your goals and the available options in a comfortable, relaxed, private setting. Contact my office to learn more about liposuction and other body contouring options.
Categorized in: Body Lift
