Body Contouring with Liposuction

by Dr. Paul Howard

 

How does Liposuction work?

This procedure is performed using a four millimeter cannula (or small tube) inserted into the skin with suction applied to the cannula to effectively remove unwanted fat.

 

What areas of the body can be treated?

Liposuction is ideal for areas such as the neck, abdomen, love handles, saddle bags or inner/outer thighs.  Additionally, "back fat" can also be effectively addressed with liposuction.

 

Is there a recovery period?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure. Some light trauma can occur, but you will be able to return to work in a couple of days and resume exercise after 2 weeks.

 

Am I a candidate?

Liposuction is designed for removing unwanted fat and to achieve mild skin tightening.  The ideal candidate is in good health and normal body weight. Liposuction is not a weight loss program, but rather an ideal procedure to contour the body of unwanted areas of fat that diet and exercise fail to address. To see if you are a candidate for liposuction, please refer to our Body Mass Index (BMI) Chart. 

 

Liposuction Before and After Photos

Patient Number 1

Liposuction of the abdomen, hips, and thighs.

Before                                                               After

 

Liposuction Before and After Photos

Patient Number 2

Liposuction of the abdomen

Before                                                                 After

 

Liposuction Before and After Photos

Patient Number 3

Lipsuction of the abdomen

Before                                                              After

 

 

 

Plastic Surgery Facts and Myths

 

Plastic Surgery Myth: Once Fat is removed it won't come back. If it does come back, it will come back in other places.

 

True but false! Yes, the fat is removed permanently, but liposuction does not alter the human body genetics. Fat can come back if you do not maintain proper diet and exercise. Maintaining your liposuction results is key to a great outcome. The surgeon can remove the fat, but you must also be devoted to keeping it off. If you continue to have a poor diet after liposuction, you can still gain weight, and even gain the weight back where you had liposuction. Again, liposuction does not alter your DNA, it just removes fat cells. Patients need to understand that as we age, our metabolism slows down. The older we get, the harder it is for us to lose those additional inches. That is why liposuction can be so wonderful. But, you must still maintain a healthy diet and exercise program.

 

Plastic Surgery Myth: Liposuction will eliminate cellulite

 

While removing unwanted fat in cellulite prone areas, cellulite is primarily a condition of the skin.  Removing fat can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but an exercise program that includes strength training is recommended.  Good muscle-tone also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Cellulite is a condition within the layers of the skin involving connective tissue that acts as an anchor between the muscles and skin.  No cream, laser, or massage treatment will permanently remove cellulite.

 

Plastic Surgery Myth: Liposuction is a Substitute for Exercise

 

Liposuction is not a substitute for anything.  As we get older, our metabolism decreases thus increasing our chances of weight gain.  One cannot expect to have liposuction to lose 10, 15, or more pounds.  Liposuction in conjunction wh a great diet and exercise program can help you meet your goals more swiftly.  All potential liposuction patients must commit to a lifestyle change that includes adjustments in diet & exercise. 

 

Plastic Surgery Myth: Liposuction Removes Stretch Marks

 

Liposuction removes unwanted fat underneath the surface of the skin.  Stretch marks are scars as a result of damaged skin and are usually through all layers of the skin.  In few cases, liposuction can help decrease the appearance of stretch marks, but unfortunately are there to stay.  Patients with stretch marks on the abdomen may need to consider a mini or full tummy tuck to achieve the desired results.

 

Plastic Surgery Myth: Liposuction Requires One or Two Weeks of Recovery

 

Liposuction is a real surgical procedure that requires an adequate healing period as with any surgical procedure.  Most patients will experience swelling and bruising that usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to disappear.  After the bruising and swelling disappear, additional healing continues to allow for the skin to shrink.  Compression garments will be worn to help expedite this process.  Patients should avoid sun exposure during this time and drink plenty of water.  Patients are also advised to maintain a healthy diet, and may be able to return to their normal exercise program as soon as one or two weeks following the liposuction procedure.

 

Plastic Surgery Myth: Laser Liposuction is Safer than other types of Lipo

 

Absolutely not.  Liposuction is a surgical procedure than can be performed in various ways.  The addition of a laser to assist in the removal of the fat actually can increase the risk for complications if performed by an untrained physician.  The laser does not make any liposuction procedure any safer than traditional methods.

 

Plastic Surgery Myth:  Tumescent Liposuction is Safer than Regular Liposuction

 

No. The tumescent solution injected for liposuction is really for anesthestic reasons.  Liposuction is still a surgical procedure regardless.  The tumescent solution can help reduce bruising in some patients, but does not make the procedure safer nor does it help to reduce swelling.

 

 

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Paul Howard

 

205-871-3361

205-877-PAUL

800-734-LIPO

 

 

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