Liposuction

Liposuction is among the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures all over the world. It is aimed at reshaping and slimming down certain parts of the patient’s body by the removal of excess fat deposits. This, in turn, helps in improving the overall physique, proportion, and body contours.

Some of the common body parts that can be successfully treated/reshaped with liposuction include:

Buttocks and hips
Back
Waist and abdomen

Thighs
Upper arms
Chest

Back
Ankles and calves
Neck, chin, and cheeks

Plastic surgeons inform that it is possible to perform the liposuction procedure in isolation or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries like breast reduction, tummy tuck, or facelift.

Why Liposuction?

Several people admit to feeling frustrated when trying to reduce excess fat accumulated in the abdominal area, thighs, flanks, and other body parts. In some cases, exercise and diet may not alone be useful in eliminating/reducing stubborn fat. Hence, for those who wish to see noticeable results and get a more aesthetically appealing body shape, liposuction is an excellent option to consider. Patients all over the world have been undergoing this plastic surgery for over 3 decades now! You can be assured of its safety and effectiveness in enhancing your figure as it relies on the accurate targeting and elimination of isolated fat deposits.

It is critical for all liposuction candidates to understand that the procedure is aimed at improving their body shape. It does not target sagging skin, cellulite, or weight.

Liposuction Options

Dr. Minniti schedules a detailed initial consultation with each liposuction candidate in order to understand their individual goals and explain the procedure and various options available. The decision related to the ‘type of liposuction’ procedure usually depends on the fat removal location, the nature of fat, and the individual goals of a patient. There have been significant medical advancements over the years and patients now have the option to choose from a variety of different non-invasive liposuction procedures that use ultrasound or laser energy. These include:

Tumescent Liposuction

In tumescent liposuction, the surgeon makes use of a cannula for suctioning out the targeted fat deposits. The fatty tissue is injected with tumescent fluid for the procedure. This procedure causes the contraction of blood vessels, which ultimately results in minimal bruising and reduced blood loss.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction

For the laser-assisted liposuction procedure, the cosmetic surgeon will use a highly-concentrated beam of laser light that helps in breaking down the fatty tissue. The procedure ensures minimal bruising, bleeding, and/or inflammation.

Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL)

This is one of the traditional techniques of liposuction that uses a small-sized cannula connected to a pressure vacuum.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

In PAL, a powered or motorized cannula is utilized for extracting fat using smaller incisions. This is a shorter and more accurate form of surgery.

What to Expect

The liposuction procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and under the effect of general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on the individual case and preference of the patient. Before the liposuction surgery begins, the surgeon will likely mark all targeted body parts. He/she might also take pictures so that they can be used later to make a comparison with the results. In most liposuction procedures, patients can go back home on the same day. But they need to be driven back home by a friend or family member.

For candidates who get excessive fat removed, it is recommended that they plan for an overnight stay at the hospital.

Results of a liposuction procedure are typically long-lasting. However, the patient needs to ensure general fitness and steady weight. You would be able to notice an improvement in your body contour once the fluid retention and swelling following the liposuction surgery begin to subside. It is crucial to understand that gradual aging does cause a loss in firmness; however, most of the improvement after a liposuction surgery should be fairly permanent.

Am I a Candidate?

Dr. Minniti only schedules a liposuction surgery after determining the candidacy of an individual. Usually, the best candidates are those who are in good health and within twenty-five pounds of their ideal weight prescribed for their body. The candidates must also be over 18 years of age in order to qualify for a liposuction procedure.