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Liposuction
By Dr. Steven Warnock
What is Liposuction?
Inherited traits often prevent people from achieving their desired body shape. Even years of exercise may not yield significant or noticeable results in certain people. For many, the answer is liposuction.
Liposuction or “lipo” sculpts and trims certain areas of the body. It involves removing excess fat deposits by making small incisions along the area to be treated where surgeons will place a tube called a “cannula” inside. The instrument is then fitted with a high-pressure vacuum to break up and take out the fat.
The surgery improves the contours of the body and keeps it in proportion. Patients can expect a slimmer, more shapely figure.
There are various techniques and forms of anesthetic for the procedure. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Warnock to discuss which option is suitable for you. You may also talk about other procedures, such as breast reductions or tummy tucks, to achieve your desired look.
Good candidates for this procedure are people generally in good shape and individuals with realistic expectations. While liposuction is an effective way to remove excess fat, it is not a weight loss solution.
The Surgery
The surgeon begins by inserting a cannula (a slim hollow tube) into small incisions near the area to be recontoured. The cannula is moved through the layers of tissue removing unwanted fat. Once the fat and tissue have been removed, the surgeon stitches the incision. Several techniques exist. Your surgeon will suggest the most appropriate technique and form of anesthesia (epidural block, intravenous sedation or a local or general anesthesia) for you.
Areas That Can Be Treated
You can have liposuction on any area of your body, including your arms, thighs, legs, chin, cheeks, calves, waist, and abdomen.
Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Men and women who have excess fat, are in generally good health and have realistic expectations are typically considered to be good candidates for this procedure. While liposuction effectively and permanently removes excess fat, it is not a solution for weight loss. Doctor Warnock will evaluate your medical history and cosmetic goals to determine if liposuction is right for you.
Do you want to get rid of stubborn fat? Call our office today, schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven Warnock, and find out if liposuction is the right procedure for your cosmetic goals.
Liposuction FAQ
Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. Liposuction can be used to slim the hips and thighs, flatten the abdomen, shape the calves and ankles or eliminate a double chin. Liposuction is not recommended for weight loss; rather, it is recommended for those who only wish to improve their body contour. Liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise and cannot effectively treat cellulite. Liposuction can be performed on several areas of the body, including cheeks, chin, neck, upper arms, breast, chest area, back, abdomen, waist, hip, buttocks, thighs, inner knee, calves or ankles. It can be performed on several areas at the same time or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures. One or more small incisions will be made near the area that is to be suctioned.Whenever possible, incisions are placed within the natural folds or contour lines of the skin. Generally, these incisions are very small and will only require one suture. A slim, hollow tube called a cannula will then be inserted through the incision so that its tip penetrates the underlying fat. The cannula is then connected to flexible tubing and attached to a suction pump, into which the fat is vacuumed. Everyone heals differently, but typically you will require a somewhere between a few days and one week off of work. You will be prohibited from heavy lifting or major housework forthree weeks following surgery. After about three weeks, you will be allowed to return to light exercise such as stationary bike, treadmill, walking, etc. Most people are back to normal activity after three to four weeks. You will be notified the day before surgery of your surgical time. You will need somebody to be with you to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours following surgery. You will be required to not eat or drink after midnight the day before the surgery. It is best to wear comfortable clothing to our office the day of surgery. You will be given prescriptions at your pre-operative appointment that should be filled and available to you following surgery. The length of the surgery will vary depending on how many areas of the body are covered. Generally speaking, the time required will range from one hour to three hours,with a post-surgery recovery time of about an hour. You will be quite sore following surgery and will require pain medication for a period of time. It will help to apply ice packs for 24-48 hours following surgery. You will also be required to wear a compression garment for three weeks. You will need to keep your incisions dry for a full 48 hours after surgery. You will need to be seen for a follow-up appointment one week following surgery, but this is usually the extent of any follow-ups. On rare occasions, more frequent follow-up visits will be needed. There is no charge for additional follow up visits. The price quoted for surgery will include a doctor’s fee, anesthesia, surgical suite and follow-up care as well as any surgical garments that may be needed. Post-operative prescriptions are not included and generally run around $150 without health insurance. We generally do our in-office surgeries on Monday or Thursday. We can generally schedule you within a few weeks. We are happy to work with you to accommodate your schedule.Load More
Call us at the offices of Dr. Steven Warnock today to learn more about liposuction or any of our plastic surgery services.