Liposuction
By now you’ve realized that being healthy and looking healthy can be two entirely different things. For the millions of us who diet and work out regularly, but still don’t see the results we want, there is hope with a plastic surgical procedure called Liposuction.
Liposuction is a minimally invasive treatment that can be performed on many areas of the body, including the stomach (abdomen), love handles (flanks), upper back and bra area (bra rolls), upper arms, inner and outer thighs, waist and hips, inner knees, and the area under the chin. Basically, liposuction can be performed in any area that could benefit from fat removal and skin shrinkage.
Liposuction is very well tolerated and, provides excellent results with minimal downtime. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia for more extended areas or local anesthesia for small-localized areas. Dr. Long only performs liposuction in appropriate venues ensuring safety for his patients.
While Liposuction is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, it can make you look and feel better. During the procedure, Dr. Long uses a specially designed instrument known as a cannula to break up and remove excess pockets of fat. The procedure requires only small incisions and, with modern technique, swelling and bruising during the recovery period can be minimized.
It is important for prospective patients to remember that this procedure is meant for body contouring and is not a treatment for obesity or to achieve weight loss. You should be close to your ideal body weight to be a good candidate. Beyond your weight, it is critical to have the right goals – contouring and reshaping rather than seeing a smaller number on the scale.
Liposuction FAQ:
Is Liposuction right for me?
Almost anyone can be a good candidate for liposuction. In general, the ideal candidate is:
An adult patient at least 18 years old or older
Healthy and gets regular exercise
Has fatty area that don’t seem to respond to diet or exercise
Has good skin elasticity (recoil) and tone
His or her BMI (relation between the weight and height) is lower than 25 (non-obese)
Is willing to preserve Liposuction results by maintaining healthy diet and exercise
What areas can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction can be used to remove fat and improve contour all over the body, including the abdomen, love handles, flanks, hips, bra fat, back, arms, inner and outer thighs as well as under the chin.
What to expect when liposuction is being performed:
First, the area to be treated is marked by the doctor while the patient is standing to ensure that trouble spots are clearly defined. This is important as the contour of the body shifts when the patient reclines for the procedure, masking the problem areas the patient sees in the mirror every morning. During the treatment, Dr. Long makes tiny openings and injects a numbing fluid that makes the procedure comfortable, reduces bruising and aids in the removal of fatty tissue. A liposuction cannula is inserted under the skin to remove fat cells improving the contour of the area. Most patients can return to work several days after the procedure.
Will the results of liposuction last?
Liposuction body contouring shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for diet and exercise; rather all three should be seen as partners in a successful plan. Dr. Long strongly believes that integrating regular exercise and healthy nutritional choices are vital for getting the most out of the procedure and sustaining the results.
Does liposuction hurt?
When liposuction is performed by Dr. Long, it is a well-tolerated and comfortable procedure. Either when performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, the area to be treated is gently filled with a tumescent solution, which numbs it from the inside. Once the liposuction is performed, the anesthetic effects of the remaining solution provide analgesia for several hours post procedure. Additionally, since Dr. Long performs liposuction in a gentle manner patients do not usually complain of the postoperative pain, discomfort and bruising that is sometimes seen.
Is there a downtime associated with liposuction?
One of the nice benefits of liposuction is how well it fits into today’s busy lifestyle. Patients usually set aside a few days for liposuction, one day for the treatment and a few days for recovery. After 7 days most patients are ready to go back to work.
Why choose Dr. James Long for liposuction?
Dr. James Long is a Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon that specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face, neck, breast, and body. He offers a premium experience to all of its cosmetic patients. His residency and fellowships training at prestigious institutions are strong credentials that give him a unique set of skills to perform cosmetic plastic surgery.
Why choose (traditional) liposuction over laser (“smart”) liposuction?
Traditional Liposuction is recommended over laser liposuction in those areas where a patient may require a second liposuction in the future. Although a healthy lifestyle is recommended, busy work or personal demands may prevent us from maintaining a strict diet with regular exercise. Statistics have shown that a patient who undergoes liposuction may seek another liposuction in the same area years later. Laser liposuctions melt fat and tighten skin but they also heat up the skin and soft tissues. This heating can cause heat related internal scarring, which can impede a successful follow- on liposuction in the same area at a later date. Many non-plastic surgeon practitioners promote laser liposuction as a better option than traditional liposuction for marketing purposes. However, they usually don’t tell you that the tissues may be scarred by the heat of the laser, which can preclude successful liposuction in the future should it become necessary.
What happens after the procedure?
When the procedure is completed, you will be ready to go home. We strongly recommend that you take it easy for the remainder of the day and get a good night’s sleep. A friend or relative must be with you for the first night overnight. Initial post-treatment discomfort is mild, similar to the feeling after a hard work out, and is easily controlled with oral medication. Be aware that there will be a moderate amount of pink or red drainage in the first 24 hours post procedure. This is normal. You will wear a compression garment for 6-8 weeks to aid in the recovery and body contouring process. Any bruising and swelling usually subsides in a few weeks. The final result takes shape over several months as the skin continues to tighten long after the procedure has been completed. Patients are encouraged to undergo lymphatic draining massage starting one or 2 weeks after the procedure to accelerate the healing process and eliminate swelling.
Who is not a candidate for Liposuction?
Patients are not candidates for liposuction if they are pregnant or breast feeding, have active or chronic liver disease or hepatitis, have coronary artery disease, unstable hypertension, bleeding disorders, or are on Coumadin/Heparin or have a BMI of 25 or higher.
If my skin is too loose for liposuction, what are my alternatives?
When patients have significant skin laxity, the truly viable option is to plan surgical removal of the excess. Removal of skin in the arms (brachioplasty), abdomen (panniculectomy), bra rolls area (direct skin excision) will significantly reshape the area and allow the patient to acquire the body shape they want. Patients should be aware that multiple “non-invasive” skin tightening devices in the marketplace today cannot tighten the skin when there are clear surgical indications. These devices cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars over time and ultimately deliver a very minimal result.
Why choose Dr. Long for your Liposuction?
Dr. Long is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, neck, breast and body. His residency and fellowship training followed by teaching at recognized institutions have given him a unique set of skills to perform cosmetic surgery. Dr. Long wants his patients look their best and works hard to achieve their personal, social, and professional goals by providing natural looking results.
Why go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your Liposuction?
Practitioners who are not residency trained and Board Certified to perform Liposuction have been found to have a higher rate of surgical complications. Among the most common patient complaints are minimal to no improvement, asymmetries, wound healing problems or worse. Always look for a surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Look for the ASPS logo, The Symbol of Excellence.
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