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Liposuction, liposculpture and lipostructure
To get answers to the most frequent questions about liposuction
plastic surgery, please select one of the links below:
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is the removal of fatty deposits from the body with
the aid of a vacuum technique. The fat is removed via a "cannula" which is inserted through small incisions which are
hidden as much as possible. Dr. O'Connell believes that liposuction
techniques should emphasize not simply the removal of fat, but rather
creation of form.
Am I a candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is not a weight loss technique. In general, people who are near or at their ideal body weight
and who have localized collections of fat achieve the best results
with liposuction. People who are over their ideal body weight
may in some circumstances be candidates for liposuction as well.
Skin elasticity is important to allow the skin to shrink to the
new contour postoperatively. There are no absolute age limits
for liposuction, rather the patient's health is the more important
consideration.
What is "tumescent liposuction?"
The term "tumescent technique" involves the injection of a large
amount of fluid containing saline, adrenaline and local anesthetic
into a fatty area. By "wetting" the fat this allows easier fat
removal, smoother contouring, elimination of pain and reduction
of bleeding, bruising and swelling. Most plastic surgeries utilize a form of this technique for liposuction.
What areas are most frequently treated with
liposuction?
Most external areas of localized fat deposition in the body can
be potentially treated with liposuction. In women the most frequently
treated areas are the thighs and hip area followed by the
abdomen (stomach). In men the abdomen and flanks "love handles"
are most popular. Other commonly treated areas are the knees,
back, chest, neck and arms.
- View male
liposuction plastic surgery patient.
What is liposculpture?
This term is usually applied to traditional liposuction performed
with very small cannulae.
What is lipostructure?
This term usually refers to the removal and re-injection of fat.
Is gynecomastia
treated by liposuction?
Enlargement of the male breast, or "gynecomastia," is particularly
amenable to treatment with ultrasonic
liposuction.
Will the weight come back after liposuction?
The adult human has a finite number of fat cells and liposuction
removes a portion of them. If one were to gain weight after liposuction
the remaining fat cells can increase in size (this is how the
body gains weight) but because there are fewer fat cells left
in an area treated with liposuction, the added weight tends to
distribute itself throughout other areas of the body.
Remember liposuction is not a weight loss technique; it is rather
a technique for contouring limited areas of the body. Continuing
a proper diet and exercise are important following liposuction
to maintain the body's new contours.
How long is the recovery period?
This depends largely on the specific areas and amount of fat
that is removed with liposuction. Most patients experience some
discomfort during the first week or so but they tend to describe
it as discomfort rather than pain. The skin over treated areas
is frequently numb for a few months. Most surgeons require their
patients to wear a post-operative compression garment for a few
weeks following the procedure. Patients are usually able to return
to sedentary activities within three days following in-office
liposuction.
Is computer imaging used?
Some plastic surgeons, including Dr. O'Connell, have utilized computer
imaging prior to liposuction. Remember that computer imaging and
inspection of pre-and postoperative photographs are educational
tools only and that no guarantee is implied.
Get more information about computer imaging.
Are there risks associated with liposuction?
Any surgical procedure involves risks and potential complications.
Liposuction is the most commonly performed plastic surgical operation
in the United States and is ordinarily quite safe. As with any
surgical procedure, bleeding, infection, thrombophlebitis, nerve
damage, etc, can occur. Aesthetic complications such as skin and fat irregularity
and waviness can occur. Fortunately complications are uncommon
and most patients are satisfied with their results following liposuction.
A careful consideration of all risks, alternatives and potential benefits is an important part of the pre-operative consultative process.
To contact Connecticut plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph B. O'Connell about any cosmetic surgery procedures, please fill out
our contact form or call us at (203)
454-0044.
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Plastic Surgery of Southern Connecticut
208 Post Road West • Westport, CT 06680
Phone: 203-454-0044 • Email: jbomd@aol.com
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