Is Liposuction Right for You? By Joseph M. Brown, MD, FACS on June 16, 2017

Liposuction is the leading cosmetic procedure to help sculpt, tone and trim areas on the body and to diminish the appearance of stubborn bumps and lumps from localized fat. This type of fat is often resistant to both diet and exercise, and it can be frustrating for those that exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

Whether it is in the form of persistent stomach “pooch” after pregnancy, areas of fat around the inner thighs, or bulges along the flanks and back, localized stubborn fat can be difficult to get rid of permanently.

Thankfully, liposuction has been one of the most popular and top performed cosmetic procedures to treat stubborn fat around the body, arms, thighs, and neck to tone and slim your figure.

How Does a Liposuction Procedure Work?

Local or regional anesthesia is generally used for liposuction procedures. In some cases, general anesthesia is required to induce temporary unconsciousness. During this time, the surgical team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen level throughout the procedure.

The procedure process is as follows:

1. The surgical team prepares the areas of your body that will treated, and local or general anesthesia will be induced. 2. Through a small incision, a suction tube is inserted into the fat pockets to remove fat in treatment areas. 3. Removed fat is vacuumed away through the suction tube, and several skin punctures may be needed to treat large areas. 4. After the fat is removed, small drainage tubes may be inserted into the treatment area to remove blood and fluid that collects during the first few days after surgery. 5. A compression garment will be placed on you, and used as an essential part of recovery.

The procedure may last up to several hours, depending on the area(s) of fat removal. If general anesthesia was administered, you will wake up in a recovery room. You’ll typically spend a few hours in the clinic to monitor your recovery.

Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

For certain individuals, exercise and diet is not enough to get rid of pockets of stubborn fat. A good candidate for liposuction has:

• A minimal amount of excess skin and good skin elasticity. Loss of skin elasticity can compromise liposuction results. • Localized deposits of fat in your abdomen, arms, thighs and/or neck. • Physically fit, no more than 20-pounds overweight. If you are planning to lose or gain a significant amount of weight, this is not the time to undergo liposuction.

Is Liposuction Right for YOU?

Liposuction is not recommended for patients with cellulite or those who are overweight. Those with cellulite are not good candidates for liposuction because they may develop skin irregularities in the treatment area.

What is the Recovery Process?

After your procedure, post-operative instructions will be provided. Wear compression garment regularly to help reduce swelling. It will work to compress the skin as it re-adjusts after the liposuction procedure. It is important to wear compression garments regularly as the skin tissue need to be supported and sculpted for proper re-shaping to occur.

Post-op, you will likely experience swelling, bruising, numbness, and pain, but these symptoms can be managed with medication. Stitches will be removed within 5 to 10 days, and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. After your procedures, walk regularly to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. Avoid strenuous activity for about 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery, and may return to work within a few days of the surgery. Bruising and swelling usually resolve within a few weeks.

Schedule a Consultation

Although there are some great advantages to a liposuction procedure, it is important to consult an informed and experienced plastic surgeon when making this decision. There are plenty of cosmetic procedures to reduce unwanted fat, and this can be overwhelming. Here, at Tampa Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery, we will discuss and review your treatment options to find the perfect fit for you and your desired results.

At Tampa Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery, we take pride in providing the leading plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. Spearheaded by Dr. Joseph M. Brown, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Tampa Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery is one of the top plastic surgery practices in Lutz, Tampa, Trinity and Brandon area. Dr. Brown has carefully crafted his practice into a collaborative space where patients can comfortably communicate, visualize and achieve their ideal goals with his extensive expertise. For more information, call Plastic Surgery TB at (813) 774-5733 or schedule a consultation here.

Related to This

Dr. Joseph Brown

SynergyMD
Plastic Surgery

A board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Joseph M. Brown strives to provide patients with transformative, yet natural results in a safe and comfortable environment. When you choose him as your provider, he will develop a patient-doctor relationship based on honesty, trust, and a clear understanding of a common goal. He is affiliated with organizations such as the:

  • American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
  • Florida Medical Association
  • American Medical Association
  • American College of Surgeons

To get started, request an appointment using our form or call (813) 258-2425.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite