Liposuction

Is Liposuction Right for You?

The ideal candidate for liposuction is in good overall health and maintains a healthy lifestyle, but has one or more problem areas with unresponsive fat deposits. It is important for patients to remember that liposuction cannot be used as a means for substantial weight loss. It is instead used to remove excess fat in localized areas after the patient has attempted other traditional weight loss methods.

Common treatment areas for liposuction include:

• Thighs and Knees
• Abdomen and Flanks
• Arms
• Back
• Hips
• Neck
• Buttocks
• Chest
• Face and Neck
• Calves
• Ankles

Additionally, liposuction is often combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), a fat transfer to the breasts or tummy tuck to achieve maximum results.

Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon

When considering any body contouring procedure, there are complexities to these treatments that should only be handled by a plastic surgeon with considerable expertise and experience. While overwhelmingly an extremely safe procedure, there are still potential risks involved, as there are with any surgical procedures. When performed by an inexperienced plastic surgeon, contour irregularities can occur when the surgeon does not remove the fat evenly from the treatment area.

Dr. Barrett’s considerable experience ensures his patient’s safety, as well as their excellent results, are paramount. He utilizes the S.A.F.E. liposuction technique, which loosens fat cells before removal to minimize damage to surrounding skin and tissue and follows the latest safety guidelines created by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Benefits of Liposuction

More than simply removing stubborn fat, the benefits of liposuction include:

• Enhancing and contouring your body by reducing fatty areas problem areas
• Reducing or removing lipomas: benign fatty tumors in certain areas of the body
• Treating gynecomastia: excessive amounts of breast tissue in men by removing the fatty deposits
• Treating lipodystrophy syndrome: a fat metabolism disturbance that causes excessive fat in some areas of the body

Preparing for Your Procedure

To help prepare you for liposuction and reduce any risks associated with any surgery, Dr. Barrett will give you a list of instructions that will ensure your safety and the success of your procedure. That list might include:

• Stop smoking before any surgery, since nicotine can interfere with your body’s ability to heal and possibly increase anesthesia-related complications;
• Stop taking medications that could exacerbate bleeding during and after surgery, including blood-thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and aspirin;
• Talk to Dr. Barrett about supplements you might be taking, such as St. John’s wort, vitamin E or fish oil, since these substances can also increase bleeding risks;
• Take enough time off work to recuperate and line up help with your house, children and pets so you can devote yourself entirely to the recovery process;
• Fill prescriptions before your surgery, so they are ready for you to take as soon as you get home

Dr. Barrett may give you additional instructions based on your unique situation, and it’s imperative that you follow any and all directions carefully to prepare yourself for your procedure and ensure a positive, successful treatment experience.

Liposuction Overview

Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthetic, depending on the area being treated and the amount of fat that will be removed. Dr. Barrett will make several tiny incisions in the treated area, and a fine cannula is then inserted through the incisions to suction out the fat. Very few, if any stitches are needed after liposuction since the incisions are small enough to heal on their own.

After Liposuction: Recovery and Results

The most common side effects of liposuction include mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area. Compression garments or elastic bandages can be used to help reduce these symptoms while healing takes place. Patients usually can return to work and regular activities within a few days, but strenuous activities like exercise should be avoided for a few weeks. Dr. Barrett will give you special instructions on how to care for your treated area and reduce any complications after the procedure.

As long as you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, your liposuction surgery results can be permanent. However, significant weight after liposuction can alter your results. You can expect to see results gradually as you heal and as your swelling and bruising subside. Keep in mind that healing is a process, and it could take several months for your full results to be seen.

To learn more about this procedure, contact Barrett Plastic Surgery today at 310-598-2648.

The information about liposuction was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Barrett. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.