Body Contouring
Liposuction

Body contouring surgery was revolutionized in 1982 with the advent of liposuction. While the techniques have been refined over the last decades, the basic concept of removing fat to three dimensionally re-sculpt the body remains. There have been many horror stories regarding liposuction in the media, so I feel it is important to clear up any myths and misconceptions.

Liposuction is a great procedure for healthy patients who have more superficial fat in one area of the body than the others. If the skin has good elasticity, it will re-drape the area following the procedure and create a pleasing shape that is more harmonious. If the skin is loose, liposuction can sometimes make it hang more, leaving an empty, sagging appearance. It is also inappropriate to use liposuction as a weight loss method for generalized obesity, or for a patient with poor health. Additionally, there is a limit to the total amount of fat that can be safely removed at one time, based on the total weight of the patient. When a patient is a good candidate for the procedure, and selects an experienced, ethical, and qualified surgeon, virtually all are happy and safe. In fact, the complication rate is among the lowest in my practice. If you have poor health, generalized obesity, or try to do too much or add too many other procedures, it is not as safe and should not be done.

At your consultation, after a complete medical history, a physical exam is done, including weight. Skin tone, body fat distribution, cellulite, and overall health conditions are assessed. Computer images are taken, and potential after pictures can be simulated for you. Commonly treated areas are the thighs, hips, abdomen, neck, waist, arms, and back. I will be able to determine if liposuction is the most appropriate treatment or offer you alternatives. Liposuction does not treat cellulite, and I offer the only FDA approved treatment to reduce the appearance of cellulite-Endermologie. Preoperative testing is done, and if any questions remain as to your fitness for the procedure, a letter from your doctor is requested. Your safety is always our number one priority. I use the tumescent technique, whereby I fill the area surrounding the fat with a fluid containing medications to provide pain relief after the surgery and to prevent bleeding. It is the safest and most effective method available. I am certified in ultrasound assisted liposuction, and also can do power liposuction. Neither of these offers a better result in my hands, and both add more risk. I prefer the security of tumescence.

The operation is done under a variety of anesthetic techniques, and the anesthesiologist and I will discuss with you your options. The procedure takes from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on the areas treated. Tiny incisions are hidden in your body and are closed with a single stitch that is removed in about 4 days. Mild discomfort may be experienced, and is easily controlled with Tylenol or a mild prescription pain reliever. Antibiotics are given as well. You will be placed in a girdle for 4 weeks to help reduce swelling. It is normal to have swelling that can last months. The first night you may leak a little fluid, but it stops in the morning. You may shower 2 days after the procedure.

After 2 weeks, you will start to see a change, but the final result takes several months. Some bruising may occur. Usually, 3 days off of work are sufficient for most patients. Massage starting after 2 weeks can help the swelling resolve more quickly, and enhance your result by diminishing the appearance of cellulite.

Through liposculpture, patients rebalance there bodies in a natural way. The beauty of this is that with mild changes in weight, the new even fat distribution assures that you maintain your new shape. This results in a lifetime result that thrills most of my patients.