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Liposuction,
also known as Liposculpture or Suction
Assisted Lipoplasty, is among the most commonly
requested cosmetic surgery procedures. This surgical
procedure is a technique for recontouring the body by
permanently removing fat deposits using a blunt tipped,
hollow cannula to suction out the fat cells. While exercise
and diet may make you health, muscular, and lean, it
does not always remove stubborn localized fat deposits.
It is best suited for localized fat deposits in troublesome
areas that do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction
can be used to slim the hips and thighs, flatten the
tummy, reduce the waist or “love handles,”
or eliminate a double chin. Dr. Weeter likes to remind
candidates for this surgery that “it is a procedures
to remove inches (in specific areas), not pounds.”
WHO IS A CANDIDATE
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Women or men that have
localized excess subcutaneous fat, which is resistant
to diet and exercise. |
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Patients who wish to improve the
shape and contours of their body. Areas commonly
treated with liposuction include: the anterior part
of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits,
male chest or breast region, trunk, abdomen, waist,
hips, thighs, inner knees, and calves. |
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The best candidates for liposuction
are of average weight with localized fat collections
and healthy elastic skin. |
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Patients desiring liposuction that
show loss of some skin elasticity, such as having
stretch marks or possibly cellulite, may also be
acceptable candidates. Some of these patients will
appreciate the greatest improvement in the improved
fit of their clothes more than in a bathing suit. |
INTENDED RESULTS
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A permanent improvement
in the contour and proportion of the treated areas.
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Before
and After
Liposuction Surgery
(click on any
photo to enlarge) |
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Before and After
Liposuction Surgery
(click on any
photo to enlarge) |
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A more flattering figure or physique.
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While liposuction does not replace
or serve as a substitute for good diet and exercise,
it can supplement or compliment these healthful
activities. |
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Improved self-confidence with one’s
appearance. |
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
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Liposuction is most commonly
performed in the safety of an accredited surgery
center or hospital under general anesthesia. In
some cases, when larger volumes are anticipated,
surgery is done at the hospital with an overnight
stay. |
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During surgery wetting solutions
similar to natural body fluids are infused into
the areas to be treated via small incisions. The
incisions are most often hidden in natural, skin
folds. |
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A blunt-tipped instrument called
a cannula is passed back and forth while vacuuming
out the fat. |
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
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Following surgery a
firm elasticized garment is applied immediately
in order to provide compression and reduce swelling
and discoloration at the surgical site. The garment
required for the abdomen and thighs will have a
hole in the crotch area so that it does not need
to be removed for urination. For the first few days,
the garment is to be left undisturbed. After that,
it may be removed for laundering but should be worn
almost constantly for at least 3 to 6weeks in order
to assist with skin contracture and swelling. |
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Swelling and bruising are to be expected
and will diminish at variable rates depending on
the treated areas. Most patients experience 2 weeks
of swelling that gradually diminishes. Noticeable,
positive results should be apparent at 3 weeks after
surgery but may continue to evolve for up to a year.
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Pain and discomfort varies greatly
among patients. That said, most patients would need
pain medications for the first 3 to 4 days. Continuing
discomfort can last varying amounts of time and
can usually be alleviated with Tylenol. |
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Exercise may be resumed after 2 weeks.
Normal day-to-day activities can be restarted after
a few days depending on comfort level. Full athletic
activities may be resumed by 6 weeks after the surgery. |
OTHER OPTIONS
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Additional procedures
that may enhance the result are: Abdominoplasty
(Tummy Tuck), Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, Breast
Augmentation, Thigh Lift or Buttock Lift. |
| NOTE: The specific risks
and the suitability of this procedure for you may be determined only at
the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. |
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