Liposuction, also called aspiration lipectomy, removes excess fat through a suctioning process. This procedure removes fat deposits from areas such as the chin, checks, neck, upper arms, abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs. It is one of the most common of all cosmetic procedures, and can be an effective technique for recontouring the body. The tendency to accumulate fat in areas such as the abdomen may be inherited, and this fat is often especially resistant to diet and exercise.
Candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Candidates should be adults, of any age, within 30% of their ideal weight and with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite.
NOTE: You may not be a candidate for surgery if you smoke, have recently quit smoking, or if you are exposed to second-hand smoke. Primary and secondary smoking decreases blood flow to the body’s tissues. This can result in prolonged wound healing, skin loss, infection, increased scarring, and a number of other complications depending on the kind of procedure performed.
A small incision is made in or near the areas to be suctioned. In some cases, these incisions may be so small that no post-operative stitches are required. An appropriately-sized tube, or cannula, is inserted through the incision to loosen excess fat. The fat is then removed using a surgical vacuum. Ultrasound may be used to assist liposuction in certain areas that would otherwise not respond well to conventional treatment. Your surgeon will evaluate your skin tone and elasticity, as well as fat density and distribution to determine the appropriate technique for your individual case.
In some cases, liposuction is used in conjunction with other procedures, such as a face lift, breast reduction, mastopexy or a tummy tuck.
Communication is vital in reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you’d like to achieve. Your surgeon will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and what long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you.
You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. A pre-operative information packet will be provided that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. Your surgeon will instruct you on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and which vitamins and medications should be taken or avoided. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis. You may also want to make arrangements for someone to help you out for a day or two after you have the procedure.
Your procedure will take place in our office surgical suite, Rose Medical Center, St. Anthony Hospital or North Suburban Medical Center. The majority of these procedures are completed on an out-patient basis.
You’ll remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure. In most hospital cases, general anesthetic is used so that you will sleep throughout the procedure. Local anesthesia with or without sedation is also an option for patients in our office procedure suite.
It is very important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions. This will promote healing and improve progress towards your new physical appearance. Also, it is important that you attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
For those you who face the constant struggle to lose weight, despite your efforts of exercise and diet, VASERlipo™ can give you the transformation you’re looking for. Using a minimally invasive and precise liposuction technology, VASERlipo eliminates down time for recovery and gives you results in just one procedure. The procedures protects other tissues from damage by only targeting fat, this is called tissue-selective. This power and delicate technique can treat areas such as the arms or neck, as well as substantial areas of fat. VASERlipo has been clinically proven to leave you with smoother skin and produce even results.
I had the Laser Genesis treatment. The procedure was comfortable on my skin and without any downtime for noticeable results! I would highly recommend this procedure. The entire office is great to work with and an awesome team. L.T., Lafayette
Amazing staff , ready to answer all my questions , I felt very comfortable talking to them ,specially Leah , she made feel very secure about the procedures and totally happy of have chosen them. Zuleyma F.
Fantastic! I have had multiple procedures done by almost everyone in the office . I recommend this place to everyone! Love this place! Lindsay W.