Liposuction – Are you Interested?

Liposuction

What is liposuction? A very common question that I am asked regularly. Liposuction is a technique to remove extra fat through very small incisions. It is a surgical procedure, however the recovery from liposuction is typically better tolerated then other excisonal surgeries. A significant part of the healing process involves wearing compression garments at the surgical site. The garment is more of an annoyance, especially during the warmer months in Charleston. The advantage of having the procedure done during the winter is that the garment is better tolerated and healing is complete before bikini season.
There are a few misconceptions about body contouring, and a lot of them relate to liposuction. The patient demonstrated in the photo is a great example of somebody who will most benefit from liposuction. She is well within her ideal body weight but is troubled by a focal excess of fat in her thighs. The first misconception is that liposuction is a means for weight loss. On the contrary, the best result from liposuction can be seen with patients who are close to, if not at their desired weight. The post operative pictures demonstrate the significant difference that can be achieved with targeted body contouring.
There are several new devices on the market that are touted to treat cellulite and some patients ask whether liposuction is just as effective. Unfortunately, cellulite does not respond to both non-invasive treatments or liposuction very well. The improvement in contour does not typically translate to an improvement in skin quality. The transient benefits of non-invasive therapies result from local tissue swelling or edema which subside with time and require ongoing treatment to maintain its effects. The effects of liposuction are lasting and do not require maintainence.
I offer Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) to my patients. This technology differs from conventional liposuction by utilizing a special reciprocating canulae to remove fat with less tissue trauma. In turn, this can result more efficient fat removal and quicker recovery. Other problem areas with dense fibrous tissue such as gynecomastia (male breasts) tend to respond well to PAL.
Liposuction is a very effective way to treat focal areas of fat while avoiding the large incisions of other body contouring procedures. All areas of the body including the neck, arms, chest, tummy, hip and thighs are easily treated with this. Take advantage of the cooler weather, recover in comfort, and be ready for swimsuit season with a new and improved you.