Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in our practice. There have been many reports in the media of serious complications with liposuction, but in the hands of a board certified plastic surgeon, it is one of the safest procedures performed.
Liposuction involves removal of fat in problem areas with small tubes, or canulas, connected to a vacuum aspiration device. The best results are obtained when liposuction is used to target specific areas. Liposuction is not performed for purposes of weight loss.
Liposuction reduces the net number of fat cells permanently, making it more difficult to gain weight again in treated areas. The overall effect is an improvement in body contour. Therefore, it will appear as though you have lost a significant amount of weight.
Liposuction is performed via small puncture wounds carefully placed so that the resulting scars are imperceptible.
After the procedure, you should expect a significant amount of swelling, and we recommend you wear a support garment for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. By the 8th week, once the swelling has resolved, you will see the full effect of the liposuction.
Complications of liposuction are rare. There will be a significant amount of bruising in all treated areas, but this is expected. There may be some irregularities following liposuction if all areas are not treated evenly, but this is unusual due to the care that is taken to perform the lipo-sculpture symmetrically.
At the time of your initial office visit, we will perform a careful physical examination to identify all problem areas that can be treated effectively with liposuction. All of your questions will be answered at that time.
Liposuction is a safe and excellent tool to treat specific areas in the body where there are deposits of fat that do not respond to exercise or diets. It is not used for weight loss, and is not effective when there are significant amounts of excess skin or stretch marks. We will discuss with you what your goals are and how these can be best achieved.
If you are interested in Liposuction plastic surgery or have any questions for Dr. Adams, call 505.327.1754 for a consultation.