WHAT IS LIPOSUCTION?
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure designed to eliminate excess fat from the body by way of a small incision and a tiny tube called a cannula. Liposuction may be performed on almost any area of the body and successfully eliminates stubborn fatty deposits that have been unresponsive to diet and exercise.
Benefits of a Liposuction
Liposuction is the most common cosmetic procedure in the U.S. and is performed safely on thousands of patients yearly. Liposuction is less invasive than plastic surgery and therefore has a much shorter recovery period. Liposuction successfully achieves long-term results that are completely natural and improve the contour of your face or body by eliminating stubborn fatty deposits that do not respond to typical weight loss efforts. Liposuction is also often performed in combination with other procedures in order to add the “finishing touch” to a makeover by removing fatty bumps and bulges that detract from a smooth, trim silhouette.
Who are ideal candidates for Lipsuction?
Liposuction is a safe and effective procedure recommended for adults who want to eliminate localized fat deposits in problem areas that have been unresponsive to diet and exercise. The ideal candidate for liposuction is close to his or her ideal weight and seeks only to eliminate localized fatty deposits. Liposuction is not recommended for patients with large amounts of excessive weight all over the body or those with large amounts of fatty deposits in the abdomen. Although liposuction permanently eliminates fat cells, it cannot prevent you from gaining weight again, so we recommend that our patients observe a regular diet and exercise program. As with all cosmetic procedures, candidates for liposuction should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about what liposuction can accomplish.
WHAT AREAS ARE TREATED BY LIPOSUCTION?
The following areas can safely undergo liposuction:
- Neck / Chin
- Chest / Breast
- Abdomen (Stomach area)
- Waist / Love handle
- Bra rolls
- Back
- Hips
- Thighs (Inner and outer)
- Knees and legs
THE LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE
Dr. Karaca utilizes traditional liposuction techniques, as well as state-of-the-art technology, to help patients achieve their goals. Liposuction is performed using small incisions located close to the area that is to be suctioned. Typically, the incision lines are made within the natural creases of the body in order to keep them visibly camouflaged. A very thin tube, or cannula, is placed through the incision so that the tip penetrates the underlying fat. The tube is then connected to a suction pump that the surgeon can move back and forth in order to precisely extract unwanted fatty deposits, which are suctioned away through the tube.
Circumferential Liposuction of the Calves and Ankles.
Many patients are unaware that circumferential liposuction of the thighs or calves is available and produces very good results. These are technically challenging procedures that require a great amount of skill and additional training on the part of the surgeon. Circumferential liposuction produces the best results in younger women with heavy, thick thighs and calves. The advantage of circumferential liposuction is that it removes fat all the way around the calves and ankles. It allows for greater skin shrinkage and tighter, smoother results.
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BeforeBefore & AfterAfter
LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY
For most patients, during the first week following surgery, inflammation reaches a peak and then begins to subside. Stitches will be removed, and patients can typically return to non-strenuous activity by the end of the first week. Over several weeks, bruises fade and eventually disappear, areas that felt numb regain sensation, and patients can gradually resume normal levels of physical activity as the swelling continues to subside.
WHICH FAT IS REMOVED BY LIPOSUCTION?
There two types of fat in the body. The body only removes the subcutaneous fat.
- Subcutaneous Fat: The fat that lies just under the skin; it acts as a buffer to support the skin and is an energy storage material. This is the fat treated with liposuction.
- Visceral Fat: This is the fat that is packed around the organs. Visceral fat is not accessible by liposuction and can only be reduced by diet and exercise or after bariatric weight loss surgery. Visceral fat is highly associated with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.
What Happens To The Skin After Liposuction?
While liposuction eliminates excess fatty pockets, it does not tighten loose skin, nor does it assist in toning muscle so your results will depend on your skin’s elasticity and your natural muscle definition. If you have experienced a decrease in skin elasticity caused by dramatic weight loss, damage from the elements and/or hormonal alterations, such as pregnancy or menopause, liposuction may not be the most suitable option for you. In some cases, liposuction may be combined with other procedures, such as abdominoplasty and lifts to correct the problem of loose skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose weight after Liposuction?
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure for patients that are already relatively close to their ideal body weight and is not designed to eliminate or extract large amounts of fat or produce significant weight loss. Liposuction does produce a more defined and streamlined body contour and loss of inches; however, it is not recommended for patients who need to lose a large number of pounds. Liposuction is designed to eliminate bulges and bumps that detract from a smooth body contour.Most patients do experience a slimmer fit in their clothing, and in some cases, even a drop in clothing size.
Can Liposuction eliminate cellulite?
Liposuction does not generally address cellulite since cellulite is a dimpling of the skin and fat removal does not improve the condition of the skin. Some patients, however, attest that they have in fact noticed some improvement. Currently, the only cosmetic procedure specifically designed to treat cellulite is endermology, which involves a rolling massage therapy and requires several treatments. Endermology must be performed on a regular basis in order to maintain results.
How is abdominal Liposuction different than Tummy Tuck?
Although both procedures eliminate fatty deposits in the abdomen, the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a far more comprehensive surgical procedure that also tightens lax muscles and trims away loose and sagging skin. In general, liposuction is a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery period and fewer complications, but liposuction alone will not address many of the issues that a tummy tuck corrects, such as loose, sagging skin.
What if I gain weight after Liposuction?
Since liposuction permanently eliminates the fat cells from a specific area of the body, you cannot gain fat again in that same region, however, you may still gain weight and accumulate fat in other areas. Liposuction is recommended for patients who maintain a proper diet and exercise regime and do not normally have drastic weight fluctuations.