Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery patients choose to reshape specific areas of the body by removing unwanted body fat. Treatable areas of the body include:
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Hips
- Flanks (‘Love Handles’)
- Upper arms
- Back
Why should I Consider Liposuction?
Fat distribution patterns in the body are often controlled by genetic factors and sometimes even the most disciplined and healthy lifestyle will leave you with stubborn fat deposits in areas such as the abdomen and thighs.
If you have any areas of unwanted fat that won’t go away despite your clean diet and exercise regime, then liposuction is an effective surgical solution.
This cosmetic surgery can be performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or a breast reduction for maximum results.
How is Liposuction Performed?
During liposuction procedure, your plastic surgeon will make small incisions to the area being treated, then a slim suction device (called a cannula) will be inserted into the incisions and the fat will be suctioned out. Liposuction is performed under either general or local anesthesia and is dependent on your particular scenario.
After the procedure is complete, the treated area is stitched and tightly bandaged to keep pressure on the area thereby reducing the potential for swelling or infection.
Liposuction is typically a day surgery and does not require the patient to stay overnight, unless however the procedure is more extensive and large areas or volume of fat is being removed.
This cosmetic surgery results in a smoother and improved body contour.
Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?
The intention of liposuction is to reshape one or more areas of the body, NOT weight reduction.
This cosmetic procedure works best for patients who are within 25 pounds of their ideal weight, with specific areas of unwanted fat which don’t necessarily match the rest of their body.
Ideal candidates are those that:
- Are physically healthy
- Are of average or slightly-above average weight
- Don’t plan on losing or gaining any significant amount of weight (e.g. due to pregnancy)
- Have stubborn areas of localized fat which don’t respond to diet and exercise
- Have firm, elastic skin
How Effective is Liposuction?
This procedure is deemed the most successful by patients when they are within 10 pounds of their ideal body weight and are looking to improve their bodies shape by removing small amounts of fat from a specific area.
What is the Recovery Period for Liposuction?
Under most circumstances, when liposuction is an outpatient procedure, recovery is quick. Most patients are able to return to work after a few days and resume normal activities within two weeks. A compression garment should be worn for a few weeks to reduce any swelling and promote the healing process.
Every patient’s outcome will vary depending on factors such as:
- The size of the treatment area
- The volume of fat to be removed
Your plastic surgeon should discuss the expected results with you, as well as how best to maintain your new and improved body shape.
Are the Results from Liposuction Permanent?
During this cosmetic surgery procedure, the fat cells are removed permanently from the treatment area. However it should be noted that liposuction is not a form of weight loss, so it is important for the patient to maintain a healthy weight to optimize the surgical results. If the patient gains weight after the surgery the fat will come back in either the same areas or possibly different ones.
An Investment in Your Future
When it comes to plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, your health and cosmetic satisfaction are the priorities. Choosing an experienced, dedicated and board-certified plastic surgeon will significantly reduce the risk of any health complications and will produce the best possible results.
To receive more information on liposuction or to book a consultation, contact Dr. Ladak today at (780)-407-6691.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.
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