Liposuction is a technique used to sculpt the natural shape of fat deposits on the body. The procedure can be done almost anywhere a patient has unwanted fat deposits including the thighs, abdomen, love handles, chest, arms, hips, buttocks, or even cheeks. The process is intended to permanently remove adipose tissue, the type of tissue in the body responsible for storing fat. Liposuction cannot be used as an alternative to weight loss or a healthy lifestyle, but instead is meant to augment the normal shape of the body’s fat storage sites.
Today’s liposuction techniques have been refined so that doctors can provide patients with more precise, refined surgeries to better accomplish exactly what the patient desires. Generally, the procedure is performed by making a small incision in an inconspicuous location. A vacuuming tube called a cannula is then used to break up and suck out the adipose tissues. Before the procedure begins, the surgeon will inject a mixture of several chemicals into the site of the procedure in order to make the adipose tissue easier to remove without damaging surrounding areas. These chemicals can, at times, be substituted for by a special type of ultrasound. The exact combination of chemicals and/or ultrasound treatment will be determined by the doctor based on the area and extent of the procedure and the patient’s personal medical history to ensure the safest and most effective procedure possible.
Recovering from a liposuction treatment is highly dependent on the location and extent of the procedure. Bruising typically begins to subside within a week of surgery while swelling in the area may take several weeks or even months to fully subside. Scars are present but are usually minimal and are hidden as best as possible by the surgeon when making the necessary incisions. Most patients are advised to return to restrained movements as soon as possible after surgery, but will take four to seven days to return to work (depending again on the location and extent of the procedure). For a consultation with Dr. Ziesmann about your goals and expectations for liposuction, please contact our offices to schedule a personal consultation.
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