Liposuction (or lipoplasty) is a body-sculpting procedure to remove excess fat that is unresponsive to dieting and exercise. This procedure can be applied to nearly any area of the body and is commonly used on multiple different areas during an operation. Liposuction results in a slimmer and better proportioned figure. Liposuction is used effectively to reduce love handles, saddlebags, a double-chin, a bulge around the waistline, or other unsightly fatty deposits in order to develop a better shape and create a more beautiful body.
Reasons for Considering Liposuction:
Liposuction is not a replacement for proper exercise and diet and does not result in significant weight loss. Instead, liposuction is a reduction procedure for contouring stubborn areas where fat accumulates. Used in combination with several areas of the body, liposuction can provide a well proportioned body appearance. Ideal surgical candidates are those who are already in good physical condition but have stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. Good skin tone is also essential for a good result from liposuction. After the excess fat is removed, the remaining skin must tighten to achieve the desired contour correction. If there is too much loose extra skin, or the skin has permanent damage such as stretch marks, then the skin will not tighten and liposuction will only make things look worse. These patients are not candidates for liposuction. During your consultation, Dr. Gupta will determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction and will help choose the best procedure to achieve your desired results.
General Procedure
Liposuction is usually done under general anesthesia with the patient asleep but can also be done under local anesthesia where the area is numbed and the patient remains awake. This depends on the area being treated and the amount of fat being removed. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or “cannula” is inserted and used to vacuum out the fatty tissue beneath the skin. After eliminating the excess fat, the incision is closed and the area is dressed with a compression dressing to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and improve healing.
At Gupta Plastic Surgery, we offer several different types of liposuction procedures, including tumescent liposuction, ultrasound liposuction and laser liposuction. He continually travels to national conferences to keep abreast of the most recent advancements in liposuction technology. During your consultation, Dr. Gupta will discuss these options with you and will choose the liposuction procedure that is best for you.
Recovery Process
New techniques allow for faster recovery from liposuction procedures with minimal scarring. The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive of an operation the patient undergoes. Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to minimize swelling, speed up the healing process, allow faster skin tightening and reduce recovery time. A special liposuction support garment is worn for several weeks after the surgery, depending upon which area(s) are treated. It is normal to experience some pain from liposuction surgery but this can be treated effectively with oral pain medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following Dr. Gupta's directions given after surgery.