Achieve a contoured, slender figure
Shape and tone your figure with liposuction. Advanced surgical techniques can remove stubborn fat from virtually any area of the body. Even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, many of us have pockets of persistent localized fat. Liposuction can quickly and permanently trim down your trouble areas and give you the body contours you desire.
Any healthy adult who is not currently pregnant or breastfeeding may be a candidate for liposuction. Candidates hope to correct areas of stubborn fat that have proven resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure; candidates should be at or near their goal body weight to achieve the best results from liposuction.
Liposuction uses advanced surgical techniques to achieve natural-looking body contouring. A thin, hollow needle is guided through a small incision into the fatty tissue, and a suctioning device extracts the excess fat cells from the body. Additional technologies such as laser or ultrasound may be employed to facilitate the process.
You should be in good health and at a stable body weight prior to undergoing this surgery. If you are receiving treatment for any chronic health conditions, you will need to request clearance from your primary care physician. You may also need to get an EKG and basic blood work to evaluate your health in anticipation of a successful procedure and healthy recovery. You will also need to plan for adequate time off work and arrange for assistance during your recovery, especially for activities such as driving, household responsibilities, and childcare.
Most patients can expect approximately 5 to 7 days of downtime after liposuction before returning to non-physical work duties. Discomfort levels can vary greatly depending on the areas treated, but prescription pain medications are rarely needed after the first few days of recovery. Weightlifting and strenuous exercises should be avoided for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks. You will need to wear a compression garment for a minimum of 6 weeks. To accommodate these restrictions, you may need to limit your work responsibilities and seek assistance for basic household responsibilities and childcare.
Liposuction may be performed on virtually any area of the body. The most popular treatment areas include the abdomen, hips, thighs, upper arms, back, buttocks, and neck.
Liposuction incisions are quite small—only a few millimeters long. Wherever possible, the incisions are placed in inconspicuous locations or hidden in natural creases. Liposuction scars are generally minimal, and most scars fade significantly over time.
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It addresses specific trouble areas where persistent fat cells remain despite a healthy diet and lifestyle. Candidates should already be at or near their goal body weight before undergoing liposuction. However, it is important to recognize that with the targeted body contouring that liposuction provides, your results will likely make it appear as though you have lost weight. The number on the scale may not change significantly, but your overall body contours will appear slimmer and more flattering.
Liposuction may be combined with tummy tuck surgery, breast surgery, or other procedures to yield more dramatic aesthetic results. I frequently incorporate liposuction into other plastic surgery procedures to provide more optimal improvement of body contours.
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the body. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, stable body weight, and do not become pregnant afterward, your liposuction results could last for many years.
Stephenie Poris, MD sees patients at both the Orlando and Winter Park offices.
