Diet and exercise are important but sometimes they simply aren’t enough. Persistent fat deposits can cling to problem areas like your hips, abdomen, buttock or thighs, no matter how much you exercise. If you have areas of fat that won’t go away, liposuction performed by Dr. Lorraine Golosow may be the answer
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction (or suction-assisted lipectomy) is one of the most frequently performed procedures in plastic surgery. During the procedure, fat deposits are removed in order to improve the contours of the body. Although liposuction is not a substitute for proper diet and exercise, it is sometimes the only thing that can remove localized fat deposits that don’t respond to traditional weight loss techniques.
Candidates for Liposuction
Liposuction may be an ideal solution for individuals who are at a stable weight but still struggle with localized fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. You may be a strong candidate if you are a normal-weight adult who wants to remove unwanted fat from areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, upper arms, or back.
It is important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss method, nor is it appropriate for treating excess skin; in these cases, a tummy tuck or other plastic surgery procedures may be more suitable. The best way to determine if you’re a candidate is to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Golosow, who will evaluate your goals and medical history.
Types of Liposuction
There are several advanced liposuction techniques available, but none that stand the test time quite like traditional liposuction. While newer liposuction techniques offer targeted approaches, traditional liposuction is especially effective for removing larger volumes of fat in a single session. The traditional approach also avoids the potential risks associated with added technologies such as burns from lasers or ultrasound, mechanical trauma, or prolonged operative times.
Traditional Liposuction
Traditional liposuction is one of the earliest and most widely practiced liposuction techniques. During this surgical procedure, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted beneath the skin to remove fat deposits using a suction device manually. This method is commonly used for body contouring in areas like the abdomen, flanks, and thighs.
Before Your Liposuction Procedure
Before undergoing liposuction surgery, patients will meet with Dr. Golosow to review their medical history, discuss treatment goals, and determine whether liposuction is the appropriate cosmetic surgery option. Pre-operative instructions may include avoiding certain medications or supplements that increase the risk of bleeding. If you’re planning to lose weight or undergo significant weight loss, Dr. Golosow may advise postponing the procedure to achieve optimal results.
Your Liposuction Procedure
During liposuction surgery, a solution consisting of lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline is injected into targeted areas prior to fat removal. This solution provides an anesthetic to decrease pain, reduces blood loss, and helps remove the fat easily. A narrow tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions made in inconspicuous locations. The cannula breaks up the fatty deposits and suctions out the fat. The time required for liposuction surgery depends on the amount of fat to be removed and the number of areas treated.
Recovering After Liposuction
To control swelling, you may be fitted with an elastic post-surgical garment that you will wear for a few weeks. During the healing period, you are likely to experience some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort. Oral pain medications are provided postoperatively but many patients find that they aren’t necessary. The few stitches that are present will either dissolve or be removed in a week. After your liposuction surgery, Dr. Golosow and her staff will be available to support you and monitor your recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction
Are you put to sleep for liposuction?
Does fat come back after lipo?
Does liposuction really work?
How dangerous is liposuction?
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Liposuction?
Can Liposuction Give You a Flat Stomach?
Does Fat Come Back After Liposuction?
How Long After Lipo Until I See Results?
Learn More About Liposuction
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Golosow brings expertise and personalized care to every liposuction procedure, ensuring safety, comfort, and beautiful, natural-looking results. Don’t let fat cells hold you back; if you are interested in learning more about liposuction in the Ft. Myers area, contact our office today at 239-939-5233 to schedule a consultation.