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?

Liposuction can typically be performed with local anesthetic and sedation rather than general anesthesia. Dr. Golosow will discuss what to expect from your procedure during your consultation.

Does fat come back after lipo?

Its possible to gain weight in other places after liposuction. However, the treated area will not gain weight since most fat cells have been removed.

Does liposuction really work?

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells in a treatment area which helps to contour the body. It is not an overall weight-loss method or a treatment for obesity. Liposuction can be done on its own or in combination with other body contouring methods for optimal results.

How dangerous is liposuction?

Every surgery carries its own risks. Liposuction is no different. With liposuction, there is a possibility of bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and contour irregularities. Overall, this is a safe procedure that is performed on thousands of people every year. Dr. Golosow will go over all the risks and possible side effects during the consultation appointment.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Liposuction?

Depending on how large the treatment area is the recovery period will vary. On average, it takes about two weeks to recover from liposuction. You should be able to return to work after a week of recovery. Dr. Golosow will give you an estimated personal recovery timeline during the consultation.

Can Liposuction Give You a Flat Stomach?

Liposuction is a fat removal procedure. If you are looking to remove small amounts of belly fat, liposuction can be a good fit. Depending on the amount of extra tissue on the stomach, a tummy tuck with liposuction may be needed for optimal results.

Does Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

There is a set number of fat cells in our body, liposuction removes the fat cells from the treatment area. However, it is possible to still gain fat in other areas. It is important to be committed to a healthy lifestyle with a proper diet and exercise routine to maintain the liposuction results.

How Long After Lipo Until I See Results?

Most patients notice some changes immediately after their surgery. However, it can take 3-6 months to see the optimal results. This is dependent on how long the residual swelling lasts in the treatment area.

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.