| Dr. Otto Placik is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Liposuction.
Q. What is liposuction?
Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures that is used as a primary procedure to remove localized fat from nearly any location on the body but has evolved as an adjunctive procedure as well. In its simplest form, it utilizes vacuum assisted evacuation of fat using metal tubes called cannulae. Liposuction can also be accomplished using power assisted techniques, ultrasonic energy, water jets, laser lipolysis, external ultrasound, etc.
Q. Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
Excellent candidates are near to their ideal body weight with a normal Body Mass Index who exhibit diet resistant and localized deposits of adipose tissue. It is best if the skin demonstrates excellent contraction and elasticity.
Q. What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?
There are risks to crossing the street or flying in an airplane and, of course, there are risks to any surgical procedure. These risks can occur regardless of surgeon or technique. These include but are not limited to: infection, hematoma, discomfort, wound breakdown, hypertrophic scar formation, asymmetry, unfavorable healing, interference with sensation (numbness/pain/discomfort), discoloration of the skin, dimpling, cellulite appearance, contour abnormalities, necrotizing fasciitis, deep venous thrombosis (clot) with pulmonary embolisms, fat embolism, death, adverse anaesthetic reaction/response, excessive blood loss and need for transfusion with its attendant risks, need for secondary surgical revisions, and inabiltity to guarantee a specific cosmetic result.
Q. What technique will the surgeon use to perform the liposuction?
In nearly all cases tumescent technique is utilized. The method of fat extraction varies on the areas treated and procedures performed. In the vast majority of instances suction assisted lipectomy techniques with standard cannulae are employed. For smaller areas or locations prone to irregularities the micro-cannula technique will be used. In instances of problematic fat locatlized to dense and fibrotic areas such as male breasts, love handles or the bra strap, ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty is preferred. We have employed external non-invasive radiofreqeuncy devices with subtle effects. We actively discourage the use of mesotherapy "fat melters" at this time. Currently we are investigating the use of laser assisted lipolysis for treatment of the chin and neck.
Q. How long is the recovery period?
Recovery will vary depending on the extent of the procedure with virtually no down time for minimal procedures to more extensive post-operative activity limitations and restrictions with more stringent garment wear for up to 3 weeks at a time. Precautions with sun exposure are recommended for up to 3-4 months.
Q. Are the results of liposuction permanent?
The results of the liposuction procedure are permanent as long as your body weight remains stable.
Q. How much does liposuction surgery cost?
Although I understand your desire to obtain the price; I can't give you a fixed price for several reasons. Prices depend on:
Do you want it performed in an office, surgicenter or in a hospital setting?
Do you want a nurse, a surgeon, or a Board Certified Anesthesiologist to perform anesthesia?
Do you want me to provide you with dressings & garments or do you want to buy them?
Depending on these factors thigh liposuction can range anywhere from $4000 up to $10,000. Think about it and make the right choice. For your information our typical cost currently includes surgeon's fees (certified anesthesiologist, accredited outpatient surgicenter, and initial garments and dressings). Each additional treatment area adds approximately $750-1500 to the total fee. Many other options are available and prices do vary accordingly. |
