| Dr. William Sabbagh 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?
A. Liposuction is performed to remove fatty deposits without conspicuous scars. The purpose of this operation is to improve and normalize body contours. Nearly all areas of the body, with certain exceptions, can be treated.
Q. Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
A. The suction technique is not a cure for obesity and essentially is not a substitute for weight reduction. Patients of reasonably normal weight with good skin elasticity are the best candidates. Otherwise, patients must accept a greater likelihood of skin irregularities in return for better appearance in clothing.
Q. What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?
A. Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience complications, patients should discuss each of them with their plastic surgeon to make sure they understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of liposuction. Some of the possible risks are: bleeding, infection, skin contour irregularities, and asymmetry. Infrequently, it is necessary to perform additional surgery to improve the results.
Q. What technique will the surgeon use to perform the liposuction?
A. The liposuction procedure involves the use of traditional tumescent technique and/or ultrasonic assisted liposuction. The results of liposuction have been improved by the use of very thin suction cannulas.
The tumescent technique involves injecting the areas of the fat to be removed with a solution of saline and local anesthetic. This numbs the area, decreases blood loss, and allows for easier removal of fat. A suction tube is passed through one or two small incisions and then moved back and forth under the skin to remove the fat.
Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction is a procedure that uses the tumescent technique and then utilizes high frequency sound waves to liquefy the fat which is then aspirated. It is used on selective body areas.
In some cases, and in order to achieve maximum improvement, a secondary procedure may be necessary to remove additional fat and/or to surgically remove excess skin, if present.
Q. How long is the recovery period?
A. Normally, full social and employment activities can be resumed three to five days after surgery, depending on the extent of surgery. Strenuous exercise and activities such as sports should be avoided for approximately three weeks depending on the extent of the surgery. The healing process and occupation may cause the length of time to vary.
Q. Are the results of liposuction permanent?
A. Yes, generally the results of liposuction are permanent. Excess fat cells are removed and do not return. Gaining weight after the surgery can cause remaining fat cells to enlarge compromising the result. Continued weight loss after the procedure generally improves the result.
Q. How much does liposuction surgery cost?
A. The fee for one area of liposuction which includes the surgeon’s fee, the office operating room, and anesthesia varies from approximately $2000 to $3000. Several areas can be performed at the same time at a reduced fee for the operating room and anesthesia.
Q. How to contact Dr. Sabbagh if we have further questions?
A. Please call the office at 248-647-5800 to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. William Sabbagh and/or visit our website at www.straithclinic.com. There is no charge for the consultation. |
