| Dr. Samir Pancholi is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Liposuction.
Q. What is liposuction?
A. Liposuction is a surgical procedure where fat is selectively removed to shape and sculpt the body. Many people incorrectly think liposuction is something only to remove fat and provide a thinner appearance. Truly speaking, my goal is to provide an improved shape that is contoured and sculpted to improve the overall appearance. Zero body fat is not my goal, a beautiful shape is.
Q. Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
A. A good candidate is someone who is healthy, without medical problems, taking little or no medications, and is not attempting to use liposuction as a method for weight loss. The individual that has an(a) area(s) that doesn’t seem to improve despite a diet and exercise regimen is most likely to be satisfied with this procedure.
Q. What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?
A. The risks can include bleeding and infection just like any other surgery. Other risks of liposuction include removing too much fat at one time. 5 liters of fat is considered by many to be an upper limit. Also, treating too many areas of your body at one time can overwhelm your ability to heal. Lumpiness and irregular contours are possible and are surgeon experience dependent.
Q. What technique will the surgeon use to perform the liposuction?
A. Many types of liposuction exist. The three main types are tumescent liposuction, laser liposuction (various brand names), and ultrasonic liposuction (various brand names). Tumescent liposuction is the use of saline solution and other medicines to expand the fat tissue layer, limit blood loss, and numb the areas to be treated before the fat is suctioned. Ultrasonic and laser liposuction also start out using this solution. With tumescent liposuction, a cannula is used to vacuum the fat after the solution is placed. With laser liposuction, the entire procedure of tumescent liposuction is performed first and then a laser is used to heat the undersurface of the skin to cause further skin tightening (tumescent liposuction alone will cause skin tightening). With ultrasonic liposuction, ultrasonic energy is delivered selectively to fat cells to shake them and empty the fat. It has been shown to have less injury to blood vessels and nerves than tumescent liposuction. Afterwards, a cannula is used to vacuum the emulsified fat. I use VASER liposuction which is the newest generation of ultrasonic liposuction.
Q. How long is the recovery period?
A. The recovery period varies depending on the extent of the surgery. Expect to feel sore for about a week to 10 days. Usually a tight garment is worn over the treated areas up to a month. You will see results at about a week, with more significant changes continuing to occur over the next 1 to 3 months.
Q. Are the results of liposuction permanent?
A. The results are permanent in the sense that whatever fat cells were there are now removed. The remaining fat cells in the body will grow, shrinking in size with weight gain or loss. With weight loss the result typically look better. With weight gain the results will typically look much worse.
Q. How much does liposuction surgery cost?
A. Costs vary on the amount of fat and the number of areas that are treated. Expected to pay around $2000 to start and additional costs with more areas or for revision treatments.
Q. How to contact Dr. Pancholi if we have further questions?
A. I can be reached by phone 702-363-0240,email pancholi@drpancholi.com, or via my website www.drpancholi.com . |
