| Dr. James Newman is a plastic surgeon who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Liposuction.
Q. What is liposuction?
A. Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed in an operating room under sterile conditions, whereby subcutaneous fat is extracted from the body using small hollow tubes or cannulas with suction. The procedure can be performed either under general anesthesia for more extensive areas or even local anesthesia for smaller areas of the face or body.
Q. Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
A. Patients who are within 10% of their ideal weight with good dietary and exercise habits but have disproportionate fat in stubborn areas such as the lower tummy, outside and inner thighs and hips and double chin.
Q. What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?
A. The same risks as with any surgical procedure such as infection, swelling under the skin and poor healing.
Q. What technique will the surgeon use to perform the liposuction?
A. All surgeons today use some form of "tumescent" technique whereby an anesthetic fluid with low doses of a vasoconstrictor known as epinephrine is used to lessen blood loss from the procedure. In addition a surgeon may choose to use laser, ultrasound, or radio frequency energy to improve fat removal and tighten the skin simultaneously. We utilize all three forms of energy depending on what condition the patient is in. In addition we are examining the effects of low level lasers such as the Zerona Laser to reduce body circumference without liposuction.
Q. How long is the recovery period?
A. Anywhere from 2-5 days. All patients are walking the next day and exercising lightly. Most patients will wear a compressive garment for 3-6 weeks after the procedure, which usually is worn under loose clothing.
Q. Are the results of liposuction permanent?
A. Yes, the fat removed is gone forever but the remaining fat cells in the body can still expand to take up space if good dietary and exercise habits are not followed.
Q. How much does liposuction surgery cost?
A. For small areas such as the chin and neck, $3500 up to $8000 for multiple body areas. |
