When it comes to liposuction, there are some misconceptions that persist. The procedure isn’t magic and isn’t intended to help people who are very overweight lose significant amounts of weight. Instead, liposuction removes excess fat that a person has. Liposuction isn’t for everyone. If you are interested in the procedure, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ary Krau has some valuable information.
What Liposuction Does
Liposuction removes fat that sits just below the surface of the skin. The procedure is commonly used to eliminate fat from several areas of the body, including the hips and thighs, chin and neck, and abdominal area. Removing fat from those areas smooths any bulges and improves the shape of your body. Barring excessive weight gain, the results from liposuction are permanent.
The Process
There are several different ways that liposuction can be performed. At Dr. Krau’s office, liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia, which makes it more comfortable for the patient. The doctor makes small incisions in the area and inserts cannulas, or small tubes, into the incisions.
The cannulas perform two roles. First, they break up the fat in the area, so that it is easier to remove. The cannulas also suction out the fat.
Candidates
The goal of liposuction is to remove fat that refuses to go away, no matter how much you diet or workout. If you are considering the procedure, it’s recommended that you be no more than 30 percent above your target or ideal weight. The more elastic your skin is, the better your results will be. If your skin isn’t able to snap back on its own after the procedure, you might need further surgery such as a thigh lift or tummy tuck. Your health is important too. The procedure isn’t ideal if you smoke or have a long-term condition.
Recovery and Results
It typically takes about three months for the results of liposuction to fully appear. After your procedure, your surgeon will give you a compression garment to wear in order to help the skin get back in its place and to reduce any swelling. You might feel some soreness for a few days, too. You can help your recovery along by listening to your surgeon and following any instructions that he or she gives.
You can learn more and view before & after photos of Dr. Krau’s patients who have undergone liposuction on this page.
