FAQ

Who are ideal candidates for liposuction?

Liposuction is the permanent removal of fat cells from under the skin. Ideal candidates are patients who have localized fat under the skin and good skin elasticity. Patients should be on a diet and exercise program. Patients with generalized obesity or fat inside the abdomen are not good candidates. As with all cosmetic procedures patients should be in good health with realistic expectations. What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?

Since liposuction permanently removes fat from a specific location, weight gain will shift to another target area. The new target area of weight gain may be desirable or undesirable. Therefore, maintaining or loosing weight after liposuction is imperative. It is important to know that weight loss/gain is a factor, but changes in percent body fat are also important. Liposuction is a body sculpting technique and is used for contouring not weight loss. Liposuction should compliment a proper diet and exercise.

What happens to the skin after liposuction?

Since liposuction will not tighten skin or develop muscle, the result will depend on the skin's elasticity to regain its usual shape. For patients with loss of skin elasticity due to fluctuations in weight, sun damage, and pregnancies, liposuction may not be an option. Other techniques, such as abdominoplasty and lifts may be better options.

How do you know how much fat to remove?

The amount of fat to be removed is based on the surgeon's experience. However, there are guidelines that surgeons use. A patient is marked in the upright position. Areas of excessive fat are carefully marked out. The amount of fat removed is estimated and measured. Using feel as well as the surgeon's aesthetic eye, body contouring is performed. Fat removal is limited to 5,000 cc's per operation for safety reasons. If additional fat removal is needed (which is rare), subsequent surgeries may be necessary.

Will I loose weight from liposuction?

Weight loss from liposuction is minimal. Most patients will notice an improved body contour and loss of inches rather than pounds. Patients can expect an improvement in body shape, and will probably fit in their current dress size more comfortably or even drop one size or two. As would be expected, liposuction does not improve the cardiovascular status of the patient. Exercise and diet is recommended.

Can liposuction eliminate cellulite?

Liposuction is generally not used for elimination of cellulite. Since cellulite appears to be a skin dimpling and skin contour problem, removal of fat will not improve skin quality. However, some patients have stated they have noticed an improvement. At the present time, the only modality to improve cellulite is endermology. Endermology involves several treatments with a sucking and rolling massage. In order to maintain the results from endermology, continued use of this procedure must be followed.

In your opinion, which type of liposuction technique is recommended?

Most surgeons would agree that super-wet tumescent liposuction should be used. This technique reduces blood loss and aids with intra and post- operative pain. As with any procedure, experience with this technique is mandatory. Liposuction has been performed by using suction alone, ultrasound-assisted, or using powered-assisted devices. The use of these techniques can provide similar results in trained hands. Dr. Farella, at the present time uses both suction-assisted and powered-assisted liposuction techniques. He feels these options give the best results with the least complications.

Is liposuction safe?

Yes. Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed today. Keep in mind, as with any cosmetic surgery procedure complications can arise. It is important to choose a surgeon with experience in identifying, managing, and most importantly, preventing complications.

Will liposuction improve stretch marks?

No.

When can I resume sex after liposuction?

You may have gentle sex after two weeks.

Liposuction is not a substitute for healthy eating and exercise, and is not a treatment for obesity. This body contouring procedure is one of the few ways to permanently remove fat cells from a particular location on the body. The quality of the skin affects the quality of the look since liposuction relies on the skin's ability to tighten. Several years ago, ultrasonic liposuction was promoted for its ability to tighten skin. Few surgeons use the procedure today.

Information on this page is not a substitute for medical consultation or advice. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss the best treatments for you.

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