Liposuction may be performed under the chin, on the hips, thighs, and stomach, and in the under arm and breast area.
If You're Considering Liposuction...
Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, has benefited from several new refinements. Today, Laser (Pro-Lipo) assisted lipoplasty allows Dr. Anigian to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although liposuction is not a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
The Best Candidates for Liposuction
To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you. It's important to understand that liposuction can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Anigian.
The best candidates for liposuction are average weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.
Liposuction carries greater risk for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, significant heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery near the area to be contoured.
Planning Your Surgery
In your initial consultation, Dr. Anigian will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Dr. Anigian will explain which body-contouring method may be most appropriate for you.
Individuals considering liposuction often feel overwhelmed by the number of options and techniques being promoted today. However, Dr. Anigian can help in deciding which is the right treatment approach for you considering effectiveness, safety and appropriateness for your needs.
Dr. Anigian will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications. These instructions are explained in detail during your pre-operative appointment. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your surgery may have to be postponed.
Also, while you are making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and, if needed, to help you at home for a day or two.
The Surgery
The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed and the technique used. There are several liposuction techniques that can be used to improve the ease of the procedure and to enhance outcome.
ProLipo Plus is FDA approved for laser-assisted lipolysis. It is often times used for treatment in patients that require finessed sculpting in difficult areas such as medial thighs, upper tummy, lower tummy, under chin area, and upper arms. ProLipo employs laser technology with dual wavelength capability providing the choice to use each wavelength individually or to combine the benefits of both for optimal body sculpting results. The system provides flexibility in tailoring rapid, advanced treatments.
A wide range of customizable treatment parameters enables body-sculpting treatments that are personalized for each patient. ProLipo PLUS is also utilized as an adjunct to traditional liposuction as an efficient method for fat removal and produces observable improvement in skin laxity (firmness/tightness).
After Your Surgery
After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you will be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for three to six weeks.
Even though newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Anigian, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.
Healing is a gradual process. You will begin to feel better after about a week or two and you should be back at work within a few days following your surgery. The stitches are removed or will dissolve on their own within the first week to 10 days. Post-operative massage therapy is strongly recommended with your first session being five to seven days post surgery.
Avoid strenuous activity for at least one month as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some swelling may remain for six months or more.