What A Facelift Procedure Can Do For You

Liposuction is an elective cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess or additional fat deposits from areas of the body. Certain areas are more popular than others, including the midsection, love handles, and thighs. The ultimate goal of liposuction surgery is to improve self-image and self-esteem by enhancing body contours, proportion and overall silhouette. Both men and women can benefit from this procedure. The results may be subtle or dramatic, depending on the goals of the patient and how extensive their excess fat deposits are.

Also known as lipoplasty, liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure targeted at the general population. Patients that make good candidates for this procedure are men and women in good overall health. Even with a reasonably healthy lifestyle and exercise regimen, some men and women are genetically programmed to carry fat deposits around with them. These stubborn areas can be particularly frustrating when they persist despite their best efforts. Liposuction focuses on these areas and helps to slim problem spots while enhancing the person’s overall shape. Isolated problem spots such as the upper arms, thighs, or buttocks can be treated relatively easily with minimal scarring.

It is important to keep in mind that liposuction is not a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise regimen. It is designed to complement healthy food choices, not replace them. It is also important to remember that liposuction results are not permanent. The fat can easily be gained back if and when those healthy diet and exercise habits lapse.

As with other invasive cosmetic surgeries, liposuction comes with a wide variety of risks and side effects. The recovery period includes soreness for ten days to two weeks. The post-operative instructions from your plastic surgeon should be followed closely to help speed healing and minimize downtime. Your surgeon may provide you with compression garments or bandages to minimize swelling and help form your new body contours. The doctor may also prescribe certain medications to help alleviate pain or prevent infection. Signs of infection that should be immediately reported to your doctor include increased pain, redness or inflammation around the incision site.

Perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make about your liposuction surgery will be choosing the plastic surgeon that will perform the operation. Take the time and care to find a surgeon you trust and like and who is willing to address your questions and concerns openly. You should feel comfortable discussing your expectations with him or her and verify that they are board certified in plastic surgery. State licensure does not limit a physician to only practicing in the specialty area that they trained in. Check with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a doctor that has completed as least five years of surgical training with at least two years sub-specializing in plastic surgery.