July 2021 Procedure of the Month: Liposuction: Who, What, Where, and When?
Posted June 21, 2021
Who:
Most people can have liposuction done if they have an area of excess weight that they cannot address with a healthy diet and exercise program.
What:
Liposuction is an out-patient procedure used to remove excess fatty tissue with a very small cannula that is inserted through a tiny incision to areas of the body that are to be treated. Recovery time is minimal with mild swelling and bruising to the area treated. Patients may return to work within several days to a week and exercise after two weeks. Liposuction does require a compression garment to be worn 2-3 weeks after surgery.
Where:
The most common areas to be treated are the neck, belly, arms, back, and inner/outer thighs. Other areas that are not typically discussed but may be treated include the ankles, knees, and lower legs. The front and back of the thighs should not be treated with liposuction as the tissue to skin ratio leaves that area open to rippling or abnormal contours.
When:
The recommendation is that you do not remove more than 5 liters in an outpatient setting therefore if more liposuction is required it would be done in a staged procedure approximately 6 months apart. Multiple areas of the body can be addressed during one surgery. The same area can be re-addressed with liposuction if more fatty tissue needs to be removed but this would also require 6 months between each surgery. Depending upon the skin type and liposuction procedure, a board-certified plastic surgeon will determine the amount of tissue to be removed to prevent scar tissue or a ripple effect.
As with any plastic surgery procedure you are interested in pursuing, make sure you do your research! Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in your procedure. Check their reviews and look at their website. Ask questions and talk openly with your surgeon about your goals and desired results.
Request a Consultation
A consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Antimarino is an opportunity to ask questions and have a detailed discussion about Liposuction. Dr. Antimarino is available to see patients in Shadyside, Monroeville, and our Greensburg satellite location. Schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation or a virtual consultation now.
