Liposuction Procedures | Pittsburgh, PA
Liposuction is a common fat reducing procedure that is ideally designed to remove stubborn areas of excess fat, thereby improving the body’s natural contour. Many patients come to our Pittsburgh offices seeking liposuction due to having areas of unwanted fat accumulation. Despite sensible eating and exercising, these areas are resistant to improvement. Liposuction can safely and accurately target those “problematic” areas resulting in improved balance to the body’s contour.
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure like a gastric bypass surgery would be, it should be thought of as a contouring or sculpting procedure. The most common areas are the abdominal wall, hips, love handles, thighs, arms, back, neck, knees, calves, and ankles.
Who is a candidate for liposuction?
When it comes to the liposuction procedure itself, it’s important to note what the ideal candidate looks like. Not only should the candidate be a healthy person without life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions, but the patient should also:
- Have excess fat deposits.
- Be an adult who is within 30% of their ideal weight.
- Have firm, elastic skin.
- Have good muscle tone.
How do I find the best liposuction surgeon in Pittsburgh?
Finding a plastic surgeon to do your Liposuction procedure will require research. Always make sure your plastic surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons – ask if they are also certified by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
We suggest meeting a few surgeons before making a final decision. It is so important to do your homework when it comes to choosing the perfect surgeon. Take our Plastic Surgeon Checklist along with you to your consultations to make comparing them easy.
If you are considering Dr. Antimarino as your surgeon, take a look at this review from a former patient:
“I saw Dr. Antimarino for lipo and had a great experience. He was there to answer all my questions and carefully explain everything about my procedure. I would highly recommend him. He cares about his patients.”
How to Prepare for Liposuction
Before undergoing Liposuction, there are a few things the candidate should keep in mind. Prior to the procedure, it’s necessary to discuss your expectations and desired outcomes during a consultation with Dr. Antimarino.
Keep in mind as you consider Liposuction that it is not a weight loss surgery. It is a procedure that is used to contour and remove excess fat in areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. Think of it as a contouring procedure. The goal of Liposuction is to reshape and will not be effective for cellulite, stretch marks, or sagging skin. Be sure to clarify your goals with your surgeon before your procedure. This way he or she can recommend the most effective treatment plan for your goals.
It is wise to be approximately 20 pounds within your goal weight when you schedule your Liposuction procedure. You may have localized areas of fat that simply won’t budge despite a good diet and exercise. In some cases, Liposuction may be used to initiate a weight loss program, but do not expect the procedure to remove large quantities of fat.
Board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antimarino will answer any questions you have and will go over specific instructions for preparing for your surgery. Remember to bring your plastic surgeon checklist to your consultation.
What to Expect After Liposuction
Surgery: Liposuction is performed by using a thin cannula that is inserted through tiny incisions into the areas that need correction and the fat is removed. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
After Surgery: The recovery time is approximately one week with compression garments being worn for 3-4 weeks after surgery. There will be some swelling which can last from one month to a few months, depending on the severity of the swelling, but bruising results within 7-10 days. This is a perfectly normal side effect. Exercising can be resumed in approximately 2 weeks.
It is necessary to maintain a healthy and active diet and lifestyle post Liposuction procedure.
Related procedures include Fat Transfer, Tummy Tuck, Body Lift, and Mommy Makeover.
Lipo360
Lipo360 is a term that is commonly used to describe liposuction that targets the mid-section going all the way around the body or “360 degrees”. This procedure is used to contour and shape the body by removing excess fatty tissue, leaving an overall balanced result. Lipo260 can treat:
- The upper and lower abdominals (stomach area)
- Flanks on both sides (above the hips and below the armpits)
- The lower and mid-back
It can be combined with any procedure such as face, breasts, arms, or legs. It is common to see this procedure combined with a BBL or Brazilian butt lift. The fat that is removed from the midsection is relocated to the buttocks to add volume and create a more desired hourglass shape.
Procedure:
Lipo360 is done under general anesthesia in an accredited outpatient surgery center. Lipo360 is not a weight loss procedure like a gastric bypass surgery would be, it should be thought of as a contouring or sculpting procedure. When it comes to the Lipo360 procedure itself, it’s important to note what the ideal candidate looks like. Not only should the candidate be a healthy person without life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions, but the patient should also:
- Have excess fat deposits.
- Be an adult who is within 30% of their ideal weight.
- Have firm, elastic skin.
- Have good muscle tone.
Patients should be approximately 20 pounds within their goal weight when they schedule their Lipo360 procedure. You may have localized areas of fat that simply won’t budge despite diet and exercise. In some cases, Lipo360 may be used to initiate a weight loss program, but do not expect the procedure to remove large quantities of fat.
Post-Op:
This procedure has long-lasting results and should be maintained with a healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition and exercise. Depending upon the job, typically a patient is back to work in several days and back to exercise in 1-2 weeks. You will be sent home wearing a compression garment that will stay in place until your first post-operative visit. The garment is worn continuously for several weeks for tissue support and to decrease swelling. The patient may have swelling and bruising after surgery. Bruising is typically resolved within 1-2 weeks, while swelling may take weeks to several months.
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.