Liposuction
Many people face excess unwanted fat despite a healthy diet and exercise routine. Even at a healthy weight, natural fat deposits can disrupt the body contour that patients work hard for. This is especially true as patients age, when weight loss only becomes more difficult. Thankfully, liposuction is available to remove unwanted fat cells to contour the body. At Lewisburg Plastic Surgery, patients can opt for liposuction to create the body contour they wish they could achieve.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is an outpatient surgical procedure designed to permanently remove unwanted fat from the body. It precisely targets fat in common “problem areas” including the chin, chest, arms, abdomen, flanks, thighs, hips, or knees. In addition to creating a smooth, toned, and athletic appearance, liposuction can be useful in enhancing the results of other plastic surgery procedures such as a breast lift, breast reduction, abdominoplasty, and more. Finally, in some cases, it may be a less-invasive alternative to surgeries such as breast reduction or gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction).
Is liposuction right for me?
Liposuction is suitable for candidates who are generally healthy overall and interested in a more athletic-looking, toned, or proportionate body contour. It is important to remember that liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure. This means that you should be within about 25 pounds or 15% of your ideal healthy weight before undergoing liposuction. Ideally, patients will also have good skin elasticity before undergoing the procedure.
Podcast Episode: Liposuction – Remove Fat & Add Confidence
Common areas treated by liposuction are the chin, breast, tummy, and thighs. Learn how this procedure is performed, how much it costs, and more!
Traditional Liposuction
Traditional liposuction is the most common liposuction method. This involves inserting a small tube, or cannula, through a small incision in the body. Through this incision, fat cells are broken apart manually or through ultrasound-assisted technology. The fat is then suctioned away.
Smartlipo
SmartLipo is a laser technology for body contouring. It is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional liposuction. Through SmartLipo, your plastic surgeon will first use laser fibers to rupture fat cell membranes, thereby destroying the fat cells. At the same time, the laser technology tightens the skin, reducing the risk of dimpling or sagging. The liquefied fat cells can then be suctioned out, similar to a traditional liposuction procedure. SmartLipo results in reduced damage to surrounding tissues compared to traditional liposuction, which can reduce side effects through the healing process.
PrecisionTx Laser
PrecisionTx laser is a specialized type of SmartLipo specifically designed to treat the neck area. This treatment creates a defined look and is an alternative to a traditional facelift. As a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia alone, PrecisionTx laser offers reduced risks and downtime while still removing fat and tightening skin for a more defined and youthful jawline. Small incisions are made to introduce a small laser fiber below the skin. Through this laser, thermally controlled energy is delivered to stimulate collagen production. Patients will experience some soreness, but can generally return to their normal routines within only a few days of the procedure.
Podcast Episode: Different Types of Liposuction
Specialized types of liposuction can help to remove different types of fat from different areas of the body, and can be combined to provide a custom solution for patients. Learn about vacuum liposuction, power liposuction, laser liposuction, general costs, and more!
Recovery after liposuction
Following liposuction, patients will wear compression garments to reduce swelling and encourage ideal healing. Some discomfort can be expected and treated using medication as prescribed by your plastic surgeon. Most patients can return to normal, non-strenuous routines about three to four days after their liposuction procedure. Common side effects include bruising and swelling. Ideal results from liposuction are typically noticeable within about three to four months.
Why Choose Lewisburg Plastic Surgery?
At Lewisburg Plastic Surgery, patients benefit from the expertise of our board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Normington and Dr. Moya. They have advanced specialty training in aesthetics and a variety of body contouring procedures, offering patients a range of options. Patients can also receive their treatments in our private, comfortable operating rooms rather than a busy hospital setting.
Insurance Guidelines
Liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure, meaning it is not covered by health insurance.