Despite an overall healthy lifestyle including a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, many individuals remain frustrated with the development of disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits, known as ‘lipodystrophy.’ These areas may arise due to multiple factors beyond one’s control such as gender, family traits, and hormone balance. In these situations, liposuction may provide the perfect solution.
Typically performed under intravenous sedation anesthesia in a State Licensed, Nationally Accredited Ambulatory Surgical Center (see about Keystone Surgery Center), liposuction employs the use of ‘tumescent’ local anesthesia which is a dilute, epinephrine-containing solution which acts to liquefy the fatty tissue. A narrow tube is then passed into this space through a tiny ¼ inch incision to gently and comfortably remove the excess fat while minimizing any bruising or skin surface irregularities. The duration of this procedure and the necessary recovery period is dependent on the number and extent of the areas being treated. Following completion of the treatment, a compression garment is briefly worn to facilitate skin re-draping around the newly created contour.
Liposuction can be used to slim the hips, thighs, and buttocks, flatten the abdomen, contour the arms and back, shape the knees, calves, and ankles or eliminate a double chin. Men and women of all ages may benefit from this procedure. Ideal candidates for liposuction are within 30% of their ideal body weight and have good skin elasticity.
When considering liposuction, or indeed any cosmetic procedure, be sure to select a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). As a board certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of clinical practice experience and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery® ASAPS), Dr. Robert Kimmel welcomes the opportunity to help you achieve your goals and enjoy a happier, more confident lifestyle.
Liposuction represents an excellent option for slimming and reshaping certain ‘problem’ areas. This will restore a well-proportioned body, enhancing your appearance and the fit of your clothing and ultimately, build self-confidence.
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Liposuction has advanced technologically over the 30+ years it has been performed in the U.S. Today, the cannulas used are much smaller, making the incisions necessary to insert them much smaller as well. There may be tiny scars at these insertion points, but they will be barely noticeable, and they will fade to being mostly invisible over time.
Liposuction involves the typical risks involved with surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and reaction to the anesthetic, but these are rare with modern liposuction. Complications specific to liposuction are:
Overall, liposuction with Dr. Kimmel has proven to be a safe and very satisfying procedure for his patients.
It’s important to not view liposuction as a weight-loss procedure. Liposuction with Dr. Kimmel is a body-contouring procedure intended to remove stubborn pockets of fat in areas such as the lower abdomen and the flanks. Still, there will be fat removed, and if you maintain a healthy lifestyle afterwards the pounds removed should stay off. The fat removed in a single liposuction procedure is usually in the 4-5 pound range. Immediately after your procedure, however, you will actually likely weigh more due to the tumescent solution that is injected and the slight swelling that will occur.
Liposuction with Dr. Kimmel should not be considered a repeat event. Patients should have liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of fat once. It shouldn’t be viewed as carte blanche to gain whatever weight you want and go have another round of liposuction. To get the most out of your procedure, you need to adopt healthy eating habits and make exercise a part of your lifestyle. If you do that, you’ll enjoy your slimmer contour for the rest of your life.