Q-Who is the best candidate for liposuction? A-An ideal candidate for liposuction is a physically healthy man or woman who is of normal body weight but with areas of fat that have proven resistant to diet and exercise.
Q-What areas of the body can liposuction be performed on? A-Commonly treated areas of the body include the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles.
Q-Can liposuction remove cellulite? A-Though some amount of cellulite may be able to be smoothed out to some degree with liposuction, the procedure is generally not intended to treat cellulite. Other procedures like endermologie are typically more effective for the treatment of cellulite.
Q-Where is the liposuction procedure performed? A-Liposuction may be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgical center or a hospital.
Q-What type of anesthesia is used for liposuction? A-Liposuction may be performed with an epidural, local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
Q-How is the actual liposuction procedure performed? A-During a traditional liposuction procedure, small incisions are made in the skin through which a narrow tube called a cannula is then inserted. The cannula is manipulated to disrupt the fat cells before suctioning them out and then the incisions are closed.
Q-How long does liposuction take to perform? A-Traditional liposuction procedures typically take between one and two hours to perform. The tumescent technique and UAL tend to take longer.
Q-What is tumescent liposuction? A-Tumescent liposuction is a liposuction technique in which the fat cells are first infused with a saline solution containing a local anesthetic before being suctioned out with traditional liposuction techniques. This technique tends to involve decreased post-operative bruising and swelling, though surgical times are usually longer.
Q-What is UAL? A-UAL, or ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, is a liposuction technique in which an ultrasound probe is inserted beneath the skin to liquefy the fat before it is suctioned out with traditional liposuction techniques. This technique tends to involve decreased post-operative bruising and swelling, though surgical times are often longer.
Q-Is liposuction a painful procedure? A-After liposuction, patients may experience some amount of discomfort or pain. Pain medication can be prescribed to help control any discomfort. UAL and the tumescent technique are generally associated with decreased pain.
Q-What is the recovery like after liposuction? A-Some bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness and a burning sensation may occur after liposuction. Full recovery from the swelling and bruising can take anywhere from one to six months. Some type of compression garment or bandage similar to a girdle is typically worn for up to two weeks to help reduce swelling and support the treated areas.
Q-How much time will I need to take off from work after undergoing liposuction? A-Patients are typically able to return to work within one to two weeks after liposuction.
Q-When can I exercise after liposuction? A-Exercise and other strenuous activities should be postponed for two to four weeks after liposuction.
Q-What are the risks or complications associated with liposuction? A-Some of the risks associated with liposuction may include adverse anesthesia reactions, asymmetry, bagginess or rippling of the skin, excessive fluid loss, fluid retention, infection, pigmentation changes, and skin injury. There is the additional risk of thermal burn injury with UAL.
Q-Does insurance ever cover the cost of liposuction? A-Liposuction performed solely for cosmetic reasons is typically not covered by insurance, though some amount of coverage may be available when liposuction is used for breast reduction.
Q-Is it possible to get financing for liposuction? A- Financing is available for plastic surgery procedures.
Q-What do I need to know when looking for a surgeon to perform my liposuction procedure? A-Choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your liposuction procedure is a very important decision. Make sure that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) by visiting the ABPS’s website at www.plasticsurgery.org. You should also be sure to ask the following questions: Does the surgeon have privileges to perform surgery in an accredited hospital? How many liposuction procedures has the surgeon performed? Where and how will the surgery be performed? Is the surgical facility accredited by a nation or state-recognized accrediting organization? What are the risks of your particular procedure?
Q-How can I find a surgeon for my liposuction procedure? A-Visit the website of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons at www.plasticsurgery.org in order to find a qualified, board-certified surgeon for your liposuction procedure. A friend or your physician may also be able to give you a referral.
Q-What does board certified mean? A-Board-certified doctors have met the following requirements: (1) graduation from an accredited medical school; (2) completion of a combination of at least five years of general surgery and plastic surgery residency training; and (3) passing of comprehensive oral and written exams. In addition, members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons adhere to a strict code of ethics and regularly attend continuing medical education courses.
Q-Are the results of liposuction permanent? A-The results of liposuction can be long-lasting with a sensible diet and exercise.
Q-Will the results of liposuction be negatively affected by future weight gain? A-Any significant weight gain after the procedure can cause the fat to return to those areas from which it was removed. It’s generally recommended that liposuction be postponed for patients who anticipate any significant future weight loss.
Contact Dr. Mingrone to learn more about liposuction or to schedule a consultation.
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