Liposuction
Liposuction, also known as Liposculpture (Lipoplasty) is a procedure designed to remove localized deposits of fat and create an improved body contour and shape. Liposuction patients often have fat accumulated on their hips, stomach, thighs, or knees, despite proper exercise and diet. Others are upset with small fatty deposits on their face and neck, or are seeking a smoother profile. It is now possible to achieve a sculptured, more proportionate body and eliminate your hard-to-lose fat through liposuction, a proven cosmetic plastic surgery procedure.
Liposuction selectively removes fat only from those areas where you desire reduction. This procedure provides Dr. DeChiara’s liposuction patients with permanent results since the actual fat cells are removed. Following liposculpture the body will have less fat in the treated areas; however, liposculpture is not a cure for obesity. Liposculpture should not be used as a weight reduction method because weight may still be gained in the area treated (but usually only in proportion to the rest of your body).
Diet can increase or decrease the amount of fat in each cell, but will not affect your total number of cells or their location. Dieting is not selective and will not reduce the fat cells in the area you may want to reduce – for example, the thighs, stomach or hips.
Liposuction is a trusted procedure used often on both women and men to remove fat deposits from virtually any area of the body. In fact, liposuction is becoming increasingly popular for minor breast reduction in both women and men.
Many of Dr. DeChiara’s liposuction patients are pleasantly surprised by how quick and easy their recovery goes. After the procedure, you will experience some discomfort for a few days and will be given medication as necessary. There is usually little discomfort. Although, you will have a prescription for pain medication should you need it. Sutures are absorbed by the body and do not need to be removed.
Patients are placed in a support garment immediately after their liposuction surgery. This garment will be worn night and day for one to three weeks. You will be given instructions to follow including deep breathing exercises, diet, bandage care, bathing, showering, driving and exercising.
You will see the reduction in your fatty bulges, though it may take two to four months after your procedure for the swelling to completely disappear. In most individuals, liposculpture scars are about three to four millimeters in length and are barely visible.
Five percent of men and women have secondary liposculpture or a “touch-up” after six months, most frequently for removal of additional fat. You will be happiest with your procedure if you recognize that it will take several months for the appearance of your final, new sculpted look.
Body Sculpture
Body Sculpture is a very effective treatment for women and men who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Body sculpture through liposculpture is often the only way to eliminate them. While liposculpture removes unwanted fatty deposits, the skin must redrape over the next several weeks to months to complete the transformation. Because inelastic skin does not retract as well as youthful, elastic skin, some patients may require skin removal or tightening procedures.
Dr. DeChiara utilizes tumescent liposuction. This is the latest time tested technology for effective, smooth, and safe fat removal, allowing for the best possible results. Multiple areas are frequently treated at the same time and liposculpture is often utilized along with other plastic surgery procedures. Appropriate patients can have their procedure done comfortably in our office facility without added general anesthesia.
Candidates for Body Sculpting and Liposuction
You have localized excess fat or if you desire contouring in any of the following areas:
- Cheeks, Jowls and Neck
- Upper Arms
- Breast or Chest Areas
- Back
- Abdomen and Waist
- Hips and Buttocks
- Inner and Outer Thighs
- Inner Knee
- Calves and Ankles
Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, can be effectively treated with liposculpture. This is a common condition among teenage and adult males.
The Consultation Process
You will discuss with Dr. DeChiara your areas of concern and your goals. The most effective procedure will be determined and any alternatives will be discussed. Dr. DeChiara will spend as much time as necessary with you to make you feel comfortable and answer all of your questions about the procedure.
Your Surgical Experience
Dr. DeChiara and her office staff will make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable as possible. The procedure can be performed with local anesthesia in our office based facility, or if you prefer, in our fully accredited ambulatory surgery center at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York with a board certified anesthesiologist. Liposculpture is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.
Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. You will be provided with additional preoperative instructions. At the conclusion of the procedure, you will be placed into a compression garment which will aid in reducing postoperative swelling and help skin retraction. This, in turn, reduces recovery time.
What to Expect After Surgery
It is important to understand that the results from liposculpture may not be fully evident for up to three months following the procedure. Time is required for swelling and bruising to subside and for skin redraping to take place. There may be numbness in some of the treated areas, and sensation may take several weeks to return. In rare cases, areas of permanent decreased sensation may occur. Contour irregularities including depressions or wrinkling of the skin can result in some patients, but treatments are usually available to help minimize these problems if they occur. Dr. DeChiara’s patients typically return to normal activities a few days after surgery. Strenuous activity is restricted for two weeks. However, patients may return to work as soon as they like.
You will be given an appointment to see Dr. DeChiara within a week of the surgery and you will be seen several times over the ensuing weeks to months.
Long Term Results
The results of liposuction will be permanent, as long as you maintain your postoperative weight. Even with slight weight gain, you may find that the weight is distributed more evenly instead of accumulating in the areas that were problematic for you in the past. Most patients experience a significant increase in self-esteem as they feel more comfortable about their bodies. Occasionally, a touch-up may be desired to further improve an area that has been suctioned.
