Any skilled nutritionist will tell you that the key to your dream fit body is through a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. While this is all true, even the most rigorous of healthy lifestyles can be unsuccessful in eliminating those last few pockets of fat in the thighs, buttocks, hips, and upper arms. This is because not all fat cells are the same, resulting in your success at toning some parts of your body while other areas may not change. If you are experiencing frustration with those last stubborn areas of fat, liposuction may be the body sculpting procedure you need.
How Is Liposuction Performed?
Small, concealed incisions will first be made in target areas before thin suction tubes are inserted to the proper depth of the fat deposit. This cannula will sweep the area until the desired amount of fat has been removed. This process is repeated throughout the entire bulging area, slowly removing small amounts of fat at a time. This allows the surgeon to constantly check for fat thickness and contour as the procedure is completed. Once the desired look is achieved, the incisions are closed, and an elastic garment is placed on the skin to apply gentle pressure and prevent excess fluid accumulation in the area.
Am I A Good Candidate?
Healthy patients with localized fat deposits wishing to lose small to moderate amounts of fat are ideal candidates. Liposuction is not intended to be a weight loss procedure and is therefore not suggested for those that are extremely overweight. Skin elasticity is also something to be considered. When fat is removed from under the skin, the skin can loosen. The amount of looseness is based on the elastic tendencies of each individual’s skin before surgery and how much fat is removed. If your skin is overly elastic before the procedure, consider that any additional looseness may be undesirable. In this case, your surgeon may suggest excision of some tissue to reach a desired aesthetic outcome.
What Is Recovery Like?
You should expect to feel mild to moderate discomfort similar to muscle soreness during the days following your liposuction procedure. If necessary, your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to lessen these side effects. You will continue to wear the elastic garment placed on treated areas for three weeks or more after your surgery. Bruising and swelling typically last from one to three weeks, but you can continue work and social activities within two to three days and all strenuous physical activity within two weeks.
The skilled team at David J. Leavens M.D. Plastic Surgery is proud to offer liposuction procedures to the people of Florida. To inquire for more information or to schedule a consult, contact our office today. David J. Levens M.D. Plastic Surgery and Med Spa is conveniently located near Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and surrounding areas of South Florida.
