An extremely common complaint is a bulge or fat that is resistant weight loss, diet or exercise. Patients who share this complaint may benefit from suction assisted lipectomy, otherwise known as liposuction!  Dr. Stanley Harper, a board certified Plastic Surgeon, has helped many patients overcome this complaint and successfully achieve the look they desire.

Choosing Liposuction: Who’s a Good Fit?

As with all surgeries, liposuction works best on patients who are appropriate candidates. People with complaints of bulges and fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise may consider liposuction to improve these areas. It is important to realize that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but rather a contouring procedure that will improve the patient’s overall appearance and self-confidence. Often, liposuction can succeed in helping patients who have not seen results with other options.

The best candidates are patients who do not use tobacco, who are generally healthy, and who are close to their ideal body weight. These patients can expect an excellent improvement in the areas of concern.

What areas can I have liposuction on?

Liposuction: What to Expect

Dr. Stanley Harper prefers to perform liposuction in the operating room. This allows the patient to be carefully monitored during the procedure, and comfort is ensured. The overall process consists of an injection of fluid, called tumescence, followed by the actual removal of fat. Tumescence is essential to the process, ensuring minimal blood loss and maximal comfort for the patient. After the fat has been removed, the small incisions created will be closed, and the patient will be placed in a supportive garment to ensure comfort and reduce swelling.

Liposuction: Recovery and Results

Recovery from liposuction requires the use of compression garments in most cases. These garments help encourage the skin to return to an appropriate appearance and to minimize swelling that will occur. It is important to note; liposuction does not produce an immediate result! In fact, patients should expect swelling that would last up to 6 months, and bruising and inflammation that may last up to 4 weeks. 

The ideal candidate should maintain their weight with diet and exercise after surgery. A common misconception exists that fat somehow “redistributes” to other areas of the body after liposuction. This is simply not true! If an individual gains weight following treatment, however, they may perceive this weight gain to more prominent in areas NOT treated by the liposuction.