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The following are frequently asked questions (and answers) about Liposuction:
What is liposuction?
Liposuction, also referred to as body contouring, is a surgical procedure which is able to remove fat from specific problem areas using small tubes or cannulas connected to a vacuum aspiration device. Commonly treated areas include areas of the face like the chin, neck, jowls and cheeks, as well as areas of the body like the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, knees and calves.
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Who is the best candidate for liposuction?
Candidates for liposuction should be physically healthy and realistic in their expectations. Because liposuction is not intended for the purposes of weight loss, the best candidates are patients who, though of normal body weight, are bothered by troublesome areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.
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Who is not a good candidate for liposuction?
A person who expects absolute perfection is not a good candidate for liposuction. Excessively obese patients are usually not good candidates for liposuction. A person who has a serious medical problem is not a good candidate for liposuction.
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Is liposuction a reasonable treatment for obesity?
Liposuction is not a good treatment of obesity. Liposuction is not effective for people who are unable to lose weight by dieting and exercise. Obese patients almost always regain the weight that is removed by liposuction unless there is a dramatic reduction in calorie intake (by dieting) or a significant increase in calorie expenditure (by exercising). Whenever large-volume liposuction has been used in an attempt to treat obesity by surgery, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of serious surgical complications. It is not safe to remove huge amounts of fat by liposuction. It is dangerous to remove more than 8 to 10 pounds of fat by liposuction in a single day. Thus, liposuction will not be of any significant benefit for an obese patient who believes that liposuction will aid in the effort to lose weight.
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Can exercise get rid of specific areas of fat without liposuction?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a "spot" exercise, to make the body lose weight in a certain area. Troublesome areas, typically the chin, abdomen, hips or thighs, have an inherited tendency to accumulate fat, and there is so far no way to force the body to selectively burn away that fat. Only liposuction can accomplish that.
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What is tumescent liposuction?
"Cellulite" is fat located just under the skin, making a rippled look that is quite apparent. Liposuction removes some of this cellulite fat but it is difficult to eliminate entirely. Sometimes, these skin irregularities can become more noticeable after liposuction.
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What is tumescent liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction is a technique in which the treated areas are first injected with large volumes of a fluid solution containing lidocaine which causes the fatty tissues to become swollen and firm, or tumesced. Traditional liposuction techniques are then used to suction out the fat.
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What sort of anesthesia is used during liposuction?
Liposuction is usually performed using only IV sedation and local anesthesia. Ths results in a much safer procedure ande a speedier recovery.
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Where are the incisions made for liposuction?
The location of the incisions will depend on the area being treated, though they are small incisions (nicks really) that are placed carefully so that the resulting scars are imperceptible.
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How is the actual liposuction procedure performed?
Small incisions are made in the skin and then a narrow tube know as a cannula is inserted through the incisions into the fat layer deep beneath the skin. The fat is suctioned out using a vacuum pump or a large syringe.
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Does liposuction result in scars?
The incisions (nicks really) made for liposuction will result in scars though they tend to be small and strategically placed.
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How much pain is there with liposuction?
Patients can expect to experience some pain or discomfort after liposuction, though this can be controlled with prescription pain medication.
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Will I be able to drive myself home after my liposuction procedure?
Patients should arrange to have someone drive them home after the procedure.
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Is it necessary for someone to stay with me and help me out at home after my liposuction procedure?
Patients should have a competent adult stay with them for the first day after liposuction.
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What is the recovery like after liposuction?
Patients can expect to experience some pain, swelling and bruising after liposuction. Pain can be controlled with prescription pain medication. Patients are advised to wear a special support garment for about six to eight weeks.
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Will I need to take much time off from work after liposuction?
Patients are usually able to return to work within one to two weeks.
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How soon after liposuction can I exercise?
Exercise and other strenuous activities should be postponed for two to four weeks.
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Are there any risks associated with liposuction?
As with all types of surgery there are potential risks associated with liposuction and these may include the following: adverse anesthesia reactions, asymmetry, bagginess or rippling of the skin, fluid retention or fluid loss, infection, pigmentation changes, and skin injury.
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Are the results of liposuction permanent?
The results of liposuction can be long lasting or permanent with sensible diet and exercise. Patients who gain a significant amount of weight after liposuction will accumulate fat.
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Is it possible to get financing for a cosmetic procedure?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.
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