Liposuction, also called body sculpting, removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body. Liposuction works best for men and women who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of the body to appear disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercising.
If you are considering liposuction, we want you to be thoroughly informed about the procedure. Below is some helpful information. A personal consultation with Dr. Newen is the best way to obtain the additional information you will need.
Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction will reduce those areas of fatty deposits that previously created unflattering bulges and perhaps made it difficult to feel comfortable in your clothing or caused self-consciousness. Although you may see immediate improvement following liposuction, the healing process is gradual, and you should expect to wait at least 6-12 weeks to fully enjoy the results of liposuction.
You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you have localized excess fat or desire contouring in any of the following areas:
- Jowls, and neck, and below chin.
- Upper arms
- Breast or chest areas
- Back and flank ( love handles)
- Abdomen and waist
- Hips and buttocks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Knees
Liposuction can be performed safely on several areas of the body at the same time, and it can also be done in conjunction with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.
Your personal consultation
During the consultation with Dr. Newen, you will be asked about the results you expect to achieve from liposuction. This will help him to understand your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically achieved.
How will Dr. Newen evaluate me for liposuction?
During your consultation with Dr. Newen, you will be asked about the effect of prior weight loss on the appearance of the areas you are considering for liposuction. Your skin firmness will be evaluated and an estimate of the amount of fat to be removed for optimal results will be made.
How liposuction is performed?
The areas that are being liposuctioned are infused with tumescent, a sterile solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine. These two medications control bleeding and numb the area to be liposuctioned. After the tumescent has been infused, fat is removed by inserting a small, hollow tube, called a cannula, through tiny incisions. The incisions are small and placed as inconspicuously as possible. The cannula is connected to a vacuum pressure unit, and Dr. Newen will guide the cannula while the vacuum pressure unit removes away unwanted fat.
Understanding risks
Significant complications from liposuction are very rare. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks. The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis during your consultation with Dr. Newen. After surgery, there may be a temporary feeling of pain, swelling, and bruising. The types of symptoms experienced and the duration of the symptoms vary in patients.
Your surgical experience
Our goal is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible. If you’re a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of 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 complete preoperative and postoperative instructions. Most patients can go back to work a week after surgery. You will be advised to wear a compression garment over the liposuctioned area(s) for approximately 6 weeks.
Liposuction is performed at Huntington Surgery Center, our outpatient surgery facility located within The Image Center. Please be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
For more information on male liposuction or to schedule a consultation, please call our office at (714) 230-2430.