One of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image.

Liposuction, or lipoplasty techniques may be used to treat many areas including:

• Abdomen and waist
• Hips and buttocks
• Thighs Upper arms
• Back
• Inner knee
• Chest area
• Cheeks, chin and neck
• Calves and ankles

Liposuction can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other plastic surgery.  There are many associated types of liposuction, some effective and some are just gimmicks. The common factor is that suction is applied to the fat to remove it.  Some use “laser” or ultrasound to melt the fat prior to removing it. The can increase operative time rather than shorten it, and in Dr. Bidros’ opinion, increase rate of complications and irregularities.

Liposuction Procedural Steps:

ANESTHESIA

Liposuction is typically performed using intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.  Dr. Bidros also uses “tumescent solution” to provide a safer and more comfortable experience despite the use of general anesthesia. Dr. Bidros will discuss the different options with you.

SURGERY

Liposuction is performed through very small incisions. Through these incision, a suction cannula is inserted to aspirate the excess fat cells. The goal of the surgery is to contour your body and create a pleasing shape, rather than suction “all the fat.” In women, an appealing shape is an hour-glass appearance. In Men, excess breast fat, “love handles” and abdominal fat are suctioned to create a masculine physique. After the swelling resolves, your improved body contour will be apparent.

Patients typically ask if the fat will return. Well, the answer is both yes and no. Liposuction removes fat cells. The body has finite number of these cells. These cells enlarge rather than multiply when we gain weight. So, if you gain a significant amount of weight after liposuction, you may notice areas which haven’t been treated becoming larger. So ideally, patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle. With continued practices of healthy diet and fitness, the loss of excess fatty tissue should be permanently maintained.

RECOVERY

Once your procedure is completed, a compression garment will be applied to help control the swelling. You will be given specific instructions that will tell you how to care for the surgical site and the medications to take. Pain is usually very well tolerated after this procedure.