In an age when looks seem to matter more than ever, it’s no surprise that more and more men and women are turning to cosmetic surgery each year to enhance their appearance. Without a doubt, one of the most sought-after procedures by patients of all ages and lifestyles is liposuction. This highly effective treatment is a fantastic solution for removing stubborn pockets of fat and achieving a slimmer, smoother, more contoured physique. While the cosmetic benefits of liposuction are quite obvious, many patients also wonder if the procedure is safe and health benefits to be gained through the procedure. You may be surprised to learn the answer!
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez is proud to help Baton Rouge, LA men and women improve their looks, self-esteem, and overall health and well-being through liposuction and other exciting cosmetic procedures and treatments. Read on to learn more about how liposuction works, what results are possible, and how it may help improve your health.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a relatively minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to remove small to medium pockets of fat from various areas of the body. For numerous reasons, including aging alone, many people develop isolated deposits of fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. This can, understandably, be frustrating and discouraging. Fortunately, liposuction offers an effective solution for removing these stubborn fat cells, allowing patients to finally enjoy a trimmer, smoother figure.
Where can liposuction be used?
One of the most exciting aspects of liposuction is that it can be used in many places across the body – virtually from head to toe! Some of the most common areas where liposuction fat removal is used include:
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Bra line
- Upper back
- Chest (male)
- Neck
- Face
In many cases, patients choose to combine liposuction with additional procedures, such as a tummy tuck, for an even more dramatic transformation.
How much fat can be removed with liposuction?
In general, about 5000 cc of fat can be safely removed during a single liposuction procedure. This equates to about 10 or 11 pounds. It is important for patients to understand, however, that liposuction is not meant to be a weight loss tool. Baton Rouge, LA area patients considering liposuction should already be at or near their goal weight and have small, isolated pockets of stubborn fat that do not respond to diet and exercise.
How does liposuction work?
The precise details of each liposuction procedure will vary depending on the patient, the surgeon, the area(s) being treated, and whether or not any additional treatments are being performed. In general, however, liposuction is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and may take about 1 – 3 hours. During the procedure, the surgeon will make a tiny incision near the treatment site, through which a handheld tool – called a cannula – will be inserted. Using repetitive motions of the cannula, the surgeon will break up the fat cells and “vacuum” them out. At the conclusion of the case, the incisions will be closed using sutures, and the patient will be ready to begin their recovery.
Patients should expect some level of bruising, swelling, and discomfort following the procedure. Your surgeon will give you a comprehensive list of postoperative guidelines to help relieve your symptoms and promote efficient, proper healing. This will likely include medications and the use of compression garments for several weeks. Most patients are able to return to work within a week, though the swelling may take several weeks to fully resolve. As the swelling continues to subside, the final results will become more and more apparent.
Does liposuction have health benefits?
Beyond improving a person’s figure, liposuction offers a wide array of additional benefits that can enhance a person’s overall well-being, some of which include:
- Improved self-confidence: Emotional health plays a major role in a person’s happiness and overall quality of life. The frustration and discouragement of stubborn fat that does not respond to traditional efforts can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem. When liposuction is used to address these areas of fat, patients often feel much more confident and comfortable in their own skin, which can lead to improved relationships, a better social life, increased success at work, and more.
- Healthier lifestyle: Oftentimes, having a new and improved figure serves as a motivation for patients to make a renewed commitment to their overall health and wellness. Many patients resume or begin a fitness regimen and commit to eating better following liposuction, both of which certainly contribute to improved health.
- Clear up skin problems: In some cases, the results of liposuction can help eliminate chafing, rashes, and other skin irritation. This is particularly common in the thigh area.
Am I a good candidate for liposuction in Baton Rouge, LA?
Most men and women who are in good health, do not smoke, and maintain a healthy and stable weight can be considered for liposuction fat removal. However, the best way to find out whether liposuction – or perhaps another procedure – is appropriate for you is to be evaluated by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Call our friendly Baton Rouge, LA office today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez, and learn more about how liposuction may be the life-changing solution you have been searching for!