Greensboro, NC

336-907-7980

Liposuction

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes excess fatty tissue. The reduction in fat occurs in specific target areas in order to improve body shape. It is not a weight loss procedure. The removal of fat is performed using a blunt-tipped rigid tube (cannula). The suction cannula has a small diameter designed to move through the fatty tissue safely and efficiently as it aspirates the excess fat. Liposuction does not remove skin. Instead, it relies upon the skin to reposition once the extra fatty tissue has been removed. The elasticity in the skin allows it to tighten as it conforms to a new contour.

What is elasticity?

Elasticity of skin is an important property that allows skin to be flexible and contract when the volume of tissue underlying it is decreased. A protein in the skin called elastin makes this possible. Elastin fibers can be altered by aging, pregnancies, or significant changes in weight. The elasticity of the skin is diminished as result. Liposuction is less likely to provide a superior result when the elasticity of the skin has been lost.

Best Candidates for the Procedure

A good candidate for liposuction will have the following characteristics:

Sound physical and mental health
Firm skin that retains normal elasticity in the target areas
The absence of excessive cellulite
A reasonable body weight
Target fatty deposits that have not responded to exercise and a healthy diet

If you are a candidate for liposuction and are interested in this procedure, contact Bowers Plastic Surgery. Our phone number is 336-907-7980 or Contact Us.

Techniques

There are a variety of techniques for liposuction. A surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery can help you understand these techniques and their applicability in your particular situation.

Tumescent liposuction is a technique of preparation of a target area. Prior to suctioning the fat of a target area, the surgeon infiltrates a saline-based fluid into it. The fluid will compress the fat and make it easier to remove. In addition to sterile saline, this fluid contains a numbing medication to help control pain and a small amount of epinephrine that constricts blood vessels. This fluid facilitates the removal of fat with a remarkable reduction in blood loss.

Following the infiltration of the tumescent fluid, there are several methods available for the removal of the fat. Standard liposuction uses a regular liposuction cannula to remove fat. Ultrasound assisted liposuction uses a sound frequency to liquefy fat and make it easier to remove. Power assisted liposuction employs a rapid vibratory motion of the cannula to facilitate fat removal. Each of these techniques is effective. The choice is based upon a combination of surgeon preference and the specific requirements for a given patient.

The Surgery

The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgical facility usually under general anesthesia. The target areas are marked with the patient in a standing position prior to surgery. Small incisions placed in several inconspicuous sites provide access. Tumescent fluid is infiltrated and is followed by liposuction using multiple passes of the cannula in various directions at different levels within the subcutaneous fat. Every effort is made to remove the fat as evenly as possible while avoiding excessive removal that could lead to contour deformities. A canister collects the fat and the surgeon is able to measure the volume of fat removed from a given area. Once the desired amount of fat is removed, the small incisions are closed with sutures and a compression dressing in the form of an abdominal binder or girdle is applied.

Recovery

Some soreness, bruising, and swelling are to be expected following liposuction. It is important to wear the compression garment as instructed by your doctor in order to control swelling and help the skin tighten and reposition. Results often become apparent at one to two weeks when swelling begins to subside. You should avoid vigorous exercise for 3 to 4 weeks after the procedure.

In addition to bruising and swelling, it is normal to experience numbness in skin overlying the liposuction sites. There is usually some lumpiness that can be felt underneath the skin where liposuction has been performed. All of this tends to resolve during the weeks following liposuction. You will likely begin to enjoy your new look within the first month and will notice some continued improvement for another 3 to 4 months thereafter.

Risks

There are risks associated with liposuction as with any surgical procedure. These include bleeding, infection, contour deformities, infection, fluid accumulations, laxity of the overlying skin, and fluid and electrolyte shifts. Although complications are not common, Dr. Bowers will discuss them carefully and answer any questions you may have.

Costs

Costs vary depending upon the target areas for treatment, the number of areas, and the estimated length of time of the procedure. Our office manager will discuss the costs and provide you with a written quote.

Commonly Combined Procedures

Liposuction is often performed in combination with other procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, and abdominoplasty. Dr. Bowers will be happy to discuss these combined procedures with you. Call 336-907-7980 or Contact Us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bowers.

Get in Touch

Phone: 336-907-7980

1002 North Church Street, Suite 203

Greensboro, NC 27401

Schedule your consultation today.