Liposuction (Lipoplasty)

Liposuction is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed on both men and women in the United States. 
It can produce profound body sculpting results, offering a more tapered waist,thinner thighs, contoured neck and chin, or flatter abdomen with minimal scarring and an easy recovery. Unwanted fatty deposits in various areas of the body including abdomen, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, hips, flanks, back, neck, and arms can be significantly reduced.

all photos taken 2 months after surgery

During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy," has benefitedfrom several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, and the technique used. During liposuction, a tiny incision is made, then a narrow tube is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies beneath the skin. The tube is pushed, then pulled through the fat layer,breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump or syringe. If many sites are being treated, Dr. Stein will then move on to the next area, keeping the incisions as inconspicuous as possible. Fluid is lost along with the fat, and patients are carefully monitored and receive intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery to prevent shock.

The scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed to be hidden from view. However, imperfections in the final appearance are not uncommon after lipoplasty.The skin surface may be irregular, asymmetric or even "baggy," especially in the older patient, a condition which can be easily alleviated with Thermage. Numbness and pigmentation changes may occur. Sometimes, additional surgery may be recommended.

After Liposuction Surgery

After your liposuction, you will able to go home after surgery wearing compression garments made of spandex over the operated areas. These should be worn around the clock for the first 2 weeks and when active for another 2 weeks. The amount and duration of discomfort varies from patient to patient, but you'll be walking around the day of surgery. Most patients are able to stop taking pain medication and go back to work within a few days. Non-strenuous activity can begin at 5-7 days, low impact exercise at 3 weeks and unlimited activity at 6 weeks.

You will see a difference in the shape of your body soon after surgery, and improvement will become even more apparent after four to six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling should disappear and the final contour will be visible. You should be very pleased with the results of your surgery, finding yoursef more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more at ease with your body. A healthy diet and getting regular exercise will help you maintain your new shape!