Liposuction
Sometimes no amount of dieting or exercise can eradicate those stubborn pockets of fat that develop from pregnancy, hormonal changes, hereditary factors, or a number of other reasons. Fat can collect on the abdomen, arms, inner thighs, knees, hips, and back and chest despite your best efforts. Modern, advanced liposuction techniques allow for the removal of it in a safe, highly precise, and less invasive way.
What it Is
Lipoplasty, or liposuction, refers to the surgical removal of excess fat deposits from the body that may be resistant to weight loss and exercise. Liposuction allows the surgeon to target stubborn bumps and bulges of fat on certain areas of the body in order to create a more streamlined and proportional body contour. New advances in technology have made liposuction techniques much safer, more effective and less invasive. Liposuction can be performed as a standalone procedure and is often also folded into other procedures including tummy tucks, buttock and thigh lifts, and face or body micro fat grafting.
During the procedure, the targeted fat is suctioned from the body using a small, thin tube called a cannula. Dr. Born will start by making a tiny incision and injecting a long-acting freezing solution combined with saline; this helps to expand and firm the fat, making it easier to remove. Known as tumescent liposuction, it is generally considered the most effective, least painful, and safest liposuction technique. Dr. Born then inserts the cannula, which is often powered by a motor to allow for smoother movement and less trauma to the body during the fat removal process. The fat is suctioned out and the incision is covered with gauze once the procedure is complete.
Is it For Me?
Candidates for liposuction range in age from 18-70 years of age and are in good health and fit for surgery under general anesthetic. The ideal candidate for liposuction is a person who maintains a healthy body weight, but who has one or more problem areas with stubborn fat deposits. Liposuction can be used to remove unwanted fat deposits from the abdomen; male chest; inner and outer thighs; claves, knees and ankles; back; arms and underarms; hips, flanks or “love handles;” buttocks; bra line fat; and jowls, chin, and submental region. If you feel that certain parts of your body are out of proportion, or struggle with excess fat that is unresponsive to diet and exercise, then liposuction may be an option for you.
Dr. Born has performed thousands of liposuction procedures throughout his career and is regarded as one of the most accomplished cosmetic plastic surgeons in the industry. Dr. Born understands the nuances of this particular procedure and his advanced technique, combined with his aesthetic expertise will help you attain a more proportionate body contour that suits your frame and your modern, unique lifestyle.
What to Expect
Dr. Born generally performs liposuction on patients under general anesthetic to ensure maximum comfort, although it is possible to perform the procedure using local anesthetic with sedation if it is on a smaller area. After your liposuction surgery, there may be a considerable amount of “oozing” from the treated area which can last for a couple of days. You may be required to wear a compression garment over the course of the next few weeks to ensure a faster recovery and the best result. Swelling can persist for several months so it is important to manage your expectations and understand that the final result from your liposuction surgery will take time to fully materialize.
Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in North America. However, it is important to remember that liposuction is not for everyone. Post-operative complications, although rare, can occur. These may include infection, blood clots, bleeding or oozing, bruising, numbness or tenderness. Dr. Born will discuss in detail all of the potential risks associated with liposuction during your private consultation. You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon both before and after your surgery. Our pre-operative screening process is designed to determine if you are an ideal candidate for surgery.
