dl

dl

Even with good health and overall fitness, many people still struggle with stubborn fat deposits. Liposuction removes excess fat to create trimmer, smoother, and more natural contours. The most common sites for liposuction include the abdomen, buttocks, calves, ankles, upper arms, and thighs.

Procedure

Liposuction improves overall body appearance and shape by vacuuming out excess fat deposits. The procedures can be performed as tumescent liposuction (infusing targeted fat cells with a saline solution to reduce swelling and bruising afterwards), or as ultrasound- assisted liposuction, or UAL (liquefying the fat in larger or more fibrous areas of the body). Liposuction procedures generally last between 1 and 2 hours, although UAL may require more time. The process is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, but extensive procedures may require a short inpatient stay.

Potential risks of liposuction can include asymmetry, rippling or baggy skin, pigmentation changes, skin injury, fluid retention, infection, or excessive fluid loss that may lead to shock. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction also requires larger incisions, and can cause thermal burn injury from the ultrasound device. It's also important to understand that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss it only removes residual fat to improve the proportions of the body as a whole.

Results

With sensible diet and exercise, liposuction results are usually permanent. Patients can return to work within 1 to 2 weeks following surgery, but should avoid strenuous activity for 2 to 4 weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising may take 6 months or more. Tumescent liposuction involves less bruising, but will require fluid drainage from the incision sites. Other temporary side effects during recovery may include numbness, soreness, or burning sensations. If you exercise regularly but still struggle with stubborn areas of fat, you may be a candidate for liposuction. If you’re considering liposuction, contact Bangor Plastic and Hand Surgery to set up a consultation! Our board-certified plastic surgeon will be happy to answer your questions and help you find the best options.