In general, there are two main groups of people who seek and are helped by liposuction at my Champaign, IL, and Bloomington, IL practices. While the main purpose is to improve their appearance and contours, the first group is in their normal or near-normal weight range and the second group is above their normal weight or overweight.

Both groups are helped by liposuction, creating better body proportions and a more sculpted figure. The first group seeks liposuction mainly for purposes of looking better, while the second group has the goal of decreasing volume and/or weight.

The first group typically seeks correction of contour deformities that remain unchanged after normal development and exercise. Examples of these would be saddle bag deformity (excess fatty tissue in the lateral thighs and buttocks), excess fatty tissue on the hip and/or waist areas, and abnormal deposits of fatty tissue in the stomach area. These all tend to be easily corrected with tumescent liposuction. These contour deformities are, for the most part, resistant and cannot be corrected through normal exercise or dieting. The results for this group are generally excellent with minimal recovery time and good contouring of the skin without undue skin relaxation.

The second group of candidates tends to have not only the same bulges and/or excess fatty tissue but also above-normal weight, placing them in the overweight or obese categories. In this group of patients, the goal is not only to remove the contour deformities but also to remove the excess volume. Generally, in my cosmetic plastic surgery practice, I can remove between 8 and 15 pounds. This is a significant volume reduction, equaling between 1 gallon and slightly less than 2 gallons of body volume.

An additional benefit that was just reported on September 30, 2011, is that of improved metabolic profiles regarding cardiovascular disease in a group of 322 individuals who presented with an increased body mass index and who underwent liposuction. The levels of triglycerides (bad fats in the blood) and the levels of leukocyte counts (abnormal white blood cell formations) after fat reduction surgery through liposuction show the beneficial effect of a reduction in the generalized inflammatory status. Patients with levels greater than 150 mg of triglycerides showed a 43% reduction after liposuction. In fact, 62% of these patients whose levels were at risk before liposuction had normal levels after liposuction. As we know, abnormal triglyceride levels of over 150 mg have been associated with elevated risk for metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.

To summarize, candidates for liposuction fall into two groups. However, both have the abnormal levels of fat accumulation in multiple areas of the body that create contour deformities, bulges, etc. and make the body unattractive. Liposuction helps individuals with esthetic or cosmetic problems, as well as those who are overweight, in reducing body mass. In addition, it may well have beneficial metabolic effects by reducing triglyceride levels in people with abnormally high triglycerides.

One of the questions that frequently comes up during consultations for minimally invasive liposuction at my Marin area practice is whether or not a less-invasive approach will give my patients the results they are looking for. Although traditional liposuction can remove more fat than the new minimally invasive methods, this does not mean that gentler methods of fat removal are ineffective. In fact, some of the gentler methods may be more beneficial, depending on your treatment goals and physical status.

For example, one less-invasive form of liposuction I offer is called SmartLipo MPX™. It uses laser energy to assist with fat removal. This procedure is excellent for ridding patients of 1 or 2 areas of frustrating fat. It’s also ideal for men and women with poor skin elasticity, a characteristic that sometimes does not respond well to traditional liposuction. The laser actually helps tighten the skin and encourage collagen formation, something that tumescent liposuction cannot do. This gives the patient a more toned appearance overall in addition to a more sculpted silhouette.

Before you decide on a procedure, be sure to discuss all of your options with your surgeon. This way, you can come to a mutual agreement about the best approach for your treatment.

Advances in surgical techniques have paved the way for minimally invasive procedures for liposuction in San Jose. When choosing the appropriate procedure for you, it’s important to consider your body composition and your personal goals, and to explore all of your options.

Here are some of the most popular choices of my patients:

Tumescent Liposuction: This traditional liposuction method includes the injection of an anesthetic solution to increase effectiveness and control pain. A thin tube called a cannula is then inserted through small incisions to suction out fat.

Body-Jet® Liposuction: This technique includes a spray of fluid to dislodge fat and make fat removal easier. Once the fat is loosened, it is removed through a cannula. This technique is often used in conjunction with fat transfer procedures.

SmartLipo™: An alternative to traditional liposuction, SmartLipo uses laser technology to rupture fat cells. The cannula can then remove fat more easily with minimal damage and a shorter recovery time.

VASER® LipoSelection®: This method uses ultrasound to break up fat. Ultrasonic waves make the removal of fat easier and the results more precise.

It’s important to know that some people may not be good candidates for certain procedures. If you have questions concerning a particular procedure, I recommend talking to a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the best option for you.

If you’re like most people, you make the same resolution every year: diet and exercise, diet and exercise, diet and exercise . . .

This may be the year to consider a new way of obtaining a slimmer, trimmer, better-sculpted body – such as tumescent liposuction in Atlanta.

Why Exercise Isn’t Enough

There’s a reason those last few pounds are so hard to lose: Our bodies are genetically programmed to hold onto weight in certain areas. Many troublesome fat pockets cannot be selectively targeted and burned away with exercise, no matter how much effort is put in. Only liposuction can remove this unwanted fat permanently.

Is Liposuction Right for Me?

Liposuction may be an appropriate option if you are at a healthy weight and exercise regularly but have specific areas you would like to reduce, such as love handles or saddle bags. Contrary to popular belief, liposuction is not appropriate for overweight individuals and will not replace a healthy lifestyle.

Can I Gain Weight After Liposuction?

It is absolutely possible to gain weight after liposuction. Surgery is not a cure-all. A balanced diet and a regular exercise routine must be maintained. Because the fat cells are removed permanently, however, they will not return. So, although you may gain weight, it should be distributed more evenly.

What Types of Liposuction are Available?

At the Plastic Surgery Center of the South, we offer a variety of liposuction techniques. The specific technique is selected depending on the patient’s body shape, goals and preferences. Tumescent liposuction is probably performed most often. It requires surgery as well as downtime. However, the results are more significant than less-invasive approaches such as CoolSculpting® or a lipodissolve method. In some cases, body contouring results may be improved through another procedure, such as a tummy tuck. At our Atlanta, GA practice, you can meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your needs and suggest the treatment that best suits you.

It’s always important to be an educated consumer, no matter what kind of purchase you’re preparing to make. It’s particularly essential when you’re considering investing in breast augmentation, which has the potential to transform your life both physically and emotionally.

I find that my Walnut Creek area breast augmentation patients who are well-informed tend to be more confident and comfortable through every phase of their plastic surgery journey.

So how do you find a plastic surgeon who is highly qualified and willing to take the time to help you understand your options for breast augmentation? To help you with that search, I’ve developed the following ABCs:

A: Advancements in techniques and technology are important to understand. Research the procedure you’re considering by looking at websites such as RealSelf.com, which provides a wealth of helpful information. Talk with other women who have had the procedure, and see if they have recommendations.

B: Before-and-after photos should be an essential part of your surgeon-selection process. Study several plastic surgeons’ websites, and review their photo galleries. Look for photos that portray subtly beautiful results.

C. Consult with the surgeon before you make your final decision. Make an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation to discuss your questions, even the very personal and complex ones. For example, you may want to know if you can combine your breast augmentation procedure with liposuction. At my Walnut Creek area practice, I often discuss such questions during a consultation. An experienced plastic surgeon will appreciate your desire to learn all you can about the procedure and will want you to feel confident about your decision. That self-assurance can help you relax during your procedure, heal more quickly – and love your results.

Mommy Makeovers help women reverse many pregnancy-related changes to their bodies. The procedure can restore the body to its more youthful, pre-pregnancy appearance. Although the Mommy Makeover is very popular with recent mothers, moms of any age can benefit from these popular treatments.

Whether your kids are headed off to preschool or headed off to college, a Mommy Makeover may be just the boost you need. It often combines a tummy tuck and liposuction with a breast lift or breast augmentation on Long Island. Moms find it can help restore their physical appearance so it once again matches their vibrant attitude toward life.

These are the most common components of a Mommy Makeover:

• Breast Enhancement: Either a breast lift or breast augmentation to enhance the shape and size of a woman’s breasts. Some patients have both procedures to take advantage of the added benefits.
• Tummy Tuck: This is a great way to remove excess skin, tissue and fat from the abdomen, and it can even help remove stretch marks.
• Liposuction: Women use this to remove small pockets of fat around the body that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction is often an excellent complement to the other procedures.

It’s exciting to see how women are combining procedures to reach their cosmetic goals on Long Island. Breast augmentation and other popular procedures can help a woman look and feel great at any age.

In the days leading up to their procedures, we get many questions from our cosmetic surgery patients in Virginia. Liposuction, tummy tuck and breast augmentation all bring up a number of concerns, and we welcome patients’ inquiries about every detail. The procedure that generates the most questions is breast revision, since patients are attempting to correct a previous procedure that was either unsuccessful or unsatisfactory.

Here are some common concerns we hear from breast revision patients:

Concern: What if I’m still unsatisfied with my results after surgery or they look worse than before?

Choosing a qualified surgeon can greatly increase your chances of having a successful surgery. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon is a good way to ensure that your doctor has undergone extensive, high-quality training.

Concern: I’m worried that my results will look too plastic or unnatural. How can I avoid this?

Surgeons can address specific areas of the breasts to minimize scarring and create a natural looking appearance. Also, choosing an implant size that creates a beautiful yet subtle enhancement can help you avoid a “plastic” look.

Concern: I don’t want to think about future complications. Should I have my implants removed?

Luckily, advances in technology and techniques have paved the way to safe and long-lasting implants. Your surgeon can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each type of implant and help you to make the best choice for you.

During your consultation, you can discuss other possibilities, such as combining your breast revision in Virginia with a tummy tuck.

One key to any successful surgery is the patient’s willingness to openly discuss concerns regarding the procedure. Before performing liposuction in Irvine, I take time to answer any and all questions.

Here are some common concerns I’ve heard from liposuction patients:

Concern: What will happen if I gain weight before or after my liposuction procedure?

Answer: If a patient gains a significant amount of weight between the consultation and the procedure, results might not match the goals set during the consultation. Although liposuction permanently removes fat cells, a healthy and active lifestyle must be maintained following the procedure to experience long-lasting results.

Concern: How long will recovery take, and what kind of results can I expect?

Answer: Recovery time depends on the extent of a patient’s procedure, but most people are able to return to work within a few days or a week. Liposuction should not be used as a tool for major weight loss, but patients with realistic expectations can expect to see a more contoured appearance.

Concern: Can I combine liposuction with other treatments?

Answer: Liposuction is an excellent procedure to combine with other treatments. I commonly perform liposuction for Orange County tummy tuck patients and for people interested in removing fat from around the neck during a face lift or neck lift.

Liposuction is an excellent way for people to remove excess pockets of fat from the body. Advances in technology have created a range of techniques and options to choose from, reducing the need for concern.

Maybe you’ve heard the buzz about BodyTite liposuction, a new treatment for body contouring and skin tightening. Women and men who have come into my office with questions about traditional liposuction and SmartLipo™ in New Jersey are often surprised to discover yet another option.

Naturally, people tend to have a lot of questions about how this procedure differs from other fat removal methods. BodyTite uses radio frequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) to melt fat with targeted heat. The procedure is performed with either a local anesthetic, a local with sedation, or general anesthesia.

I begin with a series of small incisions in the treatment area. This allows me to easily direct the radio frequency to pockets of fat with minimal trauma. Once fat is melted, it is suctioned out through a thin tube called a cannula.

One of the greatest benefits of BodyTite is that it stimulates skin tightening and collagen shrinkage. The probability of skin tightening is increased by the strength of the radio-frequency energy. Also, liposuction can give about an 85% reduction in fat, making it an effective procedure.

The best way to determine if this procedure is right for you is to speak with a qualified surgeon about your cosmetic needs. Since BodyTite is relatively new, it’s important to find a doctor who is familiar with the procedure and knowledgeable about its benefits.

Many women and men do not realize how many options they have to remove those frustrating areas of excess fat in regions such as the “love handles” and flanks. Alternatives to liposuction in Vancouver have grown and improved, with procedures like Lipodissolve/Mesotherapy and CoolSculpting emerging as popular alternatives to traditional methods.

Lipodissolve and Mesotherapy use fat-dissolving substances to slowly remove deposits of fat around the body. The ingredients are natural soy bean lecithin and enzymes, which are distributed through small injections in the treatment area.

CoolSculpting is a process known as Cryolipolysis which uses precisely controlled cooling methods to reduce fatty tissue. Designed to target only your fat cells, this process does not harm your skin or other tissue and there is no down time. As a result of the cooling process, fat cells begin to break down. Your body’s natural cleansing process removes those fat cells for gradual fat reduction over time.

Most patients find that they are able to lose 1 to 3 inches from their waist, depending on the extent of their procedures. We find these treatments can be a great boost to patients already leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Regardless of your cosmetic goals, advances in procedural technology have made treatments more to call our office for a consultation.