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Liposuction, also known as “lipoplasty,” is a surgical procedure that involves removal of excess fat from areas of the body that are difficult to target with diet and exercise. This procedure restores a more slender, attractive physique.

Treatable Areas

Liposuction is a very versatile procedure that can be used to remove stubborn fat from almost any area of the body.

Neck and Cheeks

Excess fat below the jaw and in the neck can create a double chin, and too much fat in the cheeks can make even a thin person appear much heavier. Liposuction can restore a smoother profile to the neck and cheeks and improve definition in the face and along the jawline.

Arms

The accumulation of fat in the upper arms can lead to embarrassing fullness that is accentuated with every movement, making many feel self-conscious when wearing clothing that exposes this area. Liposuction can remove this excess fat to restore more slender arms with better definition. Sometimes fullness in the extremities is best treated by a combination of liposuction and skin excision techniques.

Abdomen and Waist

The midsection is one of the most difficult areas to rid of stubborn fat. Liposuction can produce a slimmer waistline and flatter abdomen by permanently eliminating this resistant fat. Some patients will require skin excision to optimize their result.

Back and Flanks

Many men have extra fat on their backs and sides just above their waists, and women commonly have unnecessary fat along their bra line. Liposuction can reduce this fat to achieve a smooth back and eliminate stubborn “love handles.”

Buttocks

Fat deposits that gather in the buttocks can cause permanent sagging and loss of a pleasant buttock shape. Liposuction can restore a firmer, rounder contour to the buttocks to improve the overall appearance. Some patients will benefit from skin excision (thigh-buttock lift) to achieve the optimal result.

Hips and Thighs

Excess fat in the hips and thighs can cause unsightly “saddlebags” to develop, often resulting in discomfort and embarrassment. Liposuction can provide a slimmer appearance sculpting your hips and thighs to help make your body bikini-ready and boost your confidence.

Knees and Ankles

Excess fat accumulation in the legs can result in undesirable contours of knees and ankles causing many to hide their legs even during the warmer summer months. Liposuction can effectively rid these areas of unwanted fat and sculpt the legs into a thinner and more defined shape.

Liposuction – What to Expect

Liposuction is one of the most rewarding procedures for patients who want to improve their physique, and the entire process from preparation to recovery is generally straight forward.

Before Your Liposuction

Before the procedure, it is recommended that you do the following:

  • Avoid any anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for at least two weeks
  • Refrain from smoking for at least three weeks
  • Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least one week

On the day of surgery you will be asked to:

  • Shower the morning of surgery, without applying any lotions or other moisturizers
  • Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure
  • Remain NPO (nothing by mouth) for seven hours prior to the planned procedure start time

While undergoing Liposuction

Liposuction is usually performed on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia. With a specialized suctioning device, excess fat deposits are permanently removed through small incisions using a thin hollow tube called a cannula.

After shedding All of That Unwanted Fat

After your liposuction surgery is complete, it is best to follow these guidelines to ensure you have the safest and most effective recovery:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Wear compressions garments to help reduce swelling
  • Take prescribed medication
  • Mobility with certain limitations is required

Dr. Knowling will provide you with more detailed instructions to follow after the procedure. Expect follow-up in the office within one week

Your Transformation is Complete

After a couple of weeks, swelling and bruising will subside and the contours of your body will be noticeably slimmer and more defined. The results of liposuction are generally permanent, and patients can maintain their results by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen.


Liposuction Illustration 1 Fat cells, pictured at left, appear balloon-like. When ultrasonic energy is applied, the cell walls break down, allowing fat to flow out of each cell.
Liposuction Illustration 2Heathy, normal weight people with elastic skin and pockets of excess fat are good candidates for surgery.

 

Liposuction Illustration 3The cannula connected to the ultrasound generator is inserted to “liquify” the excess fat before it is removed with vacuum pressure.
Liposuction Illustration 4Improvement will become apparent after about six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided.

Liposuction FAQ

A. Ideal candidates for liposuction are close to their ideal weight with stubborn areas of fat that have been difficult to eliminate with diet and exercise. Liposuction candidates are in good overall health and do not have any pre-existing health conditions. It is important to have realistic expectations of the procedure and to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure.

A. Although liposuction removes excess fat and usually provides the skin with a smoother appearance, it is not considered a viable treatment for cellulite.

A. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells. However, the remaining fat cells in the treated area(s) can still increase in size with weight gain. Therefore, maintaining a stable weight by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen will preserve the results.

A. The total cost of liposuction depends on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed.

A. Health insurance providers do not typically cover the cost of liposuction because it is considered a cosmetic procedure.


Have additional questions about the Liposuction in Huntsville, AL procedure? Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Knowling for further information.