Longing to remove stubborn fat? Want a slimmer, more youthful figure? Here’s what you should know about receiving a liposuction procedure from plastic surgeon, Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, in Colorado Springs, CO:
Today, liposuction (or lipectomy) is a very popular cosmetic body procedure to remove excess fat from the body. The procedure uses a sucking technique in order to help patients lose weight.
Liposuction can be used anywhere on the body, with the exception of the face and neck. Common targeted areas include the thighs, upper arms, stomach, and the buttocks. This procedure is mostly recommended for those struggling with weight loss or with stubborn areas of the body that aren’t responding to diet and exercise plans.
Liposuction was actually the second most common plastic surgery procedure done for women in 2008. It was the third most popular plastic surgery procedure for men. Liposuction is often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as facelift, breast reduction, breast lift, or a tummy tuck.
ABPS board-certified and Mayo Clinic-trained cosmetic surgeon, Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, is experienced and highly-respected in Colorado Springs. His patients consistently achieve satisfying, natural results. Call today to schedule a private in-person cosmetic consultation:
VIDEO: Liposuction, Suction-Assisted Lipectomy Overview
In this video, Dr. Greg Liebscher explains the lipectomy procedure and the associated risks and likely outcomes:
What Does Lipectomy Entail?
Liposuction is performed by removing excess fat from the body. The procedure is done by using a vacuum and tube in order to suck out the troubled areas of the body. In order to perform some liposuction procedures, a tumescent technique is done to target the fat cells. These fat cells are infused with a solution containing saline and an anesthetic. These solutions are given prior to the procedure in order to reduce the swelling and bruising that is common after a liposuction procedure.
In patients that have higher fat volumes or more fibrous areas, an ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty is often used. This technique helps liquefy the fatty areas, so that it results in easier suction during the procedure.
Common liposuction areas: abdomen, hips, buttocks, arms, chin, cheeks, neck and certain areas of the legs, such as the thighs and calves.
How long does the procedure take?
Most patients undergo surgery for about 1-2 hours. However, if a patient uses ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, they may have a 20-40 percent increase in time.
Anesthesia/stay:
Liposuction is performed under general anesthesia, and is usually an outpatient procedure. Patients looking to get extensive procedures done may need an inpatient stay.
Common side effects:
- swelling
- bruising
- burning sensations
- soreness and numbness
- some scarring
Risks of liposuction:
Overall, liposuction is a very safe procedure with high patient satisfaction rates. However, there are risks with any invasive procedure such as blood clots, bleeding, a reaction to anesthesia, and infections. You are more than welcome to set up a consultation with Dr. Liebscher to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Consultations also inform you about the preparation and care before and after your procedure.
- sagging and rippling of the skin
- skin injuries
- asymmetry
- fluid retention
- fluid loss that leads to shock (rare)
- infections
- burn injuries from the ultrasonic device (UAL)
Watch the video animation for full lipectomy procedure
How long is the recovery period?
Most patients are back to work in about 1-2 weeks. Patients may be able to perform strenuous activity within 2-4 weeks, while most patients are fully recovered in 1-6 months.
How long do results last?
A lot of patients experience permanent results as long as they incorporate diet and exercise into their lifestyle.
Does Liposuction Surgery Hurt?:
When all else fails to get rid of excess fat for the ideal body image, many turn to liposuction. However, there is always the concern about liposuction surgery pain that may make a person hesitate. It is best to know all the facts before going into surgery of any kind and the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) as well as John Hopkins (www.hopkinsmedicine.org) give valid advice. According to plasticsurgery.org, anesthesia is a factor related to any discomfort often experienced after a procedure. When a local anesthesia is used, there will generally be pain experienced the day after the anesthesia has completely worn off. When general anesthesia is required, suggesting a more extensive operation, the pain persists for a longer amount of time with greater severity, often resulting in a need for some type of pain reliever. While patients can expect the worst of their symptoms to be over within four days, they should understand that there can be a feeling of discomfort that persists up to eight weeks after a procedure.
The pain with local anesthesia is generally not intense and can be managed with over the counter medication. However, general anesthesia results in much more painful symptoms because there is not the presence of an anesthetic on the body in the affected area. A prescription will most likely be required as would be called for after any kind of surgery. If a person is prepared for what is ahead, it is much easier to deal with the after effects. Pain can be reduced by leaving incisions without sutures and with the use of compression garments. The combination of both tend to reduce swelling and discomfort over time. It is recommended that patients remain active onvr their surgery is completed. However, anyone who has had to use general anesthesia may be more limited in what they are able to do and will have a longer recovery time as well.
When considering liposuction, its important to explore one’s options and talk to a plastic surgeon about reducing liposuction surgery pain. The use of local anesthesia is the recommended way to go for the best possible outcome. Research the doctors who are available in the area, find the one that suits both the budget and has good reviews. The next step is to set up a consultation to discuss all of the details of a procedure. Being well informed can help in addressing any potential pain.
Liposuction in Colorado Springs, CO
If you live in the Colorado Springs area and have questions about liposuction, contact Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon, Greg Liebscher, MD, FACS. You can call (719) 634-2503 to schedule an in-person consultation to discuss your options about liposuction surgery.