Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or lipo, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Designed to remove localized pockets of fat, liposuction is ideal for people who have been unable to achieve a slimmer body shape despite diet and exercise.
Who can benefit from liposuction?
Though liposuction should not be used as a weight loss tool, it is capable of removing unwanted pockets of fat from almost anywhere on the body. You may be a potential candidate for liposuction if:
- You are at a healthy weight for your height
- You desire to slim down specific body areas
- You have good skin elasticity
Liposuction is capable of treating localized fat deposits in the stomach, buttocks, hips, thighs, calves, ankles, breasts, arms, back, and neck. Lipo can also be used to treat gynecomastia, or swelling of the breast tissue, in male patients.
Prior to electing liposuction, it is important for patients to be in good health. Realistic cosmetic expectations and goals are also key to patient satisfaction.
The only way to find out if liposuction is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. During your consultation, be prepared to discuss factors such as your medical history, current medications, and aesthetic goals.
What to expect during your surgery
Liposuction surgery can be performed under a local or general anesthetic. Once you’ve been sedated, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hlavacek will begin by making a small incision in the treatment area. A cannula (a small tube) attached to a vacuum device will then be inserted into the incision. Using gentle back-and-forth motions, Dr. Hlavacek will break up and suction out excess fat.
Incisions will be closed with sutures. Temporary drains may be placed at incision sites to collect excess fluid. The treatment area will then be wrapped in a tight-fitting elastic compression garment to reduce swelling and bruising.
Before
After
Before
After
RECOVERY AFTER LIPOSUCTION
Most patients are able to return home on the same day of surgery. You will experience some discomfort and tenderness in the treatment area. Moderate bruising and redness are also common for the first several days. If a large area has been treated with liposuction, your cosmetic surgeon may provide you with pain medication to manage discomfort.
Swelling may obscure the final results of your liposuction for several weeks. It is important to get plenty of rest for the first few days, but most patients are able to resume normal activities within 10 days.
Rigorous physical activity may be restricted for several weeks. Because the incisions made during liposuction are small and often concealed in the natural contours of the body, scarring will be minimal.
Understanding the risks of liposuction
All surgical procedures, including liposuction surgery, present a degree of risk and uncertainty. These risks will be discussed with you in-depth during the consultation process. Some potential risks associated with liposuction may include infection, blood clots, hematoma, seroma, nerve damage, excessive swelling, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
AMAZING SURGEON
“Dr. Hlavacek is an amazing surgeon! He was there every step during my recovery. He is very caring and really does care about his patients. I’m very pleased with not only my results but the amazing treatment I have received from Dr. Hlavacek and his staff. Thank you Dr. Hlavacek and Staff!”
– Kathy J.
COST OF LIPOSUCTION
The cost of this procedure depends on a few factors, like the amount of tissue removed, the length of the surgery, the technique used, and other variables. If you have any questions about the price of this procedure, be sure to ask Dr. Hlavacek during your consultation.
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY
If you think you are a good candidate for liposuction, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hlavacek in the Kansas City area today. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to review photos and discuss details such as the cost and expected recovery time.
