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What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a standard surgical procedure used to remove excess fat deposits around the body. Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure; instead, it’s meant to eliminate pockets of stubborn fat in patients relatively close to their ideal weight.

How Does Liposuction Work?

The fat cells in the treatment areas are first loosened to perform liposuction using either a tumescent fluid solution or ultrasound waves. This makes the fat easier to remove from the body safely. After that, a narrow tube or cannula is attached to a specialized suction device to suck the liquefied fat out from the incisions.

Where Can Liposuction Be Done?

Liposuction is a versatile procedure that can be performed on many body areas. The most popular areas for liposuction include:

  • Abdomen
  • Flanks
  • Buttocks
  • Thighs
  • Hips
  • Upper arms
  • Neck and chin
  • Back
  • Chest
  • Calves and ankles
Woman wearing one-piece bathing suit

Benefits of Liposuction

If you have areas of stubborn fat that you’d like to eliminate, liposuction could offer you the following benefits:

  • Safe procedure
  • Permanently removes excess fat
  • A slimmer, more youthful figure
  • Quick recovery time
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Improved overall health

Before & After

Liposuction

What Should I Expect During the Surgery?

If you decide you’re interested in liposuction, the first step will be scheduling a consultation with Dr. Shafa. During this meeting, Dr. Shafa will learn about your goals for the surgery and work with you to devise an effective strategy that will bear the desired results. He will also answer your questions about your medical history and current medications.

When your liposuction surgery begins, Dr. Shafa will treat you with either general or local anesthesia to prevent pain or discomfort. He will then start making small incisions where you want to remove stubborn fat. Next, the doctor will inject a tumescent solution, loosening the fat cells and making them easier to remove. Once the fat is sufficiently loose, Dr. Shafa will insert a narrow tube or cannula, which will be attached to a specialized surgical vacuum. Finally, the excess fat will be carefully suctioned out of your body.

Dr. Shafa will close all the incisions and apply bandages to wrap up the surgery. He will also fit you with a compression garment to help control the swelling. The procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on how much fat needs to be removed.

How Long Is the Recovery Time?

Although you will need to be monitored for a few hours, you should be able to go home on the same day of your liposuction surgery. Dr. Shafa will provide thorough instructions to ensure that healing goes smoothly, and you must follow them closely. You’ll need lots of rest for the first few days, but after that, you can gradually resume light activity. However, you shouldn’t return to your typical daily routine until two weeks after the procedure. Additionally, you must avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks, and Dr. Shafa may instruct you to continue wearing your compression garment for up to two months.

How Long Will It Take To See Results After Liposuction?

Although it will take time to see the complete results of your liposuction surgery, you may immediately notice some of the positive effects. It can take a few weeks to a few months for the swelling to subside entirely and for the final results to be visible.

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

You may be a candidate for liposuction if you’ve struggled to shed stubborn fat deposits despite your best efforts. Ideal candidates for the surgery should meet the following requirements:

  • Be within 30% of your ideal weight
  • Be in generally good physical health
  • Have the desire to remove deposits of excess fat
  • Have reasonable expectations
  • Be a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking temporarily

Why Choose Dr. Shafa?

Dr. Brian Shafa is a highly talented plastic surgeon who takes great pride in providing his patients with exceptional care and a warm, welcoming environment. When you choose Brian Shafa Plastic Surgery for your liposuction procedure, he and his team will work closely with you to create a personalized plan that will yield spectacular results.

Brian Shafa

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