Liposuction
in Birmingham, AL
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Liposuction
Liposuction is a minimally invasive way to remove excess fat deposits through the use of vacuum suction. The procedure is commonly performed to remove fat from the neck, arms, midsection, thighs, and buttocks, though it can also be performed in other places on the body. Many people seek out liposuction to remove fat that has proven resistant to diet and exercise. Despite best efforts, many people find that losing that last inch or two can be almost impossible, which can lead to lower self-confidence and negative feelings about one’s appearance. Liposuction provides an effective solution for individuals who want to finish their weight loss journey or for people who are just looking for a nicer, curvier contour to their body. Additionally, it’s a procedure that can be tailored to individual goals with the combination of additional procedures.
What Do You Desire?
More Defined Curves
One of the biggest benefits of liposuction is your ability to determine how you want your body to look. Diet and exercise don’t provide the same control over body contours. Instead, liposuction allows patients to determine the subtle contours they desire. The procedure is performed with a small cannula (vacuum-suction device), which gives Dr. Cohn the ability to be precise in the removal of fat so that the curves and contours of the body are best enhanced. Because of this, your final results are always specifically tailored and customized.
Removal of Stubborn Fat
Diet and exercise alone are not always enough to remove fat pockets from the body. While liposuction is not a substitute for diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, it can provide the chance for individuals who are finding it difficult to remove those last pockets of fat. The procedure is effective if you’re close to your ideal weight and have remained stable at that weight.
Better Fitting Clothing
As individuals lose weight, the fit of clothing can change drastically. However, if fat pockets remain, it can still be challenging to find clothing that fits well over the entire body. Liposuction can provide the body with better proportions, which means that finding well-fitted clothing will not be as difficult.
The Liposuction Procedure
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Your procedure is performed under anesthesia, and our office offers either IV sedation or general anesthesia. The type used is largely dependent on the surgical procedure(s) you will be having. Dr. Cohn will discuss your options and his recommendation during your consultation appointment.
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Once you’re under anesthesia, Dr. Cohn injects a solution into the area being treated. The purpose of this solution is to reduce bleeding. This injection also has medications that minimize bruising and pain after the procedure.
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Dr. Cohn makes small and inconspicuous incisions around the treatment site. The location of all the incisions depends on the treatment area and will be reviewed with you during your consultation.
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Next, a cannula is inserted into each of the incisions. This is a small metal suctioning device that removes the fat from the site. The small size of the tube allows for precise fat removal and contouring.
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Dr. Cohn closes your incisions with stitches, and you are moved to a recovery room.
Have Other Concerns About Arm Lift Surgery?
Consultation
When you decide to undergo a liposuction procedure, you will schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohn to discuss your treatment goals.
In your consultation, you will be given a chance to meet Dr. Cohn and make sure you are ready to move forward with your procedure. Dr. Cohn will review your full medical history; it’s important that you provide all the information requested. Knowledge of your medical history is vital to ensuring the best outcome for your procedure. Next, he will do a physical exam, focusing on the areas that you wish to target for liposuction. Photographs will also be taken for your medical records. After your examination, Dr. Cohn will review your goals and discuss the options for the procedure, including treatment sites, anesthesia options, and incision locations. He will provide you with preoperative instructions and let you know what to expect after your procedure.
Recovery
Though recovery varies from person to person, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and general soreness for the first few days.
You will likely be able to resume light daily activities at this time, even though you may still not feel completely like yourself. It is normal to feel sore for a couple of weeks after the surgery. More strenuous activities and exercise should only begin after you have been cleared by your doctor.
Regardless of the type of liposuction you have, it is vital that you follow your doctor’s postoperative instructions carefully. Swelling can be minimized with proper care and can be aggravated by too much activity too soon. Additionally, the healing of your incision sites can be affected if you engage in too much activity too early; this can increase the likelihood of visible scarring. Dr. Cohn will provide you with additional instructions, including which medications to take, how to reduce your risk of infection, and when to follow up with an office visit in Birmingham.
Scars
Incisions made with liposuction are small and can often be placed in inconspicuous locations on your body.
However, the healing of incision sites and the resulting scars are dependent on the following factors: your body’s ability to heal itself, how carefully you follow postoperative care instructions, and the location of your treatment sites.
Pain
You will not feel any pain during the procedure, as it is performed under anesthesia.
After surgery, you are likely to experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort. Dr. Cohn will prescribe pain medication and inform you of pain-relief options. If you are concerned about the level of pain you are feeling, notify Dr. Cohn.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Liposuction can be, and often is, combined with other procedures . The procedures that you choose will depend on what your overall goals are. Some procedures that can be combined with liposuction include arm lift surgery (brachioplasty), neck lift surgery, thighplasty, and tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty). You can discuss these options with Dr. Cohn at your consultation appointment.
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The cost of your procedure varies at Birmingham Cohn Plastic Surgery, depending on multiple factors, including the number of treatment sites there are and whether you are combining liposuction with any other procedures. Cohn Plastic Surgery also has financing options available.
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Liposuction is not meant to replace regular exercise and healthy eating. It is not designed to be your sole weight loss tool. Instead, this procedure removes deposits of fat that show resistance to your efforts. Dr. Cohn targets specific areas to remove fat from small areas that need the extra attention. Major shifts in weight can alter your results. During your consultation at the office located in Birmingham, Dr. Cohn will determine if you are a strong candidate for the procedure.
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You will see a difference in your appearance immediately after your surgery. Since liposuction is removing fat deposits from areas of your body, your shape and contour will be different. However, as there is some swelling associated with the procedure, it may take up to six months for your figure to fully develop into its permanent contour.