Getting Rid of the Last Few Pounds: Liposuction
Posted July 11, 2017 in Liposuction
The summer heat has many heading to the beach or pool to stay cool. Although most people love summertime, others may dread it because it involves revealing more skin and wearing bathing suits to participate in outdoor activities. Some people may be looking at their bodies and noticing they have pockets of fat that just won’t go away even with diet and exercise. Liposuction is an ideal procedure many people opt for to target the last few pounds to meet their weight loss goals. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 400,000 liposuction procedures were performed in 2016. Liposuction continues to maintain its popularity and was the most performed surgical procedure last year. The popularity of liposuction can likely be attributed to the fact that it gets rid of stubborn fat that traditional weight loss methods cannot in a safe and effective manner.
Are You a Liposuction Candidate?
Liposuction is a serious surgical procedure, and patients who are interested in it should be in good physical and mental health. A board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Cohn can help you decide if liposuction is the right procedure for you. Ideal candidates should:
- Be realistic in their expectations
- Not have any serious medical conditions
- Be willing to maintain results
- Not use liposuction as a weight loss method
- Have firm, elastic skin
- Not smoke, or be willing to quit for a period from before surgery until after recovery
- Be at or near their ideal body weight
How Is Liposuction Performed?
Liposuction can be performed on any area of the body, including the abdomen, love handles, thighs, legs, arms, and buttocks. Small incisions are made in the target area(s). Intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia is used to provide patients with comfort. A saline and anesthetic solution is injected into the treatment area that helps to break up the fat cells to provide for easier fat removal. A small, hollow rod (cannula) is inserted through the incisions. A back and forth motion is utilized to help remove fat cells while sculpting and defining the target area(s). Incisions are closed using sutures. Most patients can return home the same day with a designated driver.
What Are the Results?
It could take a few days for surgical swelling and fluid retention to subside. Most patients will experience some bruising for a few days to a week. Recovery is crucial to the liposuction process. Dr. Cohn will provide patients with instructions on how to care for surgical wounds and the proper steps to ensure a safe recovery process. Patients can achieve slimmer, smoother curves that complement their entire figure. They feel better about wearing revealing clothing fashions and confident in their body when unveiled. With a proper diet and exercise regimen, patients can enjoy their results for many years. Liposuction results are not permanent. Patients who practice a healthy lifestyle are more likely to experience longer-lasting results.
To learn more about liposuction and how it can help you target those last few pounds to reach your weight loss goals, schedule your consultation with Dr. Cohn today! Contact us by calling (205) 590-9900 or by filling out our online contact form.