“Liposuction Questions and Answers” by Dr. Goswami
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1by Board Certified Physician Dr. Goswami
Q: What is liposuction?
A: Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat to create a slimmer, more contoured shape. During liposuction, fat is suctioned out from the treatment area.
Q: Isn’t it bad to reduce weight via surgery?
A: Yes. Liposuction should not be used as weight loss surgery. Liposuction is optimal for contouring and getting rid of pockets of fat that are not responding to diet and exercise. If your goal is to lose weight, liposuction is not suggested.
Q: Who are good candidates for liposuction?
A: Ideally, candidates should be in good health and have a regular exercise and diet regime.
Dr. Goswami
Q: Which body parts can be treated?
A: Because there are newer, more advanced liposuction techniques available, virtually any body area can be treated. The most common areas are the abdomen, love handles, upper and lower back, thighs, gluteal area, and the chin.
Q: Can men benefit from liposuction?
A: Liposuction is a great solution for men who want to get rid of fat deposits that are not going away through diet and exercise. Additionally, liposuction can be used for reducing gynaecomastia or male breast. This condition previously could only be treated with invasive surgical procedures.
Q: Is it safe?
A: New liposuction techniques have make the procedure safer and less painful. It is done under local anesthetics, avoiding the risks of general anesthesia. Ultimately, the procedure’s safety depends on the selection of the patient, the technique being used, and how much fat is being removed.
Q: How much fat can be removed?
This is determined by the patient’s physiology and the treatment area. However, it is generally safe to remove between two and three liters of fat during one procedure. The risk of complications can increase if excessive fat amounts are removed during one treatment.
Q: What happens during the procedure?
A: The procedure is done in three steps. First, the area is marked to indicate where fat will be removed. Photographs are taken so the doctor and patient are in agreement on the target area and extent of fat removal. Second, the target area will be injected with a local anesthetic solution. This solution causes the area to become tumescent or become swollen and firm. This step also breaks down and loosens the fat. Finally, the loosened fat is gently suctioned out using small tubes or cannulas.
Q: Are there different types of liposuction?
A: There are different techniques that can be used to loosen and breakdown the fat depositions, and will vary from doctor to doctor.
Smart or Slim Lipo uses a laser to breakdown the fat before it is suctioned away.
Vaser Lipo uses ultrasound waves to liquefy and breakdown the fat.
Other names for liposuction including Tickle Lipo that uses infrasonic energy, and Body Tite that uses radiofrequency energy. These techniques that use heat and mechanical activity to loosen and break down the fat are still new and evolving.
If no energy source is used, the technique is called MicroCannular liposuction. This is one of the most tried and tested liposuction methods. During this procedure, the target fat is suctioned out using micro cannulas. These cannulas rely on tactile feedback, providing physicians the greatest amount of control and produce smoother, more uniform results.
Another technique is called Hi-Definition liposuction where the body can be sculpted to give the look of six-pack abs, or more toned and defined legs.
Q: What can I expect during recovery?
A: During the recovery period, you may experience some fluid or fat leakage from the incision sites. However, this will generally stop after the first 48 hours. Wearing compression garments can help prevent this buildup of fluid.
Q: Will there be any scarring?
A: Because of the small cannula size, only tiny incisions are required and no stitches are needed. These incisions will be barely visible after the procedure, and will heal completely within a few weeks.
Q: How long until I can return to normal activities?
A: You should rest for a couple of days after the procedure, mainly because of the fluid drainage. After that, you can return to your normal routine. However, heavy lifting or strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately one week.
Q: When will I see results?
Right after the procedure, you will experience some swelling and reshaping of the area. After about two months, the desired results should be seen.
Q: Are the results permanent?
Yes, as long as the patient continues to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine, the results will be permanent.
Q: Is it expensive?
Actually, it really is not. Because a local anesthetic is used and the procedure is performed in an office, it is affordable for many people. The price depends on the area of treatment and patient expectation; however, the average cost for a single procedure is approximately $3,000.
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Dr. Gaurav Goswami
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