Doctors define a good candidate for liposuction as any person who has realistic expectations, is in good health and is likely to be happy with the results of liposuction. Liposuction is not a weight loss technique, or a solution for obesity. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite, a condition that gives your skin an uneven, dimpled appearance. However, liposuction is a good procedure for to reduce fat deposits in your problem areas.

Health and Mindset

In terms of health, doctors recommend that you are within 25 lbs of your ideal body weight. Patients that are physically fit and exercise regularly, but just can’t tone or reduce fat in a few problems areas are some of the best candidates for liposuction. Some bulges are simply exercise-resistant, and liposuction may provide a solution. It is not recommended for patients with significant medical problems such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or poor circulation. These conditions can increase your risk for surgical complications.

Both men and women can be excellent candidates for liposuction. Approximately 75% of patients are female and they most commonly have liposuction performed on the belly, the buttocks and thighs. In men the most common location for liposuction in men are the “love handles”. While it is not age is not a major consideration, it is important for older patients to realize that because of diminished skin elasticity, they may not be able to achieve the same results as younger patients with tighter skin. Patients over 40 must recognize that skin contraction is less likely and loose skin can result.

Remember that liposuction should be used in conjunction with a good diet and exercise, not as a substitute for them. Liposuction, like other cosmetic surgery techniques, is a means to enhance body shape. But it cannot completely change your shape. You should have realistic expectations that liposuction may improve the appearance of the treated area, but may have no impact on other areas of your life.

Liposuction Ain’t Cheap

Liposuction can be a difficult surgery to estimate cost. It can be performed on different parts of the body, using different machines and by surgeons with varying degrees of skill and experience.

The average cost to have liposuction performed in one area of the body is close to $4,000, in two to three areas up to $6,000 to $8,000 and in five areas is $8,000 to $11,000.The cost is higher for larger body areas. For example, the average cost for the abdomen is $4,000 to $8,000, but for the outer thigh is about half as much.

As with most plastic surgery liposuction cost comprises three fees: surgeon fees, anesthesia fees and facility fees. The anesthesia fees range can range $500 to $1,000, depending on the number of areas treated. The facility fees also vary depending on the number of areas where liposuction is performed, ranging from $600 to $1,200. The rest of the cost is the surgeon’s fee.

But don’t try to skimp on the surgeon’s fee by going with just anyone. It is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, who has extensive liposuction experience, as well as expertise in all areas of plastic surgery. More highly, qualified, board-certified surgeons charge higher fees, but this also ensures you will see the best results using the most appropriate techniques and reduce the risk of complications. Although liposuction prices can be high, the costs to your health can be much greater, so be sure to ask your surgeon about surgical training and board certification.

Cosmetic surgery such as liposuction is never covered by insurance. But if the surgery is more than you can afford at one time, ask your plastic surgeon about payment plans. Most surgeons today offer financing.



Thanks to John Perry for contributing this article to our Plastic Surgery blog:

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By: Edwin Paul Magallona, MD

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as Tummytuck, is a cosmetic and aesthetic procedure to remove excess lower abdominal skin and its attached layer of fat, with simultaneous tightening of the abdominal wall. This creates a flatter abdomen with elimination of loose skin, stretch marks and post surgical scars below the umbilicus (commonly vertical caesarian section scars). The protruberant appearance is likewise addressed by way of tightening of the muscle and fascial layers. Most patients who undergo this procedure are those who have had multiple pregnancies or those coming off major weight loss.

The first step a potential patient would have to do is a an informative and meaningful consultation and visit with a certified cosmetic plastic surgeon. The patient is expected to discuss all expectations with regards to looking and feeling better after the abdominoplasty or tummytuck. She should keep in mind however though that the aceeptable outcome is basically reasonable improvement and enhancement and never impossible and unachievable “perfection”. Emotional stability in a potential patient is a minimum requirement while reasonable expectation is a must. Having a “new” look from an abdominoplasty will never guarantee a financially rewarding and successful career or even a happy and problem free marriage. It solely improves appearance and possibly helps boosts self confidence. This is realistically what a tummytuck may just accomplish for you. How you handle the positive physical effects and gains of an abdominoplasty is actually up to you. It should be kept in mind that the objective of a tummytuck is a flatter abdomen devoid of most of the unsightly stretch marks and previous operative scar.

A straightforward abdominoplasty takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete however it may take longer if combined with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures as liposuction or some other facial or body surgeries. The procedure may be safely done in an outpatient setting or on a hospital basis under general anesthesia. Once under general anesthesia one will be sleeping soundly all throughout surgery. At times it may be done under spinal or epidural anesthesia especially in hospital settings.

The incision is done from hip to hip just above the pubic area. Another incision is made around the belly button to free it from the abdominal skin. The abdominal skin and underlying fat is then elevated from the abdominal wall revealing the muscle and fascial layer to be tightened. After tightening, the excess skin is removed and the wounds are closed. The preserved belly button stalk is then brought out through a new hole in the abdominal skin. Liposuction is commonly performed in safe areas to give a better definition and form.

Closure of the incisions are always carefully and meticulously done by your cosmetic plastic surgeon. All patients should keep in mind though that scars are realistically inevitable and are natural consequences of any incision or surgery, your cosmetic plastic surgeon will try his best to keep them inconspicuous and well concealed as possible. Following surgery, dressings and bandage will be applied over the wounds and abdomen while closed suction drains will have to be maintained for a few days to facilitate drainage of any expected fluid.

Operative risks and side effects in cosmetic plastic surgeries are always possible. Bleeding, infection, fluid accumulations, vascular compromise, paresthesias, and healing problems may occur though not that common. Patients are therefore properly cleared and screened by the surgical team while the patient wholeheartedly understands all the possibilities. Any pain or discomfort may be effectively controlled more often than not by the right oral medications. It is prudent however to inform your plastic surgeon or any staff member of any unusual and persistent problems. Swelling and bruising are common and expected and usually resolve in a few weeks. A sense of numbness and tightness may be present which eventually improves and subsides. Post abdominoplasty patients are instructed rest for at least a day and ordered to avoid any exertions. Sutures and drains will usually be out after a week while an abdominal binder shall have to maintained for weeks. Most patients do return to work after approximately 2-3 weeks. Optimal results are seen after about 3 months.

For the potential plastic surgery patient in general, it is strongly advised to consult with a certified plastic surgeon . Patients are strongly encouraged to ask around and be properly and thoroughly informed regarding the procedures they seek. Your certified cosmetic plastic surgeon will display adequate knowledge, skill and care prior, during and after surgery.



Thanks to edwin paul magallona for contributing this article to our Plastic Surgery blog:

Non Surgical Face Lift

Can you answer omgidk’s question about Plastic Surgery?:

Why on earth do people get liposuction done or any other surgery to get rid of fat? Unless you have pounds of loose skin, what is the point? Why can’t they just eat healthier and exercise to lose that fat?

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You are very lucky if you have waited until now to consider having liposuction, or liposculpture body contouring. The new laser liposuction techniques are a vast improvement over traditional methods. The new laser technology melts fat and tightens skin resulting in a much gentler liposculpture procedure and minimal loose hanging skin after liposuction.



 

Whether you have a double chin, tummy fat after childbirth, saddle bags, spare tire, or just little problem areas around the hips or thighs, the new laser assisted liposculpture and laser body contouring techniques may be what you are looking for.



Not all of the machines in use are the same. Some laser wavelengths, such as the 924nm and 924/975nm work much better than others. You need to understand which technology is best if you are considering laser liposuction.

Liposuction is the most commonly performed plastic surgery operation.



Problems Associated with Traditional Liposuction-Traditional liposuction is done by inserting a metal tube called a cannula beneath the skin into fat containing areas of the body. High pressure suction is applied and fat is suctioned out from under the skin. While the procedure works well, it is traumatic as the suction pulls out not only fat but also some of the connective tissue which holds the skin tight to the body. There are several problems which can occur after liposuction:



•    Loose Skin After Liposuction

•    Contour Deformities-Skin Irregularities

•    Prolonged Bruising

•    Difficult and Painful Recovery

How Laser Liposuction Works-During laser assisted liposuction, a very small laser fiber is inserted beneath the skin. Heat from the laser melts the fat into a thin liquid. The liquid fat is then more easily removed with very small cannulas usually only2-3 millimeters in diameter. The heat form the laser also tightens the skin, and closes many blood vessels, thus less bleeding.



Advantages of Laser Liposuction



•    Skin Tightening!!!!!!!

•    Liquefaction of Fat = Fewer Contour Deformities

•    Uniform Skin Appearance after Liposuction

•    Smaller Cannulae = Tiny Incision

•    Much Less Traumatic

•    Can Contour Visible Areas in Thinner Patients

•    Excellent for Touch Ups after  standard Liposuction

Which Laser is best for Liposuction?

There are several different machines available using several different laser wavelengths-the 924nm, combined 924/975nm, the 1064nm, and the 1308nm are the most popular.

I prefer the 924nm and combination 924/975nm laser because the 924nm is very selectively absorbed by fat tissue. The 924nm liquefies 3 times as much fat as some of the other wavelengths and is also more strongly absorbed by blood vessels, which helps reduce bleeding and bruising.

The 924nm and combined 924/975nm laser is used by the SlimLipo™ laser liposuction machine made by Palomar Medical™.



Are You A Candidate for Laser Liposuction?

If you are healthy, do not smoke, and have extra fat beneath your chin, around your tummy, on your hips, thighs, arms or knees, and are relatively fit and not obese, then you are likely an excellent candidate for laser liposuction. The younger you are the better your skin tightening will be after laser liposuction. I have, however, seen good skin tightening after laser liposuction in a 70 year old person-see photo below:



If you are obese and significantly over weight, you should lose weight first before liposuction.

For more information about laser liposuction with SlimLipo™ call 978-369-4499 or contact us by email.

Read our fee newsletter to learn about new techniques in aesthetics, non-surgical rejuvenation techniques and plastic surgery.

Dr. Seckel

Concord, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts



Thanks to Dr Brooke R. Seckel for contributing this article to our Plastic Surgery blog:

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