The Procedure |
Liposuction or Suction Lipectomy
Healthy meals and regular exercise can help you slim down and tone your body. But if you have areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise, it may be due to fat deposits in that specific area. Heredity is to blame in many of these cases. Liposuction could be your answer for getting rid of these localized fat deposits. During this procedure, fat is suctioned out of specific areas of the body. This not only gets rid of the fat, it changes your shape, bringing it into proportion with the rest of your body. You’ll feel more comfortable with your body and more confident in your appearance.
This procedure can be done alone or in combination with other plastic surgical procedures such as facelifts, tummy tucks and breast reductions. Unfortunately, it is not an effective treatment for cellulite – the dimpled skin you may have on your thighs, hips or buttocks.
Liposuction can improve the appearance of a double chin, fatty upper arms, enlarged male or female breasts, love handles and excess fat in the abdomen. Liposuction can also re-contour your hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles.
A good candidate for liposuction is someone who is within 30% of his or her ideal body weight. Good muscle tone and elastic skin are also a plus. It is also best if you are healthy, a non-smoker and have a positive outlook on how this procedure will help you.
If you are diabetic, have heart disease, high blood pressure or have had previous surgery in your target area, special considerations will have to be made. This will be addressed when you meet with Dr. Krummen for your initial consultation.
The Consultation |
The consultation is your first chance to talk to Dr. Krummen about how you’d like to enhance your appearance. Know what your goals are so you can discuss them in detail with her. She’s available to you to answer all of your questions about liposuction. If necessary, write down your questions and concerns so they will all be addressed in this meeting. Dr. Krummen will listen carefully to your concerns and tell you which surgical options she thinks would work best for you. As with any surgery, there are risks and Dr. Krummen will explain them to you. She’ll also explain the results you may expect to see. Your physical health is important so be honest with her about any past or present medical conditions. Your emotional health plays a role in healing as well. Surgery will change your appearance, not your life. It’s important to have realistic goals before having the procedure. Every person is different and your operation will be individualized to your specific needs.
The Surgery
Liposuction requires small incisions be made near the target area, about 1cm in size. A tube, called a cannula, is inserted through the small opening and hooked up to a surgical suction device. The fat is then loosened and suctioned out of the body through the small tube (Fig. 1,2).
If the area is small enough, a syringe could be attached to the tube and the fat could be suctioned out manually. This process is usually done if the fat is going to be injected into other parts of the body.
When your procedure is completed, expect some swelling and fluid retention. You will likely be given a compression garment to wear as you heal (Fig. 3). It will help control swelling and also compress the skin to your body’s new contours. You may have to wear it for several weeks. A drain may be placed in the incisions to remove any excess fluid. Your wounds may take up to 10 days to heal. Your final results should be evident in about 6-8 weeks.
Be sure to follow Dr. Krummen’s post-operative instructions carefully so you heal properly and can enjoy the full benefits of the procedure.
