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Liposuction (LYE-po-suk-shun) is the surgical removal of excess fat
from areas that are often resistant to diet and exercise. This
technique is used to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas
of the body such as the chin, abdomen, buttocks, and hips. At the
beginning of your procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision.
This incision will be just large enough to insert a hollow tube called
a cannula (KAN-yuh-luh). The cannula is attached at the opposite end
to a machine that creates a very strong vacuum. The surgeon then
manipulates the cannula to loosen and remove the fat deposits and
fluids. The procedure can be done in a surgeon’s office, an outpatient
surgery facility, or an accredited hospital. For more information on
liposuction, talk to Dr. Rick Smith at Michigan Plastic Surgery.
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BODY CONTOURING?
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Body contouring is a general
term used for surgery that is done to improve the shape of a certain
area of the body. In addition, some women have body contouring done to
correct the abdominal muscles and skin that became loose during
multiple pregnancies. The procedure involves removing excess skin and
fat in order to improve the contour of the body. Surgical scars are
generally unobtrusive and, in the case of tummy tucks, are usually
well hidden by underwear. With arm tucks, the incision is placed
directly in the middle of the back of the arm so that it is not easily
seen when looking at the arm from either side. Body contour surgery is
generally performed on an inpatient basis and usually requires a stay
of one to two days. For more information about body contouring, talk
to Dr. Rick Smith at Michigan Plastic Surgery.
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IS LIPOSUCTION SAFE?
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Suction-assisted lipectomy (LIP-ek-tuh-me),
also known as liposuction (LYE-po-suk-shun), is the surgical removal
of excess fat from areas that are often resistant to diet and exercise
including the hips, thighs, abdomen, and neck. Other common sites
include the waist, arms, and knees. Liposuction is usually a safe
procedure; however, all surgeries carry uncertainty and risk.
Qualified surgeons will reduce the risk by carefully choosing their
patients and properly equipping the operating facility. Surgeons
usually find that the best candidates are of relatively normal weight,
but have deposits of excess fat in particular areas. Having firm,
elastic skin will result in a better final contour as well. You, as
the patient, can reduce the risk by choosing a physician that is
well-trained in the liposuction procedure. Look for a surgeon who has
been given privileges to perform the surgery at an accredited
hospital. Also, follow his or her advice closely to further reduce any
risk. Liposuction can be performed on an outpatient basis and usually
involves only a brief recovery period. The procedure is normally done
under general anesthesia; however, in some instances can be done under
local anesthesia. For more information on liposuction, talk to Dr.
Rick Smith at Michigan Plastic Surgery.
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LIPOSUCTION FOR MEN
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Liposuction (lye-po-suk-shun)
has become a very popular procedure for men interested in removing
localized fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. The most
common areas include the abdomen, waist, chin, and neck. Liposuction
is also an excellent treatment for a condition called “gynecomastia”(guy-neh-co-mast-ee-ah),
which refers to excess fat around the breasts. During the surgical
procedure, fat is suctioned out through a small, hollow tube inserted
through one or more tiny incisions. The incisions are usually hidden
in natural body creases and leave nearly unnoticeable scars. The best
candidates for liposuction are those of relatively normal weight with
isolated pockets of excess fat. The patient must be physically
healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in his expectations.
Most importantly, he should have firm, elastic skin, as loose skin
will not reshape to the body’s contour. For additional information on
liposuction, Call Dr. Rick Smith at Michigan Plastic Surgery.
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LIPOSUCTION FOR ARMS AND LEGS
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Liposuction is a surgical
procedure of the removal of unwanted or excess fat. The goal of
liposuction under the arms or legs is to remove unsightly pockets of
fat accumulation. This procedure is usually done on an out-patient
basis that takes about one to two hours. Incisions are made in certain
body areas and the fat is suctioned out, leaving you with better
contoured arms or legs. Sometimes skin removal with arms may be
necessary because the skin is not as elastic as it may be on other
areas of the body. Any scars made from the incisions can be easily
concealed by clothing. Scars on your arms or legs should fade, but
will remain permanent. After surgery, a dressing may be placed on your
suctioned body areas for five to seven days. You can expect to return
to work after a few days and to resume your normal activities within
three to four weeks. If you’re bothered by excess or unwanted fat
under your arms or legs, you may want to consider liposuction. An
experienced certified surgeon can advise you of the risks and benefits
of the procedure and help you make an informed and knowledgeable
decision.
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LIPOSUCTION FOR NECK AND CHIN
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One of the most popular surgical
procedures that produces excellent results is liposuction under the
neck or chin. Sometimes fat can settle underneath the chin, giving you
an older and less refined appearance. With liposuction, a smoother
contour to your face can be created. This out-patient procedure is
popular because of the fast recovery time and hardly noticeable scars.
Liposuction can be done on younger patients with excess fat under the
chin, but is more commonly done in conjunction with face-lifts. The
surgeon will use either local or general anesthesia depending on what
makes the patient more comfortable. Next, the surgeon makes a very
small incision on the underside of each jaw and sometimes under the
chin. A very thin, hollow tube is then hooked to a suction machine and
the excess fat is suctioned out. If you have excess fat on your neck
giving your a full or double chin effect, this procedure may be an
excellent way to give your face a smoother, cleaner contour. Talk with
us before having liposuction and we will discuss all of the benefits
and risks involved.
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LIPOSUCTION FOR
STOMACH, HIPS AND THIGHS
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Liposuction of the tummy, hips &
buttocks are the most common surgeries done on women. Known as “saddle
bags,” the hips and buttocks is an easy out-patient procedure. Before
your surgery, tell your surgeon what’s specifically bothering you
about your body: your tummy, hips or buttocks. It may be a
combination. During your consultation, the surgeon will examine you to
see what and where the incisions need to be placed. If you have loose
skin, skin removal may be necessary. For your hips and buttocks, small
incisions will be made on the lower half or crease of your buttocks.
For your tummy, small incisions are made in or around the navel and/or
just above the pubic mound. Any incisions made can be easily concealed
by clothing or swim wear. Dr. Rick Smith can explain the benefits and
risks involved. Complications are rare, but can and occur and should
be discussed in detail prior to your surgery.
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LIPOSUCTION OF THE BUTTOCKS
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Removing body fat by suction,
commonly known as liposuction, has been performed in the United States
since 1982. After you’ve reached a desirable weight through diet and
exercise, you might find that small pockets of fat remain in certain
areas. If you’re not happy with the amount of fat in your buttocks,
try reducing your overall body fat by losing weight. Exercising the
muscles in that area might also give you positive results. If diet and
exercise don’t give you satisfactory results, you might be a good
candidate for liposuction. The buttocks are one of many areas that
respond well to liposuction. During this procedure, a small incision
is made in the buttocks. A thin, blunt, hollow rod attached to a
vacuum is inserted under the skin and maneuvered through the fat
tissue. The unwanted fat cells are sucked out, the doctor closes the
incision, and dresses the site. Expect some swelling and
discoloration. The swelling may take several months to go away, but
the discoloration should subside in several weeks. Your physician can
advise you on how to limit the aftereffects of the procedure. Most
patients come through this surgery safely and are satisfied with the
results. Talk to a cosmetic surgeon if you believe liposuction is for
you.
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CAN
THE FAT RETURN?
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Liposuction is a surgical
procedure that suctions out excess pockets of unwanted fat in certain
areas of your body. Once the fat cells are removed, they do not
return. The results of liposuction are relatively permanent as long as
you follow a proper diet and exercise program. It is important to
realize that liposuction is not a cure for gaining weight or a
substitute for proper diet and exercise. It ‘s generally believed by
doctors that your number of fat cells are fixed by the age of thirty.
However, these fat cells can and will absorb more calories than burned
off in sports or activities. The total amount of fat that can be
removed is limited to certain areas. It’s a good idea to watch your
caloric intake to make sure it’s not higher than what you’ll be able
to burn off. Liposuction is a powerful tool used to create dramatic
changes in your appearance, if properly done. With proper diet and
exercise, you should be able to enjoy the results of your liposuction
the rest of your life.
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