Who is a Candidate?

If you have excess subcutaneous fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.

If you wish to change the contours of your body. Commonly involved areas are the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits, male chest/breasts, trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves and ankles.

Most patients are near normal weight and desire permanent changes.

Improved techniques now allow larger amounts of fat removal. Liposculpture can be useful to heavier persons as well.

Intended Results:  

A permanent improvement in the contour and proportion of the treated areas.

Procedure Description: 

The procedures are done on an outpatient basis.

General anesthesia is usually used for safety and comfort.

Small suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted through very short incisions placed in inconspicuous locations near the fat deposits and excess fat is removed.

If very large volumes of fat are to be removed we will probably ask you to donate one or two units of blood and take supplemental iron before surgery. Your own blood will be used as a transfusion at the end of surgery.

Recuperation and Healing:        

The patient goes with a compression garment (or tape) covering the treated areas. Compression is advised for about a month as it helps reduce swelling and helps you achieve the final result more quickly. Once pain and soreness decrease, it is frequently more comfortable to wear lycra or spandex exercise pants.

Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.

Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2-4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2-3 months.

Other Options:  An additional procedure that may enhance the result is a Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty).

Insurance Guidelines: This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.

NOTE: The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.