Ten Questions To Ask at Your Liposuction Consultation
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Are you wondering if you can benefit from liposuction? Are you curious if this body contouring procedure can help you achieve a more toned, slimmer appearance? It is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed throughout this country and helps women and men tackle troublesome pockets of fat in certain areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and back. At Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Doylestown, PA, we can help patients feel more confident about how they look with this highly effective cosmetic procedure.
Dr. Joseph Tamburrino is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon who is dedicated to educating his patients so they know how this body contouring treatment can improve their physiques. During a one-on-one consultation, Dr. Tamburrino can answer your questions, determine if liposuction or another procedure is right for you, and help you reach your aesthetic goals. Read on to learn more about liposuction, as well as some helpful questions to ask during your consultation.
1. What is liposuction surgery?
Even though healthy adult men and women may watch what they eat, they can still struggle with pouches of fat on certain areas of their bodies. Liposuction is a surgical treatment that can break down and remove unwanted fatty deposits (subcutaneous fat) that reside underneath the skin.
2. Where are common liposuction areas?
Liposuction is a cosmetic treatment effective at removing small pockets of fat that have become unresponsive to diet and exercise in otherwise healthy individuals. Some common areas where liposuction is performed include:
- Chin
- Underneath the upper arms
- Lower abdomen
- Upper thighs (outer and inner)
- Lower back or flank area
- Bra strap area
- Breast or chest area
3. Do I qualify for liposuction?
Patients who are at or near their ideal weight, with good skin tone or laxity, are generally good candidates for liposuction. Ultimately, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Tamburrino, is the best way to determine if liposuction is the right fit for an individual. Dr. Tamburrino will evaluate each patient to ensure they have subcutaneous fat, which resides between the muscle and skin, and not visceral fat, which liposuction cannot treat.
4. Is liposuction safe?
Liposuction is a safe and effective fat reduction procedure for healthy candidates when performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. It removes fat cells from targeted areas on the body to give patients a slimmer, more contoured appearance.
5. How much fat can be removed?
The amount of fat that can be removed in one single procedure will vary by patient and various factors. In most cases, about 6 – 8 pounds (3 – 4 liters) is a safe, conservative amount, but no more than 5 liters to reduce the risk of serious complications. Dr. Tamburrino will assess and determine the necessary amount of fat reduction needed to safely achieve each patient's aesthetic goals in Doylestown, PA.
6. Can you get lipo on your legs and other areas?
Liposuction is a versatile body contouring technique that can give patients a sleeker, more fit appearance in a wide range of areas. Most patients don't carry excess fat in only one area. Instead, they struggle with multiple target sites. Liposuction is an effective surgical procedure for various areas, usually including the legs, when performed by a knowledgeable and experienced plastic surgeon.
7. How should I prepare for this type of procedure?
The dedicated staff at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa will provide each patient with instructions for the days leading up to their liposuction appointment. Patients should enlist someone to drive them home afterward and help with any post-surgical care. Certain medications, like aspirin or blood thinners, will need to be paused for a period of time. Patients should abstain from eating or drinking for at least 12 hours prior to the surgery.
8. How is liposuction performed?
This body contouring procedure is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia, and is an outpatient surgery. A punch-hole incision is placed in the skin to insert a cannula, or small tube. The cannula makes it easier to loosen the fat as it is suctioned out. Afterward, Dr. Tamburrino will close the incision areas, and patients will return to a separate area for recovery before going home the same day.
9. What is the recovery time for liposuction?
In general, it takes about 2 – 4 weeks for patients to recover from liposuction fully. However, if a patient has a small area treated, they can usually return to work within a few days. The recovery time for liposuction surgery will vary by the number and size of target areas treated.
10. What kind of scarring can I expect?
Minimal scarring occurs with this body contouring technique since the cannula is so small. The number of insertion points needed will be determined during the consultation. Dr. Tamburrino will be mindful of where incisions will be located to minimize any scarring. In about 6 – 12 months, the scars will begin to fade and become more skin tone in color.
If you have additional questions or are interested in learning more about liposuction, or other cosmetic procedures, we invite you to contact us and schedule a consultation with double-board certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Doylestown, PA. You can feel better about how you look and start your journey today.