Attaining a sculpted, proportionate physique is challenging for many people. Diet and exercise may cause overall weight loss, but may not target certain small pockets of fat around the body, causing some areas to look disproportionately large. Liposuction can permanently eliminate unsightly deposits of fat from the body using numerous state-of-the-art techniques. Dr. Szczerba is an experienced Chicago liposuction surgeon who has helped numerous patients realize their body contouring goals. Learn more about liposuction surgery and our plastic surgery Chicago practice by exploring the information below.
Surgery Candidates
Ideal Chicago liposuction candidates have relatively small accumulations of fat that cannot be burned off with diet or exercise. Liposuction can be used to remove unwanted fat from the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Patients should be physically and psychologically healthy, and with good skin elasticity. The better the skin elasticity, the better the skin will conform around the body’s new contours after surgery.
Liposuction candidates should also have realistic expectations of surgery. Although it is a very effective procedure and the removed fat cells will not grow back, patients will need to follow a healthy diet and exercise regime to maintain the slimming effect. Lastly, liposuction candidates should not smoke because nicotine and other chemicals might interfere with the healing process.
The Procedure
General or local anesthesia may be used for liposuction surgery, depending on the particular treatment plan. If general anesthesia is used, it will be administered by one of our board-certified anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists. There are several liposuction methods, including:
- Liposuction that relies solely on suction to remove fat
- Ultrasound liposuction that uses ultrasonic energy to melt fat before it is removed
- Laser liposuction that uses laser energy to break down fat cells before they are suctioned from the body
Tumescent liquid (containing local anesthetic) may be injected into the treatment area for pain relief and to help firm up the fat so it is easier to remove it from the body. During liposuction, Dr. Szczerba will makes several small incisions within the natural creases of the body, and he will insert a cannula into the fat layer beneath the skin. The surgeon will move the cannula back and forth to break up the fat cells, and then a vacuum-like device attached to the cannula will suck out the liquefied fat.
Recovery
Patients recovering from liposuction may experience some swelling, bruising and tenderness around the treated areas. Support garments will be provided to help with the swelling. It is recommended that patients take a few days or a week off from work to rest quietly at home. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for you after about a week to check on the healing process. Heavy lifting and cardio exercise should be avoided for about a month for optimal healing.
Liposuction Benefits and Risks
Liposuction is very popular because it can spot-reduce areas of unwanted fat quickly and permanently. Once the fat cells are removed from an area of the body, they do not regenerate (they will never grow back). However, if the patient does not follow a moderate exercise and healthy eating plan, fat may develop in other areas of the body.
Complications from liposuction surgery are rare, but with any surgery there is risk involved. Liposuction risks include excessive bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, changes in sensation, skin irregularity and unsatisfactory results. If you are concerned about these risks, ask about the measures our surgeons take to minimize them.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Contact our office today to schedule a liposuction consultation. During your appointment, our surgeons will perform a thorough evaluation of your body frame and overall health, and recommend the most appropriate procedures. In addition to liposuction, they also offer tummy tuck, body lift and Brazilian butt lift in Chicago. They are also some of the leading Chicago mommy makeover surgeons.