Stubborn fat can be challenging for many. Even those who exercise regularly and stick to dietary plans can struggle with excess fat in certain areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms. If you have stubborn fat that you would like removed, liposuction may be a good option. This procedure can effectively eliminate fat and allow for fat transfer into other body regions, such as the buttocks or breasts. Schedule an appointment at our Newport Beach to discuss your options with Dr. Bailey.
Liposuction Candidates
Liposuction depends on the skin contracting down after the fat has been sucked out. If the skin has lost its elasticity and does not shrink, it will hang in folds. Liposuction will probably give a poor result if you are very overweight or your skin is very loose and flabby in the areas you want treated.
Many people are heavy in one area despite dieting. Buying clothes is difficult if your upper and lower body are different sizes. If you are fairly slim above the waist but heavy in the buttocks and thighs, liposuction should be helpful. Similarly, a fat roll at the waistline or fatty bulges outside the hips can be corrected.
Advancements in Fat Removal
Marketing have focused on additional techniques to liquefy fat, with or without liposuction, utilizing trendy names like “SmartLipo™” (laser assisted) and” Vaser™” (sounds like a laser, but is actually ultrasound assisted):
- Ultrasound applied either externally or through the liposuction cannula has been around for over 15 years.
- Power-assisted liposuction (a powered handpiece moves the cannula back and forth) has also been available for many years.
- Laser delivered through the liposuction cannula or externally is more recent.
- Water jet-assisted liposuction is another recently introduced device/technique.
Dr. Bailey’s take: “Great claims are made for all these devices – less bruising, less swelling, better skin shrinkage, etc., but there are no good double-blind, randomized studies to back up the claims. My experience suggests that the differences if any, are small. Many devices reduce surgeon fatigue and make it easier to use smaller cannulas. This is probably the most important aid to better results.”
Liposuction Procedure
Unless a small area is treated, general anesthesia is needed. During the procedure, a rigid metal tube with hole(s) at the end is passed through the fat layer. The tube (called a cannula) is connected to a suction pump, and the fat is sucked out. The cannula is passed through the area several times from different directions, resulting in a ”swiss cheese” effect on the fat layer.
After surgery, the patient wears a girdle or pressure garment, and the holes in the fat layer are pressed flat and healed. This process takes about six weeks. Suctioned fat has been re-injected in other areas to correct contour problems of the face or body. If this fat fails to survive as living tissue, it may be gradually re-absorbed over the next 3-12 months or converted into lumps of scar tissue.
Treatment Outcome
Due to fluid shifts in the suctioned areas, an overnight stay in a hospital or a post-surgical facility is sometimes wise. You can expect significant bruising afterward and will have to wear a pressure garment over the treated areas constantly for about six weeks. Often the skin is numb for 2-3 months. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least four weeks, and typically you will need 3-10 days off work.
Your new shape may be so improved that the treated area is one or two clothing sizes smaller. Also, of course, the contour and appearance will be permanently changed. Even if you later gain weight, you will gain weight evenly. The treated area does not “grow back” disproportionately. For the first time, you may be able to choose clothes without trying to conceal one body area and wear a swimsuit without feeling self-conscious.
Dr. Bailey’s Results
Schedule a Liposuction Surgery in Orange County, CA
A liposuction procedure can help you improve your shape and confidence. This procedure can be performed in the comfort of our Newport Beach office. To get started and schedule a consultation with Dr. Bailey, simply fill out and submit the schedule form below or give our office a call by dialing (949) 650-6710.
