Liposuction
Are you tired of looking in the mirror and seeing pockets of fatty, loose, unattractive skin that just won’t go away no matter how much you try to lose it through dieting and exercise? Have fatty deposits from a previous pregnancy stubbornly remained, years after giving birth? Would you like to have excess fat around your waist, legs, arms buttocks, cheeks or neck disappear? Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt your body by removing that hard-to-lose fat.
You’re a good candidate for liposuction if you are normal-weight, physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin. Women may have liposuction performed under the chin, hips, thighs, stomach, and in the under-arm/breast area. For men, common sites include under the chin and around the waist. Liposuction may also be used in the reduction of enlarged male breasts.
If you’re ready for liposuction surgery, it’s time to discuss your goals with Robert Schmid, M.D. He will explain your options and diffuse any concerns you may have about cosmetic surgery as he explains the procedure to you and answers your questions regarding plastic surgery. He’ll take into account your lifestyle, goals and personal preferences in tandem with his sound, experienced surgical judgment when making recommendations to you. He will answer your questions and explain the entire process, working hard to diffuse any worries or concerns you may have.
For your reference, we’ve provided basic information on the procedure (in the box entitled “Liposuction at a Glance”) as well as liposuction before and after photos so you can see examples of Dr. Schmid’s work.
Scheduling your first consultation with Dr. Schmid is easy! Simply call us at 806-797-6398 or contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Other Body Contouring Procedures
Liposuction (Lipoplasty) at a Glance
| Procedure: | Improve body shape by removing exercise-resistant fat deposits with a tube and vacuum device. Can be performed using the tumescent technique, in which targeted fat cells are infused with saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before liposuction to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Common locations for liposuction include chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, above breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles. For larger volumes of fat or for fibrous body areas, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) may be used. UAL is a new technique in which a ultrasound probe is inserted beneath the skin to “liquify” the fat before it is suctioned. |
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| Length: | 1 to 2 hours or more. UAL: 20-40 percent longer than traditional liposuction. |
| Anesthesia: | Local, epidural, or general. |
| In/Outpatient: | Usually outpatient. Extensive procedures may require short inpatient stay. |
| Side Effects: | Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation. Tumescent: Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. UAL: Larger incisions for cannula. |
| Risks: | Asymmetry. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Pigmentation changes. Skin injury. Fluid retention. Excessive fluid loss leading to shock. Infection. UAL: thermal burn injury caused by the heat from the ultrasound device. |
| Recovery: | Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising: 1 to 6 months or more. Use of tumescent technique or UAL may decrease post-operative bruising and swelling. |
| Duration of Results: | Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise. |
Dr. Schmid and his amazing staff have truly made a difference in my life. They have become more than a part of my medical team, they have become my friends.