Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction Liposuction is a very common and popular surgery designed for the permanent removal of fatty tissue. It is an elective procedure that allows the plastic surgeon to remove undesirable, subcutaneous fat in isolated areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. These areas may include the hips, buttocks, flanks, thighs, arms, abdomen, knees, ankles, face and neck. Liposuction is most successful in people with good skin tone who have fatty deposits. It is not a treatment for obesity. If weight gain occurs following liposuction, the fat will tend to collect in areas that have not been treated. The procedure can be repeated, if necessary. However, to maintain safety, there is a limit on how much can be done at one time during liposuction. Body contours made irregular by fat can be improved by liposuction; it cannot fix contours that are irregular for other reasons, such as muscle weakness or hernia. However, combined with other procedures, liposuction may correct these other deformities with good results. |  | A variety of factors can affect liposuction. Physical condition, genetic makeup, diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol intake, skin elasticity and age are all considered during your initial consultation with Parkcrest Plastic Surgery. We will take a short health history and describe the procedure in full, so you can make an informed decision about whether to have liposuction. The goal at Parkcrest Plastic Surgery is to use our top-notch skills and deep compassion to provide you with a liposuction experience that is both pleasant and successful. We warmly invite you to browse our liposuction before and after photos to get a glimpse of what you may expect from the surgery. The Procedure Liposuction is done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis in a hospital or surgical center. The surgeon makes small (less than 1/2 inch), discrete incisions in the areas to be treated. The area is treated with ultrasound to help break up the fat. A suction cannula is then inserted in the incisions and attached to a suction machine to remove the fat. The procedure may take one to four hours, depending on how many areas are treated. Recovery Recovery from liposuction is normally relatively easy, with some swelling and bruising in the weeks following the procedure. Another common, but temporary, side effect is numbness, burning and tingling around the incision site. You will wear special garments to apply pressure, minimize swelling and provide support while healing. These garments also assist in retraction of the skin. Stitches will be removed in a week to 10 days. Results are recognizable almost immediately and will continue to improve as swelling subsides. The day of or the day after liposuction you should be up and walking around. Increase your movements daily, as instructed, until full activity can be resumed. A sunscreen should be used routinely, although you should try to avoid the sun until all bruising has waned. It is easy to get sunburned during recovery because of decreased sensation. The results of liposuction are permanent. If you were to gain a large amount of weight, you might note rippling in the treated areas, depending on your skin elasticity. Following liposuction, the scars will go through a maturation process. During the first eight to 12 weeks, they may be red and possibly raised. The scars will mature over six to 12 months and become pale, flat and soft. Please let us know if you are prone to keloid scars. Detailed pre- and post-op instructions will be provided for you both during your consultation and after liposuction. The staff at Parkcrest Plastic Surgery will be happy to discuss all aspects of the procedure based on your individual profile, including how much the operation would cost. Because each case is different, it is important that you meet with us to find out more about St. Louis liposuction prices and your financing options. Please schedule an evaluation with us today and take your first step toward achieving your self-image goals. |