What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure performed in Denver, Colorado that enhances the physical appearance of the body by removing fat deposits. It is a procedure best for individuals who are healthy, have good skin and muscle tone, and are committed to diet and exercise. Therefore, liposuction is not a substitute for weight reduction through healthy eating and exercising. Liposuction provides patients with a smooth, contoured body with minimal discomfort and bruising. In addition, patients will have a fast and speedy recovery so that they can go on living your life confidently and happily.
Candidates For Liposuction Body Contouring
Liposuction is not meant to replace regular exercise and eating healthy, therefore, Dr. Emmett believes a good candidate for liposuction is someone who already lives a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction is good for people who have unwanted body fat that doesn’t respond to eating right and exercising.
Liposuction Treatment Areas
Liposuction is frequently performed on a number of different areas of the body. These include the:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Flanks and hips
- Back (bra fat)
- Backs of the arms
- Chin and neck
Liposuction Consultation with Dr. Emmett
Candidates can come in for a consultation with Dr. Emmett to discuss the procedure and any questions you may have about the process. She will explain that you should have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome. In addition, Dr. Emmett will tell you that liposuction is a great tool to enhance your confidence and appearance, but that it won’t make you a different person. Patients will need to think carefully about their reasons for wanting liposuction. Dr. Emmett is happy to talk about your background and goals with you.
“Dr. Emmett and her staff are the best! I am very happy with my results from the work I had done in the office. The office is so warm and inviting. It felt like I was at the spa. Thank you Dr. Emmett and your wonderful office staff!” – Joy K.
Preparing For Liposuction Surgery
Depending on the area you wish to contour with liposuction, there are several ways in which to prepare for your procedure. Suggestions include:
- Attain the bodyweight you wish to maintain.
- Develop strategies that will help you maintain that weight after liposuction.
- Speak with Dr. Emmett about any medications you are taking, including supplements.
- Avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption, especially in the week prior to surgery.
- Arrange for a loved one to accompany you to your procedure and drive you home.
- Pick up all prescriptions and recommended supplies before the day of surgery.
- Contact our office if you have any questions as you prepare for liposuction.
Liposuction Procedure performed in Denver
Dr. Emmett will typically begin your liposuction procedure by administering a local anesthetic, which is safe and effective. If large amounts of fat are going to be removed, or if you’d feel more comfortable sleeping through the procedure, general anesthesia can be an option. During your liposuction procedure, Dr. Emmett will remove isolated fat deposits from targeted areas of your body to re-contour lumpy areas such as love handles.
Dr. Emmett will insert a narrow tube, called a cannula, through a small incision in the specified area. Then, she will vacuum the layer of fat out from underneath the skin. Next, Dr. Emmett will move the tube is back and forth so that the fat cells break up and are easier to remove. Dr. Emmett uses a number of improved techniques, such as ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) and power-assisted liposuction, to give her patients better results with minimal recovery time.
Recovery From Liposuction
There are several aspects of recovery that are important for patients to understand before undergoing liposuction. Our office will provide patients with detailed post-surgical care instructions and encourage them to contact our office if they have any questions. Good self-care is critical to the prevention of complications. Patients will need to take time off from work to allow their bodies to rest for at least a few days. The recommended length of time off is discussed prior to surgery and based on the extent and area of the liposuction procedure.
During recovery, patients will need to avoid lifting objects and engaging in vigorous activity. After about four to six weeks patients can gradually start to resume exercise. The main priority for patients should be to stay hydrated and rest during the initial recovery period. In addition to general self-care guidelines, patients can expect to manage specific aspects of healing after liposuction. These include:
Pain
Patients can expect post-surgical discomfort after any procedure. The amount of discomfort that occurs varies based on the location and size of the treatment area, as well as the type of anesthesia used during the procedure. Prescription pain medication may be taken as directed for the first few days after surgery. Usually, patients can transition to over-the-counter medication within two to three days. After this point, muscle soreness and localized tenderness may linger for a few weeks.
Swelling and Drainage
Patients can expect to notice fluid drainage from incisions for the first 24 to 48 hours after liposuction. Fluid may be pink-tinged, clear, or even red due to small amounts of blood leaking from the surgical wounds. To control both swelling and fluid buildup, Dr. Emmett will apply compression garments to the area after surgery. Patients should wear these at all times, other than bathing and change the dressings on incisions, for approximately two weeks.
Are The Results Of Liposuction permanent?
The results of liposuction can be permanent. Patients who enjoy the longest-lasting results from liposuction are those who implement healthy lifestyle habits that support weight and muscle tone. This may involve eating more whole, fresh foods and engaging in mild to moderate aerobic and strength training exercise several days a week.
When will I see my Liposuction results?
The outcome of liposuction surgery can typically be seen one to three months after surgery. This is because swelling in the treatment area decreases gradually over time. The speed at which this occurs may depend on several factors, including a patient’s own healing mechanisms and the extent of tissue disruption during surgery. Larger areas of liposuction may take longer to completely heal than smaller areas, such as the chin and neck.
Body Contouring Alternatives
There are few alternatives to liposuction for dramatic body-contouring results. In our Lone Tree office, some patients may be better suited to abdominoplasty or body-lift procedures such as an arm lift or thigh lift. However, patients often choose to combine these procedures rather than as an alternative to liposuction.
Cost Of Liposuction
The cost of liposuction depends on the size of the treatment areas. Insurance does not cover the cost of liposuction, so Dr. Emmett has financing options available via CareCredit®, Simmons Bank, and Prosper® Healthcare Lending. She also accepts checks, cash, and major credit cards.
Risks of Liposuction Surgery
There are a few medical and cosmetic risks associated with liposuction, as with any surgery. These include:
- Seroma, or fluid accumulation beneath the skin.
- Infection.
- Allergic reaction to lidocaine.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Poor wound healing at incision points.
- Loose skin.
- Contour irregularities.
Schedule a Consultation
If you live in Denver, Lone Tree or Douglas County and are interested in liposuction call (303) 955-7545 and schedule a consultation. The Emmett Plastic Surgery staff wants you to feel comfortable and confident in your body.
