Liposuction at the Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis stands out as a versatile and effective procedure for sculpting the body and giving a patient’s body contours with precision. This surgical technique has gained popularity for its ability to target stubborn fat deposits and contour specific areas of the body.

In this blog, we will highlight what liposuction entails, its benefits, its ideal candidates, and what patients can expect from the procedure. 

 

What is Liposuction? 

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or body contouring surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat from targeted areas of the body. It is not a weight loss solution but rather a method to address localized pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body, including the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, back, and neck.

• Abdomen: Liposuction of the abdomen targets excess fat deposits in the midsection to achieve a flatter and more contoured stomach area. During the procedure, small incisions are made near the treatment area, and a thin cannula is inserted to break up and suction out unwanted fat cells. By sculpting the abdomen, liposuction can address stubborn belly fat, love handles, and muffin tops, resulting in a smoother and more defined waistline.
• Thighs: Liposuction of the thighs is commonly performed to reduce excess fat and create slimmer, more proportionate legs. Through small incisions, the surgeon introduces a cannula to carefully remove localized fat deposits from the inner thighs, outer thighs, or both. This procedure can help eliminate saddlebags, improve thigh contours, and enhance the overall appearance of the legs, providing a more balanced and harmonious silhouette.
• Hips: Liposuction of the hips targets unwanted fat accumulation in the hip region, addressing issues such as love handles or stubborn pockets of fat along the hip contours. By precisely sculpting the hips, liposuction can create smoother transitions between the waist, hips, and thighs, enhancing the body’s natural curves and proportions. The surgeon utilizes advanced techniques to suction out excess fat, achieving a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing hip contour.
• Buttocks: Liposuction of the buttocks focuses on refining the shape and contour of the posterior region by removing excess fat deposits. Small incisions are made strategically around the buttocks, and a specialized cannula is used to target areas of concern, such as the upper buttocks, lower buttocks, or hips. This procedure can help sculpt a more lifted and defined buttock profile, enhancing the overall appearance of the rear end and improving clothing fit and comfort.
• Arms: Liposuction of the arms aims to eliminate stubborn fat deposits in the upper arms, commonly referred to as “bat wings.” During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in inconspicuous areas, such as the armpits or elbows, and carefully removes excess fat using a cannula. By contouring the arms, liposuction can create slimmer and more toned upper arms, reducing the appearance of flabbiness and improving overall arm aesthetics.
• Back: Liposuction of the back targets excess fat in the upper, middle, or lower back regions to achieve a smoother and more sculpted back contour. Using precise techniques, the surgeon removes unwanted fat deposits through small incisions, improving the definition of the back and eliminating bra bulges or rolls. Liposuction of the back can enhance the appearance of backless clothing, improve posture, and restore confidence in individuals seeking a more streamlined back profile.
• Neck: Liposuction of the neck, also known as submental liposuction or neck contouring, targets excess fat beneath the chin and along the jawline to reduce the appearance of a double chin or “turkey neck.” Through tiny incisions, the surgeon inserts a cannula to suction out unwanted fat, sculpting a more defined and youthful neck contour. This procedure can enhance facial harmony, restore neck definition, and rejuvenate the overall appearance of the lower face and neck area.

How is Liposuction Performed? 

Liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure. The board-certified plastic surgeon makes small incisions in the treatment area and inserts a thin tube called a cannula. Using a controlled back-and-forth motion, the surgeon loosens and suctions out excess fat, sculpting the desired contours. 

Benefits of Liposuction:

Liposuction is a powerful tool for sculpting and achieving desired contours. From enhancing self-confidence to improving overall body proportions, liposuction offers a range of advantages for individuals seeking to address stubborn fat deposits and refine their silhouette. Let’s explore the transformative benefits that liposuction can provide.

• Enhanced Body Contouring: Liposuction allows for precise sculpting of the body, creating smoother, more defined contours.
• Improved Self-Confidence: By eliminating stubborn fat deposits, liposuction can help patients achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing silhouette, boosting their self-esteem and body image.
• Long-lasting Results: Once fat cells are removed through liposuction, they do not typically regenerate, providing long-term improvement in body shape.
• Customized Treatment: Liposuction can be tailored to address specific trouble spots, allowing patients to target areas of concern and achieve their desired aesthetic goals.
• Minimally Invasive: Despite being a surgical procedure, liposuction involves small incisions and minimal scarring, resulting in quicker recovery times compared to more invasive surgeries.

Ideal Candidates for Liposuction: 

It’s important to understand that this cosmetic procedure is not a one-size-fits-all solution and is not a substitute for exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. Liposuction is a surgical intervention designed to target specific areas of stubborn fat, helping individuals achieve their desired body contours. However, candidacy for liposuction depends on several factors, including overall health, lifestyle habits, and realistic expectations. Let’s explore the qualities that make someone an ideal candidate for this transformative procedure. 

The ideal candidate: 

• Has localized areas of excess fat that are resistant to diet and exercise: Liposuction is not a weight loss solution but rather a method for targeting specific trouble spots where stubborn fat deposits persist despite efforts to slim down through healthy lifestyle habits.
• Is in good overall health: Candidates for liposuction should be in good physical and mental health, free from any medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery or hinder the healing process.
• Has realistic expectations: It’s essential for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of liposuction. While the procedure can effectively contour and sculpt the body, it’s important to understand its limitations and not expect drastic changes or perfection.
• Has firm, elastic skin with good muscle tone: Liposuction works best on individuals with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone, as the skin needs to contract smoothly over the treated area after fat removal. It may not be as effective for individuals with loose or sagging skin, who may require additional procedures such as a tummy tuck or body lift to achieve desired results.
• Is committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle: To maintain the results of liposuction long-term, candidates should be willing to adopt and maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. While liposuction removes fat cells from targeted areas, remaining fat cells can still expand if a healthy lifestyle is not maintained, potentially compromising the results of the procedure.
• Understands the risks and benefits: Like any surgical procedure, liposuction carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Ideal candidates are informed about these risks and have weighed them against the potential benefits of the procedure. They should also be willing to follow their surgeon’s pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully to minimize complications and optimize results.
• Is psychologically prepared: Candidates for liposuction should be mentally prepared for the surgical process, including potential discomfort, swelling, and downtime during the recovery period. They should also have a positive body image and be seeking the procedure for themselves rather than to fulfill someone else’s expectations or ideals.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon for Liposuction? 

It’s essential for patient safety and outcomes to recognize the significance of selecting a highly qualified and experienced surgeon for any cosmetic procedure. Board certification signifies a surgeon’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety, ethics, and proficiency in plastic surgery. At Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis, our five board-certified plastic surgeons possess the expertise and dedication necessary to deliver exceptional results and ensure the utmost satisfaction and safety for every patient.

• Expertise and Experience: Board-certified plastic surgeons undergo rigorous training and certification processes, ensuring they possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to perform liposuction safely and effectively.
• Safety and Quality of Care: Plastic surgeons adhere to strict safety standards and protocols, prioritizing patient safety throughout the surgical process.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Plastic surgeons tailor liposuction procedures to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, providing personalized care and optimal outcomes.
• Comprehensive Consultations: Board-certified plastic surgeons conduct thorough consultations to assess patients’ candidacy for liposuction, address any concerns, and outline realistic expectations for the procedure.
• Continuous Education and Training: Plastic surgeons stay abreast of the latest advancements and techniques in cosmetic surgery through ongoing education and training, ensuring they deliver the highest quality of care to their patients.

Liposuction offers a precise and effective solution for sculpting the body and achieving the desired contours. With the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon at Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis, individuals can embark on their journey toward a more sculpted and confident version of themselves through liposuction. To book your consultation, call 901-761-9030.