What Areas of the Body Are Best Treated with Liposuction?

Liposuction, sometimes referred to as lipoplasty, is an incredibly popular body contouring procedure. It is designed to remove excess fat from areas with stubborn excess fat deposits, and it can sculpt just about any region of the body. Today, our experts at Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA are taking an in-depth look at the scope of this procedure, including where it is most effective.

What Areas of the Body Are Best Treated With Liposuction? 

Liposuction can best treat areas of the body with a fairly significant amount of excess fat and good skin elasticity. We often use this procedure to remove excess fat from the buttocks, chest, hips, and flanks. Furthermore, this procedure is often used to remove excess fat deposits from the thighs, calves, ankles, arms, back, and neck.

How Effective Is This Procedure? 

Lipoplasty is a highly effective fat removal procedure that is widely considered the gold standard in fat removal. Generally, it is safe for three to four liters, or six to eight pounds, of fat to be removed during one procedure. However, there are exceptions to this general rule. The higher your body mass index is, the more fat we can remove safely, so we may be able to remove up to 11 pounds of fat during your procedure.

Is This Procedure a Good Fit for Me? 

To determine if liposuction is the optimal body contouring solution for you, you must sit down with Dr. Myers so he can discuss your goals and evaluate your areas of concern. He will evaluate the elasticity of your skin in your problem areas to determine if there will be loose skin or excess skin after surgery. If there is a strong likelihood of skin problems after surgery, you may need to combine lipoplasty with other procedures.

How Healthy Do I Have to Be To Undergo Surgery? 

You have to be in good overall health to be considered a good lipoplasty candidate. You should be free from any form of infection, and it is imperative that your heart and lungs are in good condition. If you have heart or lung problems, you will not be able to receive general anesthesia safely. General anesthesia is recommended when several areas are being treated at once or you are undergoing multiple procedures.

What Other Procedures May I Need To Achieve My Desired Aesthetic? 

One of the most common procedures combined with lipoplasty is abdominoplasty, sometimes referred to as a tummy tuck. This procedure can address a wide range of concerns with your core, including removing excess skin and tightening loose skin. Additionally, abdominal muscles can be repaired if they were damaged during pregnancy, strenuous exercise, or other circumstances.

It is also common for people who undergo lipoplasty to get an arm lift or thigh lift to complement the highly effective fat removal procedure. During your initial consultation, Dr. Myers will tailor a treatment plan that will help you achieve your desired aesthetic regardless of what your cosmetic concerns are.

What Preparation Steps Must Be Taken Before Surgery? 

Before you undergo lipoplasty there are several steps that must be taken to prepare for surgery. One crucial step you must take is to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure. It is also important that you stock your home with plenty of healthy foods and fill prescriptions before your procedure. You will not be able to drive within 24 hours of receiving anesthesia or taking certain prescription analgesics.

If possible, you should also arrange for someone to stay home with you and help you care for yourself for one to three days after surgery; during this time you may feel fatigued and it is crucial that you remain nourished and hydrated. Another vital preparation step to take is to take your first dose of antibiotics. Moreover, you must fast before surgery to ensure your stomach is empty before your general anesthesia is administered.

What Aftercare Guidelines Will I Need To Follow? 

Once your procedure is complete, you will be moved to an observation room. You must stay in this room for a few hours so we can ensure that you are alert enough to go home. After that, we will review all of your postoperative guidelines with you so you have the opportunity to ask questions. One of the most important aftercare guidelines to follow is to take all medications as prescribed.

You must take your full course of antibiotics regardless of how you feel. It is also essential that you do not consume alcohol or tobacco products during the first couple of weeks of your recovery.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

If you have a moderate amount of excess fat in an area of concern and your skin is fairly elastic, liposuction is likely to be a great fat removal solution for you. It is generally used to target fat in large areas, like the back, chest, thighs, and buttocks. However, it can also target smaller areas, like the neck, ankles, and calves. Contact us today at Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA to schedule a consultation and learn more.