Atlanta Liposuction
Liposuction is used to improve the contour or shape of a particular area of the body. Women generally have liposuction to remove unwanted fat under the chin, on their hips, thighs, and stomach; and in the arm area. For men, common sites include under the chin and around the waist. Liposuction is also used in the reduction of enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia.
Lipoplasty (popularly known as liposuction or suction-assisted lipectomy) is a surgical technique that contours the body by removing unwanted areas of fat. It is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method of removing localized fat that does not respond to dieting and exercise.
During the procedure, a hollow suction tube, or "cannula," is passed through small skin incisions and manipulated in such a way that the unwanted fat is broken up and transferred through the tube to the attached vacuum machine.
The skin is an essential component of the contouring process in liposuction. An important consideration is what will happen to the extra skin after liposuction if there is too much skin, will it shrink after fat is removed from under it or will it sag? If it will sag, then the better choice is to remove the extra skin. As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, your consultation with Dr. Lincenberg will include discussion to choose the right procedure for your particular situation. He also will help you have realistic expectations for your procedure.
The tumescent technique of liposuction involves injecting large amounts of fluid into the areas of fat before performing lipoplasty. The fluid, containing local anesthetic and blood vessel-constricting drugs, can reduce blood loss, minimize bruising, alleviate pain and lessen the need for general anesthesia.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) substitutes high frequency ultrasonic energy for the back-and-forth strokes the surgeon must perform. The ultrasound comes out of the tip of the cannula, liquefying the fat. UAL is especially good for the areas of the body where the fat is firm.
Liposuction is performed in the hospital outpatient department or in the surgical suite at Georgia Plastic Surgery. It takes about 1-2 hours. Expect bruising and swelling for two to three weeks. You can return to work in 7-10 days.