Lipoplasty and Liposuction
Before and After Photos
Are You Interested In Liposuction?
Liposuction is best used in areas that have a thick layer of fat that
is beneath elastic skin. If you pinch a roll of fat and find an area
where the fat is much thicker than fat in surrounding areas you may
have found a spot that will respond nicely to fat removal or
liposuction. Liposuction is most successful in healthy active
individuals who have a persistent area of fat that does not respond to
weight loss and exercise. Age is not a contraindication to lipoplasty
but a lack of elasticity of skin may require removal of skin as well
as the fat to achieve the best result.
Planning Your Surgery
The way you feel about yourself is important. You spend a lot of time
and effort keeping in shape; sometimes we can help to give the contour
and shape that is right for you. At your consultation we will listen
to your medical history, examine you, take photographs, and try to give
you a good idea of how liposuction will work for you. We will evaluate
your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate
for you, based on the condition and location of skin excess and fat.
Lipoplasty incisions are quite small and easily concealed. If extra
skin is present more traditional methods of excision such as a tummy
tuck or thigh lift may be considered. Associated procedures include a
change in breast shape or removal of skin from the upper arms or
abdomen. Many of the individuals who are good candidates for
liposuction have other areas of concern so that a combined approach is
utilized. At the end of the initial consultation you should have the
information you need to make a good decision about liposuction and
plastic surgery for you.
Preparing For Your Surgery
We will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including
guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding
certain vitamins and medications. While making preparations, be sure
to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to
help you out for a few days, if needed. If you are living outside the
immediate area we recommend staying at one of the local hotels so that
travel time will be reduced and so that we can come and check on your
progress after surgery.
Note
Liposuction is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation,
there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications
associated with this procedure. At the time of your consultation these
possibilities will be reviewed in detail.
The Surgery
Liposuction is a procedure done at our fully accredited operating
rooms at the Plastic Surgery Center, at the Asheville Surgery Center
on Sweeten Creek Road, or at the Mission Memorial Hospital. It is
usually an outpatient procedure, often done under general
anesthesia.The super wet technique is utilized with a power assisted
head to facilitate the liposuction.
Anesthesia is provided by the anesthesiologists and CRNA's of
Asheville Anesthesia at all of our locations. Occasionally, patients
will stay overnight at the Asheville Surgical Center or the Hospital.
We use the
Care Team Approach
to anesthesia with a MD-CRNA model.
Here at the Plastic Surgery Center the time for the procedure varies
according to the areas treated and charges vary accordingly with $3999
for one area of liposuction and more for more areas and more time spent in the OR. These charges
include surgeon’s fees, operating room charges, and anesthesia charges,
but do not include lab work, extra garments, or a place to stay if you
are coming to Asheville from another area. Charges at other locations
vary.
Recovery
The operation takes an hour or two and then requires some quiet time
away from your usual schedule as you recuperate. During the operation
special alternating pressure stockings are used to keep the blood
moving in your legs. After the operation remember to point your toes
and flex your ankles to continue to keep things moving. You can expect
some fluid drainage from the incisions. You will be most comfortable
with ice and some elevation, as in a recliner, for the first two or
three days. Pain medication will be prescribed. You will be wearing a
compression garment and should keep ice on the areas we have treated.
If areas are iced pain medications may not be needed. Many people are
up and about driving and doing light activities in four to six days
after the operation and you should be back at work within a few days
following your surgery. It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed
in the days or weeks following surgery. However, this feeling will
subside as you begin to look and feel better. You may return to
aerobic exercise in about three weeks. You will be seen in the office
in follow up at regular intervals.
Looking Good
You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body quite
soon after surgery. However, improvement will become even more apparent
after about four to six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided.
After about three months, any persistent mild swelling usually
disappears and the final contour will be visible.
For more information, read the article Shopping for Liposuction!
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