Liposuction
Liposuction (or lipoplasty) is a body-sculpting procedure to remove fat that is unresponsive to dieting and exercise. This procedure can be applied to nearly any area of the body and is commonly used on multiple areas during an operation. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mary Snyder uses liposuction to give her Montana, Nebraska, North and South Dakota plastic surgery patients a slimmer and better-proportioned figure. Our patients choose liposuction to reduce love handles, saddlebags, a double chin, a bulge around the waistline or other unsightly fatty deposits in order to develop a better shape and create a more beautiful body.
Reasons for Considering Liposuction
Women and men consider liposuction to create a more proportioned figure by eliminating pockets of fat many areas of the body including:
- Chin and neckline
- Back
- Upper arms
- Stomach and waistline
- Hips and buttocks
- Thighs and knees
- Calves and ankles
Meet Dr. Snyder
Dr. Snyder is certified by both the American Board
of Plastic Surgery and the American Board
of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Liposuction is not a replacement for proper exercise and diet. Instead, liposuction is a reduction procedure for stubborn areas where fat accumulates. Used in combination with several areas of the body, liposuction can provide a well proportioned body appearance. Ideal surgical candidates are those already in good physical condition but have stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. Many plastic surgery patients in Rapid City, SD, who choose liposuction also may benefit from a tummy tuck procedure, which helps sculpt the abdominal area by tightening muscles and removing excess fat and skin.
General Procedure
Liposuction can take place under general anesthesia with the patient asleep or under local anesthesia where the area is numbed and the patient remains awake. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannel is inserted and used to vacuum out the fatty tissue beneath the skin. The surgeon determines the amount of fat to be removed by massaging the skin and squeezing the tissue. After eliminating the excess fat, the incisions are closed by applying a compression dressing or bandage to the area in order to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area. Sometimes, liposuction may be used during another plastic surgery procedure such as breast reduction for Cheyenne patients.
Several different types of liposuction procedures, such as tumescent or ultrasound liposuction, have developed as a result of recent advancements in new technologies. Together, the patient and the plastic surgeon can discuss which method(s) are best during the initial consultation visit. Liposuction can last from 30 minutes to several hours depending upon the amount of fat to be removed. Liposuction surgery is an excellent procedure that can benefit those who want to remove unattractive fatty deposits.
Recovery for Liposuction Patients
New techniques allow for faster recovery from liposuction procedures. The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive of an operation the patient undergoes. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. A support garment may need to be worn for several weeks after the surgery, depending upon which area(s) are selected to utilize the liposuction procedure. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the directions given after surgery.
Getting Started
Would you like to learn more about liposuction? Request an appointment online with Dr. Mary Snyder or call her at the office of Monument Plastic Surgery at (605) 721-5065.
