LIPOSUCTION

Often as we age, we develop areas of fat on our bodies which do not respond to traditional weight loss techniques. Typically, men tend to gain weight around the waist and flanks (women complain of prominent hips and thighs). When diet and exercise fail to accomplish what you wish, you may want to investigate liposuction. This procedure should not be considered a substitute for weight loss, but rather a method of removing localized areas of fat. Areas which can be addressed include the chin, neck, upper arms, chest, abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles.

The Best Candidates For Liposuction

Liposuction can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it may not change your looks to match your ideal. The best candidates for liposuction are of relatively normal weight and healthy, but have relatively well-localized areas of fat deposits. Having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour. Hanging skin won't reshape to your body's new contours, and may require an additional procedure to surgically remove the excess skin. Liposuction is not recommended if you've had surgery in the area to be sculpted, if you have poor blood circulation in that area, if you have heart or lung disease, or if you are generally over-weight. You should also understand that liposuction will not improve the dimpled skin known as cellulite.

While this web site can give you some basic information about liposuction, you may feel free to contact Dr. Bartell's office for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the procedure in more detail, view many pre- and post-operative examples, and address your particular needs.

Potential Surgical Risks and Problems

Liposuction has been performed since the early 1970s, and over one hundred thousand procedures are performed successfully every year. Modern techniques are very safe and almost always result in a happy patient. Complications are extremely unusual, but patients should be fully informed prior to surgery. Dr. Bartell would be happy to discuss any concern you may have regarding liposuction.

While all surgery carries the small risk of bleeding or infection, these are extremely unlikely with liposuction. Most patients do experience bruising and swelling. The small scars are a little red initially, but are small, well-hidden, and should fade with time. Liposuction can result in rippling, sagging skin, or other contour irregularities. Occasionally, a second procedure is necessary to treat this. While the vast majority of patients experience none of these complications, feel free to discuss each of them with Dr. Bartell to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of liposuction. You can decrease your risk of any complications by consulting a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who performs liposuction on a regular basis, like Dr. Bartell.

Planning Your Surgery

There is no charge nor obligation for consultations for liposuction. At your initial consultation, Dr. Bartell will listen to your concerns, describe the procedure, and show you numerous "before" and "after" photographs of previous patients. You will receive a firm price quote for the procedure which includes the fees for the surgery and anesthesia.

Once the decision to undergo surgery has been made, Dr. Bartell will meet with you to perform a history and physical examination. Be sure to inform Dr. Bartell if you have any allergies; if you're taking any medications (prescription or over-the-counter), and if you smoke. He will also give you prescriptions for any medications you may need for before and after the surgery. You will receive a printed set of pre- and post-operative instructions which will answer most of your questions regarding what you should do prior to your surgery date, what to have on hand at home for after your procedure, and what to do on the day of your surgery. Dr. Bartell will review these instructions with you but it is important to read these instructions carefully on your own and keep them accessible for easy reference.

The Surgery

Dr. Bartell performs liposuction surgeries in his private surgery suite contained within his Westside medical offices. Working with him in the operating room is his top-notch support team of surgical specialists. Many patients don't realize that when surgical procedures are performed in hospitals, the surgeon is assigned members of his/her support team for each surgery by the hospital. Surgeons never know with whom they'll be working until the day of the operation. Because Dr. Bartell is an independent practitioner utilizing his own in-house surgical facility, he can hand-pick his surgical support group from among the large local pool of medical professionals. Consistently using the same core group of exceptional surgical specialists provides Dr. Bartell maximum operational control and efficacy, while assuring his surgical patients a consistent level of superior care and technical expertise.

The procedure is performed using a general anesthetic, so you'll sleep through the entire operation. Surgery usually lasts between one and two hours. Once you're asleep, Dr. Bartell makes a few small incisions where the scars won't be seen. Fluid is introduced into the areas to be treated. This is done to decrease any bleeding and to aid in the sculpting" of the fat. Next, Dr. Bartell uses a variety of cannulas (hollow tube instruments) to vacuum the fat layers under the skin. Afterwards, the incisions are closed with sutures, and an elastic compression garment is placed. This will help the swelling resolve as quickly as possible. Most patients spend a short time in the recovery area and go home after only a few hours. You will need to arrange a ride home from the surgery center, and make sure you have someone stay with, or watch over you at home for at least 24 hours after completion of the procedure.

After Surgery

With liposuction, you can't see the results right away, so don't expect to look and feel great immediately after surgery. You might even be a little heavier for a while, because of the extra fluids which have been given. The suctioned areas will be bruised and swollen, and you may feel a burning sensation. The pain is usually controlled with prescription medications, though you may feel stiff, sore and numb for a few days.

Healing is a gradual process. You should start walking as soon as possible, but avoid other more strenuous exercise for two to four weeks. Stitches will be removed in about five days, and most patients can be back at work within five to seven days. The compression garment is worn as much as possible for about three weeks. Direct sun exposure should be avoided as long as any bruising persists.

While most of the swelling and discoloration will be gone one month after surgery, some swelling can remain for six months or more. This means that the final result from the procedure usually takes several months to become fully apparent.

Liposuction is a highly effective technique for providing a new body contour with minimal scarring. The results can be permanent, providing you eat sensibly and exercise regularly. Most patients are very satisfied with the results of their liposuction--they feel more comfortable in their clothing and more at ease with their body image. Your decision to have liposuction is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If the procedure results meet your pre-operative goals, then your surgery is truly a success.

For More Information

If you would like more information about Dr. Bartell or any cosmetic surgical procedure or to make an appointment, you may contact us by mail, phone, fax or E-mail:

By mail: 6418 Normandy Lane, Suite 210 Madison, WI 53719

By phone: 608-271-0500

By fax: 608-271-0502

By E-mail: bartell@execpc.com

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