As we age, most of us develop areas of fat on our bodies that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Men typically carry these stubborn fat deposits around their waist and flanks. If you’re frustrated with your appearance, liposuction may be a good option.
Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss.
Liposuction is a method of removing localized areas of fat. Liposuction can be performed on the chin, neck, abdomen and flanks.
Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Bartell, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and learn how body liposuction can help you achieve the look you desire.
Best Candidates for Body Liposuction
The best candidates for liposuction are healthy and maintain a relatively average weight, but have 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 contour and may require an additional procedure to surgically remove excess skin. Liposuction will not improve the dimpled skin known as cellulite.
Liposuction is not recommended if:
- You’ve had surgery in the area to be sculpted.
- You have poor blood circulation in the area.
- You have heart or lung disease.
- You are generally overweight.
While liposuction can enhance your appearance and boost your self-confidence, you may not be able to achieve your ideal image. The best way to know if liposuction is right for you is to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Bartell will discuss your needs and options, explain the procedure in more detail, and share body liposuction before and after pictures from his practice. He can also provide a firm quote for your liposuction procedure.
Potential Risks of Body Liposuction
Thousands of liposuction procedures are performed successfully every year. Modern techniques are very safe and almost always result in a happy patient.
Complications are rare, but you should know the risks before surgery:
- Bleeding or infection. Possible in any surgery, but extremely unusual.
- Skin contour irregularities.
- Occasionally, rippling sagging skin will need to be treated with a second procedure.
Most patients experience bruising and swelling. The scars are a little red initially, but are small, well hidden and should fade with time.
Please feel free to talk with Dr. Bartell about the risks and consequences of liposuction. One of the best ways to decrease your risk is to choose a surgeon who is highly experienced in performing liposuction and is a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bartell.
Planning for Your Body Liposuction
A body liposuction consultation with Dr. Bartell, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is free. There’s no obligation.
At your free consultation, Dr. Bartell will listen to your concerns, describe the procedure, and show you numerous liposuction before and after photos of previous patients. You will receive a firm liposuction price quote, which includes all associated fees. Financing information is also available.
If you decide to have liposuction, Dr. Bartell will meet with you to perform a history and physical examination.
Be sure to inform Dr. Bartell if you:
- Have allergies
- Take any medications (prescription or over-the-counter)
- Smoke
Dr. Bartell will give you prescriptions for any medications you may need before and after the surgery. You will receive a printed set of pre- and postoperative instructions. These will prepare you for what you should do before surgery, what to have on hand at home for afterward, and what to do on the day of your surgery. Dr. Bartell will review these instructions with you, but it’s important to read these instructions carefully on your own and keep them accessible for easy reference.
The Surgery–Body Liposuction
Liposuction 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 to decrease bleeding and to aid in the sculpting of fat. Next, Dr. Bartell uses a variety of cannulas (hollow tube instruments) to vacuum the fat layers under the skin. He closes the incisions with sutures. An elastic compression garment is placed around the treated area to 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. Make sure you have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours.
Dr. Bartell performs most liposuction procedures at his Madison office. Take a tour of Dr. Bartell’s fully accredited, private surgery suite and meet his topnotch surgical support team.
After Surgery–Body Liposuction
With liposuction, you can’t see the results right away. Don’t expect to look and feel great immediately after surgery. You might even be a little heavier for a while because of the fluids given during surgery. The suctioned areas will be bruised and swollen and you may feel a burning sensation. The pain is usually controlled with prescription medications, although you may feel 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. Most patients can be back at work within five to seven days. Wear the compression garment as much as possible for about three weeks. Avoid direct sun exposure 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 longer. This means that the final outcome of liposuction usually takes several months to become fully apparent.
Satisfaction
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.