Columbia Plastic Surgery K. Dwayne Fulks, M.D. 38401

Liposuction

lipo Body Sculpting procedures are designed to recountour certain troublesome areas of your body that are disproportinate to the surrounding areas. While there maybe some "overall effects" of these operations, clearly it is not our plan to "make you skinny".

Body countouring surgeries are design to establish a balance in shapes. It is the goal of this "family" of procedures to remove excessive areas of fat, skin or laxity to establish more favorable countours. This provides patients to overcome damage to their body that occured because of pregnancy, weight loss or long standing established problems in many areas such as the neck, chest, back arms, abdomen, legs or buttocks

Nothing is anymore important than establishing realistic expectations and that only comes by understanding the procedure, the surgical approach and the associated recovery. During your consultation, these issues and expectations will be discussed in a very personal way so that you will have a clear understanding as you endeavor to make your decision.

Who is a Candidate?

If you have excess subcutaneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise.
If you wish to change the contours of your body. Commonly involved areas are the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits, male Chest/breasts, trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves, and ankles.
Most patients are near normal weight and desire permanent contour changes.
The "tumescent" technique allows larger amounts of fat removal. Liposculpture can be useful to heavier persons as well.

Intended Result

A permanent improvement in the contour and proportion of the treated areas.
A more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing.

Procedure Description

The procedures are done on an outpatient basis.
Local, IV sedation and general anesthesia can be used for safety and comfort.
Small suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted through very short incisions placed in inconspicuous locations near the fat deposits, and excess fat is removed.

Recuperation and Healing

The patient goes home with a compression garment (or tape) covering the treated areas. Compression is advised for about a month as it helps reduce swelling and helps you achieve the final result more quickly. Once pain and soreness decrease, it is frequently more comfortable to wear lycra or spandex exercise pants.
Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2-4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2-3 months.

Other Options

Additional procedures that may enhance the result are Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Thigh Lift, or Buttock Lift.

The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.