What is liposuction?
When you gain weight you grow adipocytes (fat cells) that fill with lipid (fat) and when you lose weight those fat cells empty out the lipid but stay in place. So they are there to simply fill again making you gain weight. This is one of the reasons why it is easy to gain weight and why repeated gaining and losing weight with dieting makes it harder to stay trim in the long run. You fill up with fat cells.
Unlike dieting, liposuction removes those fat cells permanently in addition to the lipid. It puts that area of your body back in sync with the rest of you so that even if you again gain weight it will be more evenly distributed because the excess cells in your trouble area are gone for good. In fact, a number of patients have had liposuction and have subsequently gained weight. The areas originally treated by liposuction have maintained their new shape, and even though they are heavier they still have a more desirable silhouette.
What areas can liposuction treat?
Liposuction is one of the only ways to direct weight loss efforts to trouble spots where we tend to deposit fat the most. Since fat exists under the skin over the entire body virtually any area can be treated using liposuction in both men and women. The most common areas that people want treated are the typical trouble spots where fat tends to accumulate with age. The bulging bellies, love handles, outer thighs (saddle bags) and the double chin are some of the most common. Arms, back (below the bra line) and inner thighs are common also. Breast reduction is also a sought after procedure to add a more youthful look and remove back and neck strain.
Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
Patients considering liposuction must first be in good health. Chronic illness such as diabetes or poorly controlled hypertension or heart disease may exclude you from liposuction. There is no definite age limit. Older folks can be good candidates if they are in good health. Younger patients need to be mature enough to make a responsible decision about their health and appearance. There also is not a weight limit for patients who are otherwise good candidates for liposuction. Most of our patients are of normal weight with localized accumulations of fat. However, some of our happiest patients have been individuals who are somewhat obese. It is important to emphasize that liposuction is not a treatment for general obesity. Liposuction surgery is not a substitute for a prudent diet, good nutrition, and regular exercise and should not be seen as a last resort for people who are unable to lose weight. However, an overweight person whose weight has been stable for many years and has certain problems areas of fat may be an excellent candidate for liposuction and are some of the most satisfied patients.
What options do I have if I am not a candidate for liposuction?
Men and women who experience a rapid deflation of their body due to fat loss typically have relatively poor skin quality. The skin has lost its elastic properties. This lack of elasticity is evident through stretch marks and cellulite (which are classic signs of permanent skin damage). These patients are NOT candidates for liposuction since removing more fat from already damaged and deflated skin makes the sagging skin appear even worse. For such cases, excisional techniques are ideal. The issue here is skin and muscular laxity as opposed to excess fat cells. Unfortunately, liposuction is only effective in eliminating excess fatty tissue. Luckily, we offer cosmetic surgery procedures that address saggy skin in our Chattanooga, Tennessee offices.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons,a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) is the fifth most common plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States. Individuals interested in a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) seek to improve the appearance of a protruding abdomen after a lack of results from traditional methods such as weight loss through dieting and muscle strengthening. By removing excess skin in the mid to lower abdomen and tightening lax skin and muscles below the navel,
a tummy tuck
contours the body by redefining the abdominal area and promotes the appearance of a narrowed waist line.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
If you are experiencing a case of "bat arms" or "wings", an arm lift (Brachioplasty)could be the solution for you.
An arm lift is a surgical procedure that eliminates and tightens loose skin from the arm, giving you a more toned appearance.It is also a great way to combat the effects of gravity, aging and reduced skin elasticity.
Thigh Lift
Sometimes, liposuction alone can take care of unsightly thighs, but if extremely loose skin exists, a thigh lift may be the only solution.The most common type of thigh lift is a medial lift.
A medial lift eliminates fatty tissue and tightens loose skin of the inner thigh.The incision is made at the inner crease of the leg and is closed by dissolvable sutures. Some patients elect to combine this procedure with a butt lift. This combination is known as a spiral lift. A spiral lift is ideal for patients with loose skin on the inner thighs, sagging skin on the buttocks and a poorly defined gluteal crease.
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