how does liposuction work

December 4, 2014

Liposuction: When Diet & Exercise Just Aren’t Enough

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Each year around this time, many of us may reflect on the year as it closes and optimistically plan a resolution for the New Year that we hope to succeed at. Often times getting in shape is a top resolution for patients because let’s be honest, winter months can be brutal on your waistline! To help you succeed in trimming down, even the best diet and exercise regimen simply won’t do the trick. For this reason, many patients seek liposuction as a way to rid themselves of the stubborn fat deposits that separate them from a better physique.

liposuction in atlanta alpharetta georgia We can all sympathize with the notion that there are certain areas of our body that we would like to see more fit. Spending time in the gym or eating proper foods are great for keeping yourself active and healthy, but when it comes to targeting the fat cells trapped between the skin and muscle it’s likely body contouring procedures may be your answer. Many patients must agree as liposuction continues to rank as one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States, with 200,000 performed in 2013 alone according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Liposuction is performed through small, tiny incisions. I prefer to use the tumescent liposuction technique because the small micro-cannula inserted into the deeper layers of fat allows precise body contouring and predictably successful liposuction results. Exercise and diet resistant fat pockets can be removed permanently from many areas of the body including: the abdomen, thighs, ankles, inner knees and even under the chin. Many of my patients notice improvement in their body’s contours shortly after surgery, with continued improvement over several weeks or even months depending on how quickly each patient’s body heals.

Another added benefit of liposuction is that the removed unwanted fat can be used for fat transfer procedures. After I purify the donated fat, I am able to re-inject it into another area of the body for added volume. There has been much success for augmenting the breasts or face for additional fullness. The most important thing I like to remind my patients is that while liposuction can produce great results, it is certainly not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. Once the fat deposits are removed, they are gone for good; however, if weight gain increases and new fat deposits form from poor exercise and diet routines, your results can be reversed and may require additional procedures for maintain maintenance.

If you are interested in learning more about liposuction, body contouring or any other cosmetic plastic surgery procedure I perform, please contact us with any questions you may have. Don’t forget to connect with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest news.

January 21, 2014

What Happens During Liposuction?

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Liposuction, one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, reshapes areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits. The desire for shapely contour and a more equally proportionate appearance often encourages patients to seek treatment on stubborn fat pockets on the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, and even places as small as the ankles and inner knee. Addressing these seemingly insignificant areas of fat can enhance the self-image of the patient, an imperative objective of cosmetic surgery for board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott.

Commonly, people inquire as to how liposuction works. While techniques vary from surgeon to surgeon, Dr. Elliott prefers the tumescent liposuction method using a solution of local anesthetic and saline and a small micro-cannula that allows for smaller incisions. When the cannula is inserted into the layer of fat beneath the skin and above the muscle, the fat cells are suctioned out safely and efficiently. By utilizing this technique, Dr. Elliott minimizes the risk of surgical complications in order to achieve a new, more contoured aesthetic. There are other methods of liposuction, such as laser assisted or power assisted, but these techniques have not been shown to be more effective or have less complications or recovery time. However, they are more expensive and are heavily marketed.

Dr. Elliott likes to remind patients that liposuction is not a solution for weight loss. Gaining weight after liposuction is just as possible as it can be before liposuction: Eating more calories than you burn can cause weight gain, as can lack of physical activity. However, if weight gain occurs after liposuction, fat cells will generally increase in another area of the body rather than the areas where liposuction was performed. Despite fat cells being removed from the liposuctioned area, it is important to remain conscious of healthy living and maintain a healthy weight. Depending on skin elasticity, which often decreases as age increases, skin should shrink back to the size following the procedure.

If you are interested in liposuction or other body contouring services, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation. Connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery news and information.