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Ask Dr. Elliott: What To Know About Liposuction

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Dr-Elliott-photoI am always happy to answer questions about cosmetic surgery that I receive from my patients. After all, cosmetic surgery can often be a complex matter and there is a lot for prospective patients to know while preparing for their procedure. Even surgeries as common as liposuction require considerable preparation in order to help promote the best and longest-lasting aesthetic results. That’s why I have taken time to answer some commonly asked questions about liposuction surgery.

Question #1: Which type of liposuction surgery do you most recommend?

Over the years, many different varieties of liposuction procedures have been introduced and become more commonplace. However, I have always preferred the more traditional surgical approach known as tumescent liposuction. This procedure utilizes a small tool called a micro-cannula that allows for smaller incisions and extremely precise results.

Question #2: Will liposuction also provide skin tightening results?

Tightening loose or stretched skin is not a result that liposuction patients should expect from their surgery. While it’s true that excess fat can lead to the skin becoming stretched, liposuction is only designed to remove fat and not address this skin laxity. Patients interested in tightening their skin may want to combine their liposuction with other body contouring procedures like tummy tuck surgery, a thigh lift, or arm lift surgery depending on the area they are interested in addressing.

Question #3: How can I maintain my liposuction results in the years following my surgery?

I understand that every patient wants their cosmetic surgery results to last. For liposuction patients, I recommend making healthy lifestyle choices like exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. While it’s true that liposuction will remove fat cells from the treated area, weight gain can lead to new fat accumulation in these areas.

Patient education is a responsibility that I have always taken very seriously. I hope that patients considering liposuction surgery found these answers helpful and informative. For more information on liposuction or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow me on Facebook for additional cosmetic surgery tips, news, and much more.

Study Supports Permanent Fat Reduction Results from Liposuction

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Many people have stubborn fat that won’t budge despite hitting the gym each week and following a healthy diet.  Common bothersome areas include hips, legs, buttocks and abdomen. Liposuction (body contouring surgery) can help remove excess fat that does not respond well to diet and exercise.  With over 25 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures, Dr. Franklyn Elliott knows many patients are frequently frustrated by these localized fat deposits.

There may be more benefits of liposuction than people previously suspected. This surgical procedure has been used to remove excess fat for many years, with promises of permanent results. New research further supports this theory according to a study in the August issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, fat cells do not return to areas treated with liposuction nor are they redistributed to other areas of the body after liposuction. Previous reports suggested that fat returns to untreated areas, specifically the abdomen, shoulders, and arms within a year of the procedure.

The study evaluated 301 patients who had liposuction, either alone or with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The study showed no evidence of fat returning to treated areas or migrating to untreated areas. Liposuction remains one of the top five cosmetic procedures performed each year according to American Society of Plastic Surgeons with men accounting for 23,000 of 205,000 total liposuction procedures in 2011.

Although liposuction can help reduce areas of concern, it is not a cure all for excess weight and is not a replacement for exercise and a healthy lifestyle.  This body contouring surgery improves the body’s silhouette and can even improve the results of other plastic surgery procedures like breast reduction or a tummy tuck.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle prior to and after surgery is key for an optimal outcome.

If you are interested in cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery for the body, breasts or face please contact our office today to set up a consultation. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest plastic surgery news and information.