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WHAT IS LIPOSUCTION?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery technique introduced several years ago to remove stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise. In women, these fatty bulges are commonly found in the hips, abdomen, buttocks, outer thighs, inner thighs, knees, calves, ankles, and arms. In men, these fat deposits tend to accumulate in the abdomen and sides of the waist. Men with gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) can also benefit from the procedure. Fat deposits are also commonly found in the facial areas such as the chin, jowls, and neck. Liposuction is a procedure which allows both men and women to improve the contours of their bodies through a simple and safe technique. Any area where excess fat has accumulated can be treated with liposuction, but it is important to note that the procedure is not designed to correct general obesity, and is not meant to replace good eating and exercise habits.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
The best candidates for liposuction are men and women in good physical condition with good skin elasticity and realistic expectations. "Realistic" means that improvement, not always perfection, is the goal. Women and men of all ages can be treated with liposuction, but each patient must be personally assessed by Dr. Badame to determine whether they are a suitable candidate for the surgery.
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
Dr. Badame performs liposuction utilizing the tumescent technique. This involves injecting the area to be suctioned with a special fluid/anesthetic combination prior to suctioning. The fluid constricts the surrounding blood vessels, making the procedure virtually bloodless, while minimizing the pain. Dr. Badame then makes a small incision, approximately 1/8 inch or less, in the skin and inserts a thin tube (cannula) attached to a high pressure vacuum. The fat is first loosened from the surrounding tissue by moving the tube back and forth and is then removed from the body with the suction device. The amount of fat removed is artistically determined by feeling the skin and pinching the tissue. After surgery is complete, bandages and a compression garment are applied to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and provide support.
CAN DIET AND EXERCISE ALONE GIVE ME THE SAME RESULTS AS LIPOSUCTION?
No. Studies have shown that certain areas of fat accumulation are minimally responsive to diet and exercise. While we encourage everyone to eat properly and exercise, only liposuction can effectively eliminate resistant fat deposits.
IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED IN THE OFFICE OR HOSPITAL?
Tumescent liposuction is an office procedure. There is no need to be treated in the hospital operating room. As a result, hospital facility fees and anesthesiologist fees are eliminated making the procedure much more affordable.
IS LIPOSUCTION SAFE?
When liposuction is performed strictly by the tumescent method, no serious complications have resulted. Dr. Badame performs only tumescent liposuction especially for this reason among others. Repeat or additional procedures can always be performed and are at times recommended to perfectly sculpt the body.
