Body
If you struggle day in and day out with your figure, whether it be unwanted body fat or disfiguration, plastic surgery just might be the answer that helps you feel comfortable with who you are and your body. The procedures to include liposuction and tummy tucks, to name a few, are safer than they have ever been before with extremely positive results.
Important: You should understand that the circumstances and experience of every individual will be unique. If you’re considering cosmetic plastic surgery, you’re welcome to consult with Dr. Liebscher for further information about the particular procedure and what you expect. In addition, please note that all surgery carries some uncertainty and risk, including the possibility of infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia. You can obviously reduce your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Gregory Liebscher, and closely follow his or her advice, both before and after surgery.
You’re welcome to schedule a free and private consultation with Dr. Liebscher to discuss what cosmetic plastic surgery procedures could help enhance your body features.
Please note: Reconstructive plastic surgery consultations are not free and covered by insurance in most cases.
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Procedures
LIPOSUCTION
(Suction-Assisted Lipectomy)
Procedure:
Improve body shape by removing exercise-resistant fat deposits with a tube and vacuum device. Can be performed using the tumescent technique, in which targeted fat cells are infused with saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before liposuction to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Common locations for liposuction include chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, above breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles.
For larger volumes of fat or for fibrous body areas, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) may be used. UAL is a new technique in which an ultrasound probe is inserted beneath the skin to “liquify” the fat before it is suctioned.
Length:
1 to 2 hours or more. UAL: 20-40 percent longer than traditional liposuction.
Anesthesia:
General.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient. Extensive procedures may require short inpatient stay.
Side Effects:
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation. Tumescent: Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. UAL: Larger incisions for cannula.
Risks:
Asymmetry. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Pigmentation changes. Skin injury. Fluid retention. Excessive fluid loss leading to shock. Infection. UAL: thermal burn injury caused by the heat from the ultrasound device.
Recovery:
Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising: 1 to 6 months or more. Use of tumescent technique or UAL may decrease post-operative bruising and swelling.
Duration of Results:
Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise.
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TUMMY TUCK
(Abdominoplasty)
Procedure:
Flatten abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles of abdominal wall.
Length:
2 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia:
General.
In/Outpatient:
Either depending on individual circumstances and extent of surgery, but usually outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months.
Risks:
Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Need for a second operation.
Recovery:
Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years.
Duration of Results:
Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise.
