Is Liposuction for You?
Here’s what you should know about getting board-certified Colorado Springs liposuction surgery:
Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat through a suctioning process. Although it is not a substitute for weight loss, it is a way of changing the body’s shape and contour. Liposuction can be used to remove excess fat that does not respond to exercise and dieting, including fat around the thighs, stomach, upper arms, buttocks, or the waistline. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of the procedure on the neck or face.
In 2008, liposuction was the second most common cosmetic surgery procedure for women and the third most common cosmetic surgery for men.
Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified Colorado Springs plastic surgeon, Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, offers liposuction procedures for men and women who want to enhance the appearance and their body. The procedures are very safe with durable results. Dr. Liebscher consults with you one-on-one and pays close attention to what results you want to see … natural, comfortable and esthetically pleasing.
VIDEO: Liposuction
In this video, Dr. Greg Liebscher explains liposuction and the associated risks and likely outcomes:
Liposuction Procedure Details
(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.
Understanding Your Risks
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.
Insurance
Acceptable payment for procedures and consultations includes cash, major credit card, and most insurances (BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, Cofinity, Great West, Humana/Choice Care, Kaiser, Medical Network, Tricare, RMHP, United Health Care). Financing is also available.
About Dr. Greg Liebscher
Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, is a Mayo Clinic-trained, ASPS Member Surgeon, & ABPS board-certified Colorado Springs plastic surgeon. Learn more about Dr. Liebscher and his credentials:
» Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon, Greg Liebscher, MD, FACS
Schedule a Consultation
To schedule a consultation, call:
719-634-2503
Please note: Consultations are covered by most insurances and may require a physician’s referral. In some cases, consultations are provided free of charge. Please contact your insurance company for coverage details.
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