Candidates for liposuction include men and women who are 18 years of age or older and are unhappy with their appearance due to areas of excess fat on the body. It is important to understand that liposuction is not a cure for obesity. Most liposuction patients have tried to lose weight through traditional means, such as diet and exercise, and are seeking surgical enhancement to help them achieve their goals.

This procedure is more appropriate for patients with localized fat bulges that may be genetic and have not been affected by weight reduction and exercise.

The quality of your skin is vital in determining the aesthetic outcome of the liposuction. Youthful, elastic skin will contract easily, usually leaving a smooth surface. Older persons, or those with very poor skin tone, may not be good candidates for liposuction alone. They may require surgical removal of excess skin—for example, an abdominoplasty and thigh or buttocks lifts—done in conjunction with or instead of liposuction.

Liposuction is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia and may take about two hours; this varies based on the amount of fat to be removed. Smaller areas, like the neck, can be suctioned using only local anesthesia. Dr. Sweeney offers traditional and ultrasound liposuction at the Orlando Face and Body Plastic Surgery. When performing both types of liposuction, a small incision is made in an inconspicuous area near the area to be suctioned. Sterile saline with lidocaine and epinephrine is injected into the fat to help provide anesthesia, as well as minimize bruising and blood loss. This is commonly known as the tumescent technique. Next, a narrow, blunt-ended, hollow surgical instrument—called a cannula—will be inserted through the incision to sculpt the area by removing an appropriate amount of excess fat. After the fat has been suctioned, the incisions are closed with a few tiny sutures, and an elastic garment or binder is applied to help skin heal smoothly and minimize swelling.

After liposuction, surgery patients are able to safely recover at home and return to work in about 3-6 days. Most patients typically experience swelling and some bruising. All patients will wear a compression garment for about four weeks after surgery. Most liposuction patients resume workouts and other strenuous activities about three weeks after surgery.

The results of liposuction are permanent, and your clothes will fit better. Fat cells that are removed do not return, but any fat cells remaining can still increase in size when you gain weight. If you gain weight following liposuction, it is possible to have some increased fat in the area treated, but, usually, other areas of the body will accumulate extra fat instead.

Dr. Sweeney and the staff of the Orlando Face and Body Plastic Surgery in Orlando, Florida will provide you with detailed written and verbal instructions on aftercare and will be available to address any questions or concerns that may arise.

Liposuction at the Orlando Face and Body Plastic Surgery offers you the opportunity to have annoying fat diminished almost immediately. Without liposuction, it can be difficult to achieve the slim appearance you want. We offer various options for liposuction treatment based on your personal goals. We invite you to contact our practice in Orlando, Florida, and set up your personal consultation with Dr. Walt Sweeney.