Frustrated by stubborn fat? Looking for more definition? Liposuction may be the answer for you!
Despite a strict diet and exercise, there may be areas of fat that are difficult or nearly impossible to burn. Fat distribution is a combination of genetics and lifestyle choices. Although you can change what you eat and how much you work out, it’s not possible to change your genes. Many patients come to us complaining of inheriting “my mother’s arms” or “my father’s double chin.” Liposuction may be the solution, whether you’re looking to remove fat from a targeted area, or looking for a total body makeover. Five things you need to know:
1. Liposuction is minimally invasive
Very small incisions are needed, usually less than 1 cm. The incisions are usually hidden in a natural crease in your body, or somewhere you can easily conceal in a bathing suit or undergarment. The incision is just enough to fit a small canula. The canula is a thin, long wand that is used to inject tumescent solution to control bleeding and to remove the fat.
2. Liposuction requires little downtime
Most patients are back to work in a week. The majority of the swelling and bruising occurs in the first few days after liposuction. The compression garment helps bring down the swelling. Since the incisions are very small, you don’t have large cuts that need to be healed.
3. Liposuction can target many different areas
Liposuction can target fatty pockets all over your body. Common areas are the abdomen and flanks. You may be surprised of all the other popular areas that can be liposuctioned:
- Neck (double chin)
- Upper back and under arms (bra roll)
- Knees
- Inner thighs (thigh gap)
- Outer thighs and hips
- Upper thighs just below the buttocks (banana roll)
- Upper arms (batwings)
- Breasts for women (breast reduction)
- Breasts for men (gynecomastia or man boobs)
4. Liposuction can be done awake under local
Liposuction can be done asleep under general anesthesia or awake under local anesthesia. It all depends on how much fat you want removed and your general comfort. For small areas of fat, liposuction awake with local may be a good option. For larger areas, Dr. Bitar recommends going to sleep for your added comfort.
5. Liposuction can totally transform your body
Liposuction is an incredibly versatile tool that can sculpt the body of your dreams. High-definition liposuction can be used to create six-pack abs for both men and women. It’s not just a tool to reduce fat, but to chisel and sculpt the entire body. Liposuction can be used to create many different body types, whether you’re looking for a lean, athletic figure or curvaceous hour-glass physic.
Interested in learning more? Book your consultation with Dr. Bitar today.
Dr. Cassie Ngheim is a plastic surgery fellow with Bitar Institute.
