Liposuction Denver

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to remove localized areas of fat from the body through a small thin tube called a cannula. The fat from the targeted area is suctioned from the body through this tube to help patients achieve a slim and balanced appearance.

While the conventional liposuction procedure was effective in removing excessive fat deposits, it was a painful procedure that involved suctioning out large areas of solid fat. New technology has allowed for different techniques that improve the accuracy and reduce the pain associated with this procedure. Today, liposuction is usually performed via the tumescent technique, which breaks of fat cells and also provides for temporary profound numbness and vasoconstriction, making it easier to suction the fat, allowing for more fat to be suctioned safely and providing for less post-operative pain. Additionally smaller cannula size and ultrasound tipped cannulas add to the beneficial results. These new technologies have transformed liposuction into a much safer and less invasive procedure.

Candidates for Liposuction

The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who is in good overall health and maintains a healthy life, but has one or more problem areas with unresponsive fat deposits. It is also important for patients to have realistic expectations, and remember that liposuction cannot be used as a means for major weight loss. It is instead used to remove localized areas of stubborn fat after the patient has attempted other natural weight loss methods. In fact, since fat, volume-to-volume, weighs less than water, significant weight loss is not appreciated after liposuction even though large "volumes" are removed.

Liposuction can be used to treat localized fat deposits within the:

This procedure may be performed alone, or can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift, breast reduction or tummy tuck, to achieve maximum happiness.

Procedure

There are several different techniques currently available for patients seeking liposuction treatment. New technologies have improved the accuracy of this procedure for both patient and doctor, and allow patients to achieve their desired results through a much less invasive procedure. Liposuction is performed through a tumescent technique, and may also include the assistance of an ultrasound tipped cannula.

Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. Several tiny incisions are made and an infusion of the tumescent fluid (which contains a local anesthetic and a local vasoconstrictor) is performed into the space to be suctioned. This tumescent fluid expands the fat territory, breaking up fat thereby making it easier to remove. After the tumescent fluid has been injected, a cannula is then inserted through the same incisions and the fat is suctioned. The tiny access incisions are sometimes closed and sometimes not, depending upon the desire of the patient.

Recovery and Results

After the liposuction procedure, patients may experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area. Compression garment is worn for at least 6 weeks to help reduce these symptoms, as well as potential ripples and dimples, while the areas heal. Patients can return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which is usually after a few days. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks.

Dr. Bershof will give you special instructions on how to care for your treated area and reduce any complications after the procedure. The results of the liposuction procedure may not be completely visible until after swelling and bruising subside. This may take several months, and results will appear gradually throughout this time.

The results of liposuction can be permanent, as long as patients maintain a healthy and active life. If substantial weight is gained after this procedure, the results may be altered, such as re-depositing fat in the areas already suctioned, or depositing fat in other areas.

Risks

Although liposuction is considered safe, there are certain risks associated with any type of procedure. Some of these risks may include infection, scarring, allergic reactions, hematoma, ripples, dimples, unevenness, asymmetry or unsatisfactory results. Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures and is almost always performed with no serious complications.

You can minimize potential risks by choosing an experienced doctor and by following post-operative instructions before and after your procedure. To learn more about the liposuction procedure, we encourage you to call us today and schedule a consultation.