Frequently Asked Liposuction Questions
For Patients in Orlando and Winter Park, Florida
What is liposuction?
It’s a procedure first performed in 1974 in which fat cells are suctioned out of the body, leaving a new slimmer contour. It’s not a method to lose weight. A good candidate for liposuction is someone who has genuinely worked at diet and exercise to lose weight, and has trimmed down some, but for whatever reason cannot lose fat from specific areas of the body. A person who is unable to eat a healthy diet and exercise, and who has liposuction done to lose weight (assuming they find a physician to do that), will only gain that weight right back, because of their lack of discipline.
For liposuction, the Dr. Greenberg makes a small inconspicuous incision at or near the area to be worked on, inserts a narrow tube called a cannula, and uses equipment that carefully suctions out unwanted fatty tissue. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia in our in office accredited surgical facility or in a hospital under certain circumstances.
What is “tumescent liposuction”?
Tumescent liposuction is a method of performing liposuction that involves the use of only injectable, local anesthesia. The surgeon injects a large amount of saline solution containing lidocaine for local anesthesia and epinephrine to temporarily shrink the blood vessels and thus reduce bleeding.
The injection of this “wetting” solution has significantly decreased the amount of bruising, bleeding and discomfort previously associated with liposuction. In Dr. Greenberg’s opinion, many times adequate anesthesia to treat multiple areas is not able to be maintained with this as the sole method of anesthesia so most times our patients are treated using general anesthesia using the wetting solution to control bleeding and swelling.
How do I know whether I’m a candidate for liposuction?
Ideal candidates are in good health, regularly exercise, are usually no more than 25 pounds overweight, and have specific concerns about one or more specific areas of your body which stubbornly refuse to slim down.
Realistic expectations are a must, and Dr. Greenberg will take all the time you need to help you understand the procedure and how it would be best done for you.
How long does liposuction take?
It depends on how many areas you want treated. It can take an hour, or more than 3 hours.
How long would I have to be off work?
Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous activities including work within a week after the procedure. Strenuous activities including exercise can usually be resumed after 3 weeks.
Will there be a scar?
Yes but the scars are only 2-3 mm in length and are placed in inconspicuous places so they should be barely noticeable.
What are the risks of liposuction?
The risks depend on a number of factors, such as your general health to begin with, the surgeon’s ability and care, and your post-op hygiene. There are risks with any surgical procedure but if you are in good general health, these risks are rare and should not deter a well motivated candidate.
What sort of plastic surgeons can do liposuction?
There’s no specific license for liposuction. So in theory, any doctor could do it. But it’s a surgical procedure and demands surgical skill and experience to achieve the best results with minimum complications. You should choose a doctor who’s certified by the ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery), as Dr. Greenberg is.
Is liposuction permanent?
Yes, in the sense that those fat cells that were removed are gone. So if you live a balanced lifestyle, with a healthy diet and regular activity, only aging itself will cause further change in your silhouette.
However, if you gain a significant amount of weight, you will see recurrence of those fat collections that were previously removed.
Whatever your hopes and ideas are on having liposuction, we will take all the time necessary to answer your questions so the best decision can be made for your particular circumstances.
To learn more about your liposuction options or to schedule your liposuction consultation, please call or e-mail Orlando plastic surgeon Dr. Greenberg today. Dr. Greenberg serves plastic surgery patients in Orlando and Winter Park, Florida.
