Liposuction

Liposuction in McLean

THE SMART WAY TO LIPO

Often in laser lipo I see a common theme–women say that if they lose weight, either their faces look really hollow and gaunt or their boobs deflate.

Not for a short-cut to weight loss, but they sometimes choose liposuction to improve their contours in the areas where they have unnecessary fat, and preserve it in the areas where they have “desirable” fat.

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or liposculpture, is a body-sculpting procedure to remove fat deposits that are unresponsive to dieting and exercising. This procedure can be applied to many different areas of the body. Liposuction results in a slimmer and better proportioned figure.

Laser Lipo

(Smart Lipo Triplex, Laser Lipo, VaserLipo)

In the abdomen, liposuction can be used alone to decrease flank fullness (“love-handles”), and decrease the thickness of the abdominal wall. Sometimes, it is used in conjunction with an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, to provide the patient with the best possible results.

This mainly depends on the amount of excess skin and the quality of the skin in the abdomen, which will be evaluated during your initial consultation. This procedure can also be done in conjunction with other procedures such as the tummy tuck, fat grafting, or mommy make over in order to help contour the body to fit the desires of the patient.

Smart Lipo

Reasons for Considering Liposuction

  • Create a more proportioned figure
  • Contour the body

Eliminate fat from any of the following areas:

  • Chin and Neckline
  • Back
  • Upper Arms
  • Stomach and Waistline
  • Hips and Buttocks
  • Thighs and Knees
  • Calves and Ankles

Liposuction Versus Diet and Exercise

Liposuction is not a replacement for proper exercise and diet.  Patients that have excess weight will do better by starting with a professional diet regimen such as Weight Watchers® and with a regular exercise regimen.

Once natural weight loss is achieved, which takes a number of months, liposuction can be used to address stubborn areas to complete the transformation.

How Many Areas Can I Have Done?

Several areas can be liposuctioned on the same day. For your safety, we generally limit liposuction to approximately five liters of “aspirate.”

For some people, only one or two areas can be done before reaching this level, for others, four or five areas can be done.  This all depends on the amount of preexisting fat in the region.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Liposuction?

Liposuction is a popular procedure for persons looking to improve their body contour by reshaping areas of excess fat.  The best candidates are people looking to remove fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise.

Anesthesia

Liposuction is generally done under general anesthesia or under intravenous sedation.  When administered by a certified anesthesia provider, these techniques are very safe and provide patients with a comfortable experience.

Smaller areas can be performed under local anesthesia only where the area is numbed and the patient remains awake.  Dr. Singh has privileges at the best local hospitals to do the procedure either under general anesthesia or at our own accredited location under local anesthesia.

This will assure that he or she is recognized as qualified to perform the procedure by his or her peers.

General Procedure

Saddle Bags Liposuction

Through tiny incisions in the skin, an infiltrating cannula is inserted and “tumescent” fluid is infiltrated.  This fluid consists of a mixture composed of lactated ringer’s solution mixed with a local anesthetic (lidocaine), mixed with a constrictor of the blood vessels to decrease bleeding (epinephrine).

The solution is massaged and given time to work.  The amount of solution can differ between techniques ranging from a “super wet” technique where approximately the amount infiltrated is the same as the planned aspiration, to a “tumescent” technique where even more fluid is inserted.

The technique used will depend somewhat on the amount of total aspiration planned and your body habitus. After the infiltrate is given time to work, a narrow tube or “cannula” is inserted and used to vacuum out the fatty tissue beneath the skin.

Different sizes of cannulas with different lengths and apertures will be used according to each patient’s fat location.  The surgeon determines the amount of fat to be removed by massaging the skin and squeezing the tissue.  After eliminating the excess fat, the incisions are closed.

Compression

A compression dressing or bandage is applied to the area and will need to be worn for an extended period of time (approximately six weeks).  This will prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area.  There are a variety of specialty garments manufacturers that provide specialized wear for liposuction patients.

Variations on Techniques

There are several different types of “newer” liposuction procedures, such as ultrasonic and power assisted liposuction, that have developed as a result of recent advancements in new technologies.  These are especially useful in targeting areas where the fat is more fibrous, such as in the back or breast.

Together, the patient and the surgeon can discuss which method(s) are best during the initial consultation visit.  Liposuction can last from thirty minutes to several hours depending upon the amount of fat to be removed.

Liposuction surgery is an excellent procedure that can benefit those who want to remove unattractive fatty deposits. Lasers may be used to enhance the lipolysis and skin tightening associated with liposuction.

Recovery Process

Lipo Chest

The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive of an operation the patient undergoes.

A support garment may need to be worn for several weeks after the surgery, depending upon which area(s) are selected to utilize the liposuction procedure.

Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated effectively with oral medication.

Knee Liposuction (Kninkles)

Localized knee fat can make the legs appear shorter and shapeless, potentially impacting self confidence in women wearing short dresses, skirts or shorts.

Fatty deposits in this area of the legs can be very difficult to get rid of, even with proper diet and exercise. Knee liposuction alone can give a more slender and elongated appearance to the legs. This procedure can be done under local anesthesia and recovery time is about seven-to-10 days.

Cankles: What Are They and How to Get Rid of Them

Ankle

When most people think of shapely legs, they envision defined, muscular calves that taper towards the ankle. However, in the event that the calf does not narrow and merges with the ankle, it can produce cankles.

While cankles do not pose a medical threat, they can become a significant cosmetic concern and affect self-esteem.

Continue reading to learn all about cankles, including what they are and how to get rid of them.

WHAT ARE CANKLES?

Cankles are a term used to describe thick calves or ankles and occur when the calf lacks definition and blends with the ankle.

WHAT CAUSES CANKLES?

Cankles are caused by fat accumulation beneath the skin or an underlying medical condition, such as circulatory or lymphatic drainage issues.

HOW TO GET RID OF CANKLES?

If you are bothered by the appearance of your lower legs, you may be wondering – What are cankles and how do I get rid of them?

The good news is that cankles can easily be treated with liposuction. Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat pockets that have not responded to diet and exercise.

It can also reshape the area where the calf meets the ankle and improve definition and contours.

IS LIPOSUCTION FOR CANKLES SAFE?

When conducted by a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience, liposuction for cankles in an extremely safe procedure.

It is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and individuals are free to return home post-procedure.

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED DOWNTIME FOLLOWING CANKLE LIPO?

Following liposuction for cankles, patients may experience swelling, which typically resolves in two-to-three days. The use of compression stockings can help alleviate inflammation and promote proper healing.

Although individuals are able to resume most normal activities right away, they must refrain from intense exercise for two weeks or until they receive clearance from their surgeon.

READY TO GET RID OF YOUR CANKLES?

If you are considering liposuction to get rid of cankles, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Navin Singh.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS PROCEDURE

Dr. Singh, I love you! The difference is so noticeable already. I was used to being ‘hippy’ but when I go to put my hands on my hips…. there’s no extra jiggle there anymore. You are amazing. You changed my wardrobe and my life.

-I.K., Reston, VA

I went to a MediSpa first–and the doctor wasn’t even a board-certified plastic surgeon. The facility wasn’t accredited. It’s like going to a medical back alley dressed up as a spa. I ran–it was too much of a factory — meet the doctor, get lipo, leave, never follow-up with the same person. The cost was comparable for laser lipo with your office, and the quality was huge! I feel lucky to have found you guys. Keep up the good work.

-M.N., PG County, MD
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