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Liposuction
Liposuction (or lipoplasty) is a body-sculpting procedure to remove fat that is unresponsive to dieting and exercising. This procedure can be applied to nearly any area of the body and is commonly used on multiple areas during an operation. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mary Snyder uses liposuction to give her patients a slimmer and better proportioned figure. Scottsbluff, Fort Collins and Cheyenne residents choose liposuction to effectively reduce love handles, saddlebags, a double-chin, a bulge around the waistline, or other unsightly fatty deposits in order to develop a better shape and create a more beautiful body.
Reasons for Considering Liposuction
Women and men consider liposuction to create a more proportioned figure by eliminating pockets of fat many areas of the body including:
- Chin and Neckline
- Back
- Upper Arms
- Stomach and Waistline
- Hips and Buttocks
- Thighs and Knees
- Calves and Ankles
Liposuction is not a replacement for proper exercise and diet. Instead, liposuction is a reduction procedure for stubborn areas where fat accumulates. Used in combination with several areas of the body, liposuction can provide a well proportioned body appearance. Ideal surgical candidates are those already in good physical condition but have stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. Many Fort Collins, Scottsbluff and Cheyenne plastic surgery patients who choose liposuction also may benefit from a tummy tuck procedure, which helps to sculpt the abdominal area by tightening muscles and removing excess fat and skin.
General Procedure
Liposuction can be done under general anesthesia with the patient asleep or under local anesthesia where the area is numbed and the patient remains awake. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannel is inserted and used to vacuum out the fatty tissue beneath the skin. 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 by applying a compression dressing or bandage to the area in order to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area.
There are several different types of liposuction procedures, such as tumescent or ultrasound liposuction, that have developed as a result of recent advancements in new technologies. Together the Fort Collins or Cheyenne patient and the plastic 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.
Recovery for Nebraska and Cheyenne Liposuction Patients
New techniques allow for faster recovery from liposuction procedures. The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive of an operation the patient undergoes. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. 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. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the directions given after surgery.
To help with recovery, we offer therapeutic massage packages through Becky's Therapeutic Massage and Day Spa with your surgery to decrease swelling and speed healing.
Getting Started
Would you like to learn more about liposuction? Request an appointment online with Dr. Mary Snyder or call her at the office of Scottsbluff Plastic Surgery at 308-630-1600. We serve patients from the Western Nebraska communities of Scottsbluff, Alliance, and Ogallala. We also see patients from Cheyenne, Wyoming, Fort Collins, Colorado, and towns in Western South Dakota such as Rapid City for cosmetic surgery services.
