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Liposuction in Phoenix, AZ

The Body Sculpting Center offers liposuction to residents of Scottsdale, Phoenix and the surrounding areas in Arizona.

Among the many body cosmetic procedures such as the tummy tuck and body lift, liposuction is often noted as the most popular of all. Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, back, chin, cheeks and neck. During the past decade, liposuction (which is also known as “lipoplasty” or “suction lipectomy”) has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are helping many cosmetic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Liposuction also serves as a terrific supplemental procedure to breast augmentation, breast reduction, and buttock contouring.

Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight loss methods. Typically, the option of liposuction is most attractive for those individuals who have often fought weight issues throughout their life. More than eating well and exercising regularly, liposuction candidates need surgical assistance to combat unwavering body fat that refuses to go away.

To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you. It is important to understand that liposuction can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but it will not necessarily change your appearance to match your ideal look or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration. However, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin, though good results can be obtained in most people.

Liposuction Techniques:

The tumescent technique is a relatively new liposuction method that can reduce post-operative bruising, swelling and pain. Because blood loss is minimized during tumescent liposuction, use of the technique reduces the chance that a blood transfusion will be needed.

In the tumescent technique, areas of excess fat are injected with a large amount of anesthetic liquid before liposuction is performed. The liquid causes the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm, or “tumesced”. The expanded fat compartments allow the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as the fat is removed.

Any person who is a candidate for traditional liposuction is also a good candidate for the tumescent technique. Although the technique can be used on any area of the body, it is commonly used on areas that require precise enhancement, such as the face, neck, arms, calves and ankles. Individuals who have large areas of excess fat may also be good candidates for tumescent liposuction.

Liposuction Recovery:

Most patients are mobile immediately after liposuction, although an extra day or two of bed rest may be needed when large amounts of fat are removed. Keep in mind that healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will want you to begin normal activity as soon as possible to reduce post-operative complications, but in some cases you may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for two weeks. Light exercise is usually permitted within a few days.

Your surgeon may recommend that a tight fitting garment, similar to a girdle, be worn after your liposuction to reduce swelling. This may need to be worn for up to eight weeks. What patients need to remember most importantly is that liposuction, though not dangerous, is still a surgical procedure that needs proper attention post operation. If not given adequate time for swelling to diminish over a day or two, the recovery process after a liposuction can be more uncomfortable than necessary.

You may not feel that great just after your liposuction. You will be given extra fluids during the procedure, and you’ll likely experience swelling and some bruising, but this is only temporary. You may feel a little bruised and sore as if you’d over exercised that part of the body, but you should be able to resume work in a few days. Your doctor will recommend the exact timing, given your particular circumstances.

If you are a resident of Scottsdale, Phoenix or one of the surrounding areas in Arizona, contact The Body Sculpting Center for more information about liposuction. Schedule a complimentary consultation either online or by calling 602.639.4338.