liposuction atlanta

When stubborn fat remains on the thighs, belly or elsewhere with no signs of going away, it can be a frustrating experience. Some people have trouble losing weight due to factors such as aging, hormones or genetics, so no amount of dieting or exercise will do the trick. For this reason, individuals who are bothered by the appearance of unwanted bulges often turn to liposuction to assist with these problem areas and achieve their body goals.

At Aesthetic Speciality Centre, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marc E. Yune and his experienced team provide liposuction for men and women in Roswell, Georgia and the Atlanta metro area, with another office located near Lake Oconee in Greensboro. Both facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and provide a comfortable setting, so patients can feel at home throughout each step of the surgical process.

Keep reading to learn more about liposuction or click here to schedule your consultation with Dr. Yune and find out if this procedure is right for you.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn fat deposits to shape slimmer body contours. This can help create better proportions that naturally suit a patient’s figure. Liposuction is performed on those with a wide range of goals, and the need for it does not signify that a person is overweight. In fact, even the fittest individuals can have localized fat in common problem areas that don’t respond to diet or exercise. This can be due to hormones or genetics, which influence how the body stores and distributes fat cells. However, liposuction is not intended to replace a healthy diet or regular exercise. It works best when combined with good habits and results can be considered permanent if patients don’t gain a substantial amount of weight after treatment.

How Does Liposuction Work?

Liposuction removes unwanted fat by breaking up and siphoning excess adipose tissue from the body. During treatment, a sterile solution is first injected to minimize pain, bleeding and swelling and give surgeons more control over the contouring process. Then, a narrow tube (cannula) is inserted into target areas, where it is moved back and forth to dislodge fat cells. Because of its size, only small incisions are needed to access these fatty tissues, which reduces the visibility of scarring afterward. Liposuction safely and effectively eliminates stubborn fat and can be performed almost anywhere. It works equally well on the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks and arms, but also delivers great results in smaller locations, such as under the chin or behind the knees.

One of the advantages of liposuction is that once the fat is removed, it’s gone for good. Unlike other tissues, fat cells cannot regenerate, so the body stays contoured in treated areas. However, those that remain can still enlarge with substantial weight gain, so it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after liposuction. Doing so will ensure lasting results.

Where Can Liposuction Be Performed?

Liposuction is a highly versatile procedure that can address stubborn deposits of fat no matter where they’re located. Common treatment areas include the midsection, thighs and buttocks, but some patients undergo the procedure to eliminate excess fat on the legs or arms. Liposuction can also be performed as a singular procedure, or be combined with a facelift, tummy tuck, or any other form of plastic surgery.

Other places where liposuction can be utilized include:

  • Abdomen
  • Waist
  • Love handles
  • Hips and thighs
  • Buttocks
  • Arms
  • Chest and back
  • Cheeks, neck and chin
  • Inner knee
  • Calves
  • Ankles

Over the years, liposuction techniques have advanced to provide better results in more treatment areas. However, it doesn’t tighten the skin, eliminate cellulite or drastically reduce the number on the scale. While Dr. Yune is an expert in the art of body contouring and has spent years honing his skills, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations about what the procedure can do. If patients have concerns like loose skin or dimpling that can’t be treated with liposuction, Dr. Yune may recommend undergoing QWO or Ultherapy following surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction can help most patients who are struggling with an accumulation of fat in common problem areas, but there are some things to consider before undergoing this procedure. First, ideal candidates should have firm skin and good muscle tone, with no medical conditions that could interfere with the healing process. Second, they should have a healthy BMI and be within at least 20 pounds of their goal weight. Finally, patients should be non-smokers, or willing to quit in the weeks before and after surgery.

Other factors that make someone a good candidate for liposuction include:

  • Being at or near a stable, healthy weight
  • Struggling with diet and exercise-resistant fat deposits
  • Good skin tone and elasticity
  • Having realistic goals and expectations
  • Willing to maintain good habits

During the consultation process, Dr. Yune and his team will evaluate each patient’s needs, goals and overall health to determine if liposuction is right for them. Then, he’ll address any questions or concerns before creating a personalized surgical plan. Patients will also receive preoperative tips and instructions on how to prepare for their procedure, so they can feel confident and comfortable going forward.

How to Prepare for Liposuction

It’s important to prepare ahead of time for liposuction surgery to ensure the best possible results and a smooth recovery. Patients will want to consult with Dr. Yune for ways they can do this, but general recommendations include stopping smoking, maintaining a stable weight and discontinuing any non-essential medications that could interfere with the healing process. Other steps that patients can take involve stocking up on supplies, filling any prescriptions and making arrangements for help or childcare, if needed.

Stock Up on Necessities

After surgery, there are certain supplies that patients may want to have on hand. This includes gauze, bandages, healing ointments, and loose-fitting clothing. Arnica is also good to have, as it can help with bruising. Additionally, things like snacks, entertainment and pre-prepared meals are often recommended to allow patients to relax and focus on their recovery.

Filling Prescriptions

After surgery, Dr. Yune may prescribe medications to control pain and reduce the risk of infection. It’s generally a good idea to fill these prescriptions as soon as possible, so they’re available when needed. This also provides a good opportunity to obtain other supplies from the pharmacy to help with the healing process, such as bandages or wet wipes.

Arrange for Help

Liposuction recovery is relatively quick and manageable, but the first few days are often the hardest. During this time, patients with pets, children and other household responsibilities may want to ask for help from a friend, family member or other caretaker so there’s less to worry about. Trying to take on too much can interfere with the healing process.

What to Expect During Liposuction

Liposuction is performed under either general or local anesthesia, depending on the scope of the procedure. Both provide a comfortable experience. Surgery can take anywhere between one and three hours to complete. When patients arrive for their appointment, Dr. Yune will discuss the specifics in more detail so they’ll know what to expect.

Liposuction involves making small, discreetly placed incisions in the treatment area to access the underlying fat deposits. However, first a sterile, liquid solution containing a mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine is infused to limit bleeding and minimize harm to the surrounding tissues. It also aids in fat removal and allows for more precise results. Then, the cannula is inserted into the incisions and manipulated in a controlled manner. As it moves beneath the skin, fat cells become dislodged and are suctioned out of the body through an attached surgical vacuum or syringe. During this process, Dr. Yune uses advanced techniques to sculpt flattering contours and proportions. Once the desired amount of fat has been removed, the incisions are closed and patients are brought to the recovery room.

Liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure, so most individuals are able to go home shortly after their operation. Whether local or general anesthesia is used, patients will need to arrange for transportation with a friend or family member.

The Benefits of Tumescent Liposuction

At Atltnata, Georgia’s Aesthetic Specialty Centre, Dr. Yune and his team use tumescent liposuction, which has long been considered one of the safest and most effective ways to surgically eliminate unwanted fat. Compared to other forms of liposuction, this technique helps reduce the risks associated with the procedure and shortens the recovery time. Tumescent liposuction is different because it uses a liquid solution to facilitate the removal of fat cells. The unique formula contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which provides a numbing effect to ensure a painless procedure. It also includes epinephrine to shrink the blood vessels and reduce the risk of bleeding during treatment. When infused into treatment areas, this solution has the added benefit of causing the fat cells to swell, making them easier to target and remove without significantly harming the surrounding tissues.

Liposuction Recovery

After surgery, there is some discomfort in treated areas. Patients can also expect to experience bruising and swelling. Compression garments are used to help manage these side effects and promote proper healing. They will also constrict the skin and help it shrink to better fit the new body contours. These garments may need to be worn for up to four to six weeks, but this might vary depending on the extent of the operation. Dr. Yune will advise patients on when they can be discontinued and provide more detailed instructions following surgery.

Generally, swelling and bruising will resolve within seven to 10 days. Normal activity can be resumed as soon as it feels comfortable to do so. This could be after a few days, or it may take longer. Don’t try to overdo it — each individual’s recovery process is different, but the size and location of the treatment areas play a significant role. In most cases, patients are able to return to work after about one week.

Liposuction Results

The results of liposuction surgery are immediately apparent but will continue to emerge once bruising and swelling subside. While this happens, patients may notice subtle changes in their physique. The use of compression garments will help ensure a quicker recovery and the best possible outcome. Since the incisions are small and easily concealed, scarring is typically minimal following treatment. Any visible lines can be further reduced by following proper skin care techniques and avoiding unnecessary sun exposure.

Liposuction is a permanent solution to achieving slimmer contours, but that doesn’t mean patients are immune to weight gain. The remaining fat cells can still expand in treated areas. However, the effects of this are less dramatic than they would be otherwise. In most cases, liposuction results are only truly eclipsed by excessive weight fluctuations. If good habits are followed and a substantial amount of weight is not gained in the future, the body sculpting provided by liposuction should be permanent.

Ready to Learn More?

When it comes to eliminating stubborn pockets of unwanted fat, liposuction has long been considered a top choice among both patients and providers. It comes with few risks or side effects when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, helping men and women achieve their desired body contours with minimal downtime. To learn more about liposuction, call the Aesthetic Specialty Centre in Roswell at (770) 393-9000 or Greensboro at (706) 467-6500 to schedule your liposuction consultation in Atlanta today.

*The information about Liposuction was reviewed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marc E. Yune. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Liposuction Painful?

Patients will be either asleep or numb during liposuction. The surgery itself isn’t painful, but there is some soreness during the recovery process. Generally, the side effects of liposuction can be easily managed with rest, medication and the use of compression garments that help reduce bruising and swelling.

Is Liposuction a Solution for Rapid Weight Loss?

Liposuction is highly effective at removing stubborn pockets of unwanted fat, but it isn’t intended to help patients lose weight. There’s a limit to how much fat can be safely removed during a single operation. Additionally, liposuction isn’t meant to replace a healthy diet or exercise. Ideal candidates should already be at or within reach of their weight loss goals to ensure the best possible results. Dr. Yune will discuss each individual’s goals and expectations during the consultation process to determine if liposuction is a suitable treatment.

Can the Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

Throughout our adult lives, the number of fat cells we have remains more or less the same. They can’t regenerate and don’t increase in number when we gain weight. Instead, they grow in size. By removing some of these fat cells, liposuction eliminates them from the equation to help patients achieve and maintain slimmer contours. It’s still important to eat healthily and get regular exercise, however, to ensure consistent and permanent results.

What About Nonsurgical Body Contouring Treatments?

While liposuction remains the gold standard in permanent fat reduction, there are now several nonsurgical body contouring solutions available for patients. One of the most well-known is CoolSculpting, which uses cold temperatures to freeze unwanted fat cells. Much like liposuction, CoolSculpting is ideal for targeting stubborn bulges that don’t respond to diet or exercise. As a nonsurgical treatment, it’s suitable for most patients. The makers of this device also offer Cooltone, which helps strengthen and build muscle tone in the abdomen, buttocks or thighs. For patients interested in these procedures, Dr. Yune and his team can recommend the best approach after an initial consultation.

Does Liposuction Tighten Loose Skin?

Liposuction eliminates unwanted fat, but it cannot tighten the overlying skin. Compression garments worn after surgery will provide constriction that helps mold the skin to the new contours, but some patients may want to consider a skin tightening treatment after surgery. If a significant amount of fat is removed in the abdomen, a tummy tuck can help eliminate lax skin for enhanced results. Nonsurgical options include Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound energy to tighten the skin from within. The appropriate technique will vary depending on the amount of loose skin present, how much correction is needed and each patient’s individual goals.

Is Liposuction Safe?

When performed by an experienced, qualified provider, liposuction is generally considered a safe way to permanently remove unwanted fat. However, it is a surgical procedure, so there are some risks to consider, such as bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, blood clots and reactions to anesthesia or medications. During the consultation process, Dr. Yune will help patients weigh the risks and determine if liposuction is right for them.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The cost of liposuction is highly dependent on the length and scope of an individual’s procedure. Smaller treatment areas such as the chin take much less time to complete, while concerns in the abdomen, thighs or buttocks are more extensive. Dr. Yune will evaluate each patient’s concerns to determine the overall cost of treatment during the consultation process.