Liposuction
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure to remove fat from your “trouble spots”. There are many variations of liposuction that may be used to achieve certain purposes, like using fluid to help with fat removal (AKA “Water-Assisted Liposuction”, or “WAL”), light energy to help with breaking up the fat (“Laser Liposuction” such as SmartLipo), bulk heating to melt the fat (“Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction” such as the BodyTite and FaceTite devices), ultrasound energy to separate the fat cells from the surrounding tissue (e.g. “Vaser”), helium plasma technology (e.g. “Renuvion”), and mechanical assisted fat removal (AKA “Power-Assisted Liposuction”, or “PAL”). Regardless of the variation used, the fat is removed through specialized metal tubes (called “cannulas”) connected to a vacuum device. In this way, the fat is removed from different areas of the body through tiny incisions. Instead of just removing the fat from everywhere, some surgeons remove more fat in some areas than in others (called “etching” or “liposculpture”) to create contours that mimic a more muscular, toned, athletic appearance or enhance the body’s natural curves. The excellent result with minimal scarring is why liposuction is one of the most popular procedures performed!
How is Liposuction Done?
Liposuction is performed by making small incisions in inconspicuous areas of your body, placing the specialized cannulas through those incisions, connecting the cannulas to a vacuum, and sucking out the fat in the areas you want shaped and toned. The procedure can be done under general anesthesia, or local anesthesia if numbing medication is placed in the area first.
Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
A good candidate for liposuction is anybody who is otherwise healthy with localized areas of fat that don’t budge with exercise and a balanced diet. You should have good skin quality so the skin will shrink down after the fat is removed, otherwise you may have have loose skin afterwards. Liposuction is not intended for overall weight loss.
What is the Recovery for Liposuction?
The recovery isn’t bad at all, but depends on the amount and locations of the fat being removed. A small area of liposuction (on the stomach, outer thighs, armpit area) done under local anesthesia will have a shorter recovery than “360 Liposuction” of the back and abdomen with hi-def etching under general anesthesia, for instance. You will likely need to wear a compression garment to shape the area and minimize swelling. Most of Dr. Krochmal’s patients can shower the next day, but you may be asked to avoid soaking in water, heavy lifting, and strenuous activity for 2-4 weeks after surgery to ensure proper healing.
What About Fat Grafting to the Butt, Breast, and Face?
Just as you may hate the extra fat in your love handles and “spare tire”, you may want extra fullness in your buttocks, breasts, and face (hey, you get Juvederm and Restylane put there, why not your own fat which is a more permanent solution?). The fat that’s removed with liposuction can be specially processed and purified and then placed into these areas to improve the shape and appearance. Why simply throw the fat away when we can use it for enhancement?
Who is the Best Liposuction Surgeon in Chicago?
There is no “best” surgeon for any procedure. But, there are some qualifications and credentials that improve the chance that you will achieve your desired result safely. Make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Make sure they operate in a fully accredited facility. If the procedure is not being done in a hospital, make sure they have privileges at a local hospital to do the procedure you are getting done. Make sure they have completed an accredited residency or fellowship program. Read their reviews to get a sense of what other patients have experienced. Check out their before/after pictures to get a sense of their technical and artistic style, and see if they operate on patients that appear similar to you.
And most importantly, schedule a consultation with that doctor to see if they are a good “fit” for you. Every doctor has his or her own personality and approach to patient care, so you will want to see if you like that particular approach. Do they inspire confidence and trust? Are they calming and reassuring? Do they take the time to answer your questions? Do they discuss alternative approaches and say why those approaches may or may not work? Do they seem like they will continue to care for you after the procedure?
There is no “best liposuction surgeon”, but there is a “best” surgeon for you. You just may need to consult with several to find the right one. Hopefully Dr. Krochmal is on your “short list” of Chicago and Hinsdale plastic surgeons to interview. We’re happy to help Shape Your Future!