Liposuction FAQ – Ask Dr. Wright
What Is Liposuction?
The concept of liposuction is surprisingly simple: Liposuction is a surgical technique that improves the body’s contour by removing excess fat from fatty deposits located between the skin and muscle.
Liposuction involves the use of a small stainless steel tube, called a cannula. The cannula is connected to a very powerful suction pump and is inserted through small skin incisions. The removal of fat is accomplished as the suction cannula creates tiny tunnels through the fatty layers. After surgery, these tiny tunnels collapse resulting in an improved body contour.
Dr. Wright performs tumescent liposuction using a micro-cannula, which is an especially small and accurate cannula. Its diameter is less than that of a thermometer.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Liposuction?
The best candidates for liposuction are in good health and have realistic expectations of liposuction. There is no definite age limit or weight limit for patients who are “good candidates” for liposuction. Most have localized accumulations of fat. However, some of the happiest patients have been individuals who are somewhat obese. It is important to emphasize that liposuction is not a treatment for general obesity. Liposuction surgery is not effective as a last resort for people who are unable to maintain a reasonable weight by dieting. However, an overweight person whose weight has been stable for many years and has certain problem areas of fat may be an excellent candidate for liposuction.
What Is A Successful Liposuction Surgery?
The surgeon’s goals when performing liposuction are to achieve an optimal aesthetically appealing result safely and with a minimum of discomfort rather than to maximize the amount of fat removed. The cosmetic success of liposuction relies on removing inches rather than pounds. For example, removing an amount of fat equivalent to a half-pound of butter from each outer thigh of a woman’s saddlebag area or from a man’s love handle areas would result in a dramatic change in silhouette, but would not significantly change the person’s weight. A liposuction surgery is a success when the patient is feeling good and is happy with the results.
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