Liposuction

and was second only to breast augmentation in total procedures performed.

*According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Removal of excess fat deposits is done by liposuction, also called suction lipectomy, liposculpture, or simply “lipo”. Liposuction is the most commonly performed surgery nationwide and is appropriate for both women and men with fat deposits that haven’t responded to diet and exercise. Dr. Sutton Graham can perform liposuction at his practice in Greenville, SC, and can design a surgery that addresses your unique concerns and long-term goals. 

Candidates for Liposuction 

Good candidates for the procedure may be at their ideal body weight or mildly overweight, but should otherwise be in good health. If you are considering losing a significant amount of weight, you should do so prior to undergoing liposuction. This will help you achieve the best results. Because loose skin or sagging fat will make it more difficult to achieve smooth results with liposuction, alternative body contouring procedures may be discussed. We can also explain how procedures like CoolTone can help you improve muscle definition to complement the results of liposuction.

Our Technique 

Dr. Graham typically uses a technique known as super wet or tumescent liposuction. This is done in conjunction with general anesthesia for most patients. The areas to be treated are filled with fluid that:

• Shrinks blood vessels
• Provides partial numbness
• Eases the removal of fat particles.

Incisions are about 3/8ths inch long and placed in areas such as within bikini or tan lines to minimize visibility. 

Although you can achieve lasting reduction of localized fat with liposuction, you must maintain the results with diet and exercise.

A significant amount of weight loss can cause your skin to lose elasticity, especially when it happens quickly. While liposuction can remove remaining fat, it cannot address sagging skin. Plastic surgeons only recommend liposuction after massive weight loss in combination with other body contouring procedures, such as tummy tucks or thigh lifts. In certain cases, liposuction can also be used as part of a fat transfer to balance the proportions of your figure after major weight loss.

Where Can Liposuction Be Used? 

The most common areas treated in men and women are the abdomen, the flanks, hips, inner and outer thighs in women, and the love handles. Men can also target fatty chest tissue. Liposuction may be combined with other body contouring procedures such as breast lift, tummy tuck, or male breast reduction.

The Surgery 

The surgery is done as an outpatient procedure. Depending on the amount of fat and the number of areas treated, liposuction can be scheduled for one to four hours. Safety is considered in planning and sometimes two stages are suggested. Post-operative compression garments are provided and worn for several weeks, and you are given suggestions about retail garments for later use.

Results become more easily visible over the first several weeks after treatment, at which time you’ll notice clothes fitting differently. Most patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks. The final results can take months to appear.

Maintaining Your Results 

Risks are listed and discussed prior to surgery, and careful instructions are given. Pain levels vary, so appropriate medication is provided. You should avoid being sedentary during your recovery, but don’t exert too much energy. Although you can achieve lasting reduction of localized fat with liposuction, you must maintain the results with diet and exercise.