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Liposuction

Liposuction in Sarasota, FL

Almost everyone struggles with stubborn fat at some point during their lives. Sometimes, diet and exercise simply aren’t able to resolve excess fat in key areas of the body. In these cases, body sculpting procedures can help. Also known as lipoplasty or liposculpture, liposuction holds it’s ground as one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States. The goal of the procedure is to improve a patient’s body contours by removing unwanted fat from their abdomen, buttocks, thighs, upper arms, and other specific problem areas where stubborn fat is present.

While liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, it can remove stubborn fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells in treated areas, sculpts the body, and can do wonders for a patient’s confidence and self-esteem. As a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Alberico Sessa M.D., of Sarasota Surgical Arts, performs liposuction for men and women in Sarasota who are struggling to achieve a slimmer, more toned appearance.

Benefits of Liposuction

Liposuction can help healthy men and women reduce or even eliminate excess fat in problem areas. It is an effective way to remove fat cells in the abdomen, flanks, thighs, back, and arms. Thanks to gentle and minimally-invasive modern techniques, Dr. Sessa may also perform liposuction in the chin and jowls to add more definition to the jawline and correct jowling.

Patients who opt for liposuction can highlight their weight loss efforts by improving definition and sculpting their body. They can also enjoy a more toned, athletic appearance and greater confidence in their personal and professional life. With proper lifestyle maintenance, patients can enjoy incredible, long-lasting results that significantly improve their overall quality of life.

Good Candidates for Liposuction

Ideal candidates for liposuction are men and women who are at or near their goal weight but have pockets of excess fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. They typically eat nutrient-rich foods and visit the gym on a regular basis, yet see minimal to no fat reduction results in their stubborn problem areas.

Dr. Sessa recommends that liposuction patients have firm, elastic skin as this allows the skin to retract over the new contours and leads to optimal results. He discourages overweight or obese patients from undergoing liposuction as this is not a weight loss surgery. Instead, it is a body contouring procedure that can help get rid of stubborn fat bulges in the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and other parts of the body.

In addition, patients who hope to address cellulite or other irregularities issues other than fat cause, Dr. Sessa normally does not consider good candidates for liposuction. A consultation is an ideal way for patients to determine whether or not liposuction can help them meet their goals.

What to Expect During a Free Liposuction Consultation

We encourage patients interested in liposuction to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Sessa in Sarasota. During the consult with Dr. Sessa, he will review the prospective patient’s medical history and get to know their particular aesthetic goals. If he deems them a good candidate for liposuction, he will thoroughly explain the procedure, different treatment options, and the recovery process.

During the consultation, patients are encouraged to ask questions and look at the before and after photos of real liposuction patients so they can get an idea of the type of results they may enjoy. It is important for patients set realistic expectations prior to surgery and understand that although the procedure removes fat cells permanently, they will need to stick to a healthy lifestyle to avoid weight gain down the road.

Preparing for Liposuction

In the weeks prior to liposuction, patients will need to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications and herbal supplements as they may increase their risk of bleeding. Patients who smoke will need to quit as tobacco can interfere with the healing process.

Patients should arrange for transportation after the surgery and ask a friend or family member to stay the night with them immediately after the procedure to assist them with the recovery process.

The Procedure

In most cases, tumescent liposuction, an outpatient procedure, Dr. Sessa performs under general anesthesia or IV sedation as recommended. Since Dr. Sessa customizes each liposuction surgery to meet a patient’s unique goals, the specific treatment areas and duration of the procedure vary from patient to patient.

Typically, however, liposuction involves inserting a tiny cannula into targeted regions of the body via small incisions. The cannula is attached to a suctioning device so it can carefully and strategically remove stubborn fat pockets.

A saline solution is administered to the area during tumescent liposuction to disrupt fat and minimize any bleeding and/or bruising. Other techniques, such as laser-assisted liposuction, which liquefies the fat before removing it from the body, patients may use to help reach their goals.

Recovering From Liposuction

Following liposuction, patients can expect minor swelling and bruising in the treatment areas. Fortunately, these side effects typically subside quickly. Dr. Sessa may prescribe pain medication to alleviate any pain or discomfort patients may experience. Usually, patients resume work and their everyday activities about one week after the procedure. Patients should avoid vigorous activities such as exercise for several more weeks as directed.

Risks and Complications of Liposuction

Just like all minimally-invasive surgery, it comes with some risks and complications. These include swelling, infection, adverse anesthesia reactions, blood clots, lack of symmetry, scarring, and baggy skin. When you choose to have your liposuction performed by a highly trained and experienced member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery like Dr. Sessa, these risks and complications are unlikely to occur.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the main goal of liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure intended to remove excess fat in areas of the body resistant to diet and exercise. It can contour and tighten these areas and improve the overall shape of a patient’s body.

Does liposuction lead to permanent results?

Yes! As long as patients eat well and exercise regularly, they can make the results of liposuction long-lasting. After undergoing a liposuction procedure to remove fat cells, many patients become motivated to lead a healthier lifestyle and take even better care of themselves. It’s important to note that if a patient gains weight and their remaining fat cells expand, they will likely do so more uniformly rather than only in former fat bulges.

Are there alternatives?

The reality is that no other procedure can reduce or eliminate fatty tissue in targeted areas to the degree that liposuction can. However, patients who are seeking a non-invasive body contouring treatment may benefit from BTL Vanquish for their body or Kybella for their chin. During their consultation, patients can determine the better route for them.

Where can liposuction reduce or remove stubborn fat deposits?

Liposuction can reduce or remove stubborn fat deposits in many common problem areas on the body. These include the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, back, upper arms, chest, chin, calves, and ankles.

What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?

Many patients who are hoping to resolve stubborn fat in their abdominal area ask Dr. Sessa about the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck. Liposuction is far less invasive than a tummy tuck and is ideal for removing localized fatty tissue that sits in specific areas.

On the other hand, surgeons perform a tummy tuck to remove excess abdominal skin while tightening the abdominal muscles. Patients with excess skin or loose abdominal muscles may be better off with a tummy tuck while those who are just hoping to improve isolated areas of fat may find liposuction to be a good fit.

How much weight can be lost with liposuction?

Since liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, the average amount of weight patients may lose from the surgery is generally no more than five pounds. The best candidates for liposuction are those who would like to spot treat their problem areas. They are not seeking a weight loss procedure because they are at or near their goal weight.

Does liposuction improve cellulite?

Liposuction does not serve as a solution for cellulite, the dimply skin that many individuals experience after pregnancy or weight loss. If cellulite is a concern for a patient, they should let Dr. Sessa know so he can propose an alternative treatment.

What procedures can liposuction be combined with?

Patients often pair liposuction with other procedures. Fat transfer is a procedure in which fat is harvested using liposuction from problem areas. Then, Dr. Sessa transfers the fat via injection into an area where it can add volume or resolve a contour deformity. Patients often choose to combine fat grafting with liposuction since it already requires harvest of fat cells.

Dr. Sessa may suggest combining liposuction of the neck with a facelift for dramatic results. He may also recommend it as part of a Mommy Makeover procedure. This may also involve a breast enhancement and other procedures that can improve areas of the body pregnancy and breastfeeding affect.

Is liposuction painful?

Since Dr. Sessa administers general anesthesia or IV sedation prior to liposuction, pain and discomfort are reduced or eliminated during the surgery. While patients may experience some minor swelling and discomfort after the procedure, Dr. Sessa can prescribe pain medication to reduce their symptoms and ensure optimal comfort.

Why Choose Dr. Sessa of Sarasota Surgical Arts

Dr. Sessa is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery who has earned a reputation as the top body sculpting expert in Sarasota and the surrounding area. He understands how frustrating patients find it when they eat healthy and exercise regularly, yet see no improvement in stubborn fat on the body.

If you select Dr. Sessa for your liposuction procedure, you can enjoy individualized attention and exceptional results. Dr. Sessa takes great pride in getting to know each patient’s unique aesthetic goals and designing a treatment plan to meet them.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts

If you’d like to achieve a slimmer, more sculpted body, Dr. Sessa may deem you a good candidate for liposuction. Schedule a private consultation at our Sarasota surgical center today. You can call us at 941-923-1736 or fill out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!