Liposuction
Although some people may be in good overall health, their bodies may still have contours that are disproportionate due to localized deposits of fat. Even with regular diet and exercise, many people are unable to rid the body of these stubborn areas of fat.
Liposuction can provide a slimmer, more attractive physical appearance by permanently removing excess fat and reshaping specific areas of the body. Also known as lipoplasty or liposculpting, this procedure can treat many parts of the body, including the following:
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Back
- Thighs
- Face/Neck
- Abdomen/Waist
- Arms
During your consultation, Dr. Mancoll will review your health history and conduct an evaluation of your body. He will then discuss the options that you have with liposuction and help you determine if the procedure is right for you.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for liposuction are in good physical and emotional health. They should be close to their ideal body weight and have realistic expectations about the procedure. Liposuction may be a good procedure if you
- Have fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise
- Desire better definition on certain areas of your body
* Liposuction should not be viewed as a form of weight-loss surger
Procedure
Dr. Mancoll performs liposuction on an outpatient basis with patients under intravenous or general anesthesia. The procedure can take between 1 to 6 hours, depending on the number of areas of the body that will be treated.
There are many different liposuction techniques out there, and as a result, it can be difficult for patients to know which one is right for them. One of the real benefits of working with Dr. Mancoll is that he combines different techniques and technologies in order to get the best result. For instance, during the treatment of a patient, he might use tumescent solution combined with the ultrasonic energy of the Vaser to help loosen up the fat of the lower back and hips, then utilize the laser energy of the Smartlipo to help maximize skin tightening on the abdomen or thighs, and finally, the power-assisted liposuction will help to loosen up and remove fat. Just like the music of a well-coordinated orchestra, the sum of all these parts is so much more powerful than any of them by themselves.
Tumescent Liposuction
An anesthetic solution that contains lidocaine is injected to numb the skin in the targeted area. After the fat swells up from the anesthetic, a cannula is inserted underneath the skin, where fat is removed via suctioning.
Vaser® Liposuction (Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction [UAL])
High-frequency sound waves are applied to the fat through a special cannula that literally melts fat cells. After the fat is completely liquefied, a suctioning device removes the fat. This is especially effective in the fibrous areas of the body, such as the upper and lower back and hip areas (see section on VASERlipo for more details).
Smartlipo™
Dr. Mancoll is one of the few plastic surgeons in the area to offer Smartlipo™ and the only one to have both Smartlipo™ and VASERlipo. The use of this laser technology allows Dr. Mancoll to less traumatically loosen up fat to be removed. In addition, it is much more effective at tightening the skin than traditional liposuction (see section on Smartlipo for more details).
Mommy Makeover
At our practice, we also offer the popular mommy makeover procedure for women who want to regain the body they had before pregnancy. By combining the following procedures, a mommy makeover can provide women with a more youthful appearance.
- Tummy Tuck
- Breast Enhancement (Breast Augmentation and/or Breast Lift)
- Liposuction
Costs
The total cost of a liposuction procedure depends on several factors, including the following:
- Facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical fees
- Type of liposuction
- Prescriptions for medication
- Post-surgery garments
Liposuction is regarded as a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. Feel free to contact the surgical coordinator for pricing and to request more information about this or other cosmetic procedures.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with liposuction, such as skin irregularities, infection, bleeding, asymmetries, postoperative discomfort, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Although significant complications are uncommon, patients should understand that any surgery, performed for any reason, has risks and should not be taken lightly.
Dr. Mancoll prides himself on his ability to communicate with his patients and tailors each discussion to the patient’s individual needs. Dr. Mancoll and his staff will spend time helping you understand your procedure. You should feel free to ask questions at any time, and if you don’t understand the information, we will be more than happy to go over it again
Recovery
After surgery is complete, bandages and a specialized compression garment will be applied to help reduce swelling and contour the body over the next fewweeks. Any pain or discomfort can be alleviated by prescribed medication during recovery. Usually, patients return to work after about a week but should avoid strenuous exercise and activity for 2 to 3 weeks.
Results
The results of liposuction may not be apparent immediately due to swelling and bruising. However, the new contours will become more noticeable over the coming weeks to months, and patients are generally more self-confident knowing that they appear slimmer and more attractive. By maintaining a good diet and exercise regimen, your results can be long lasting.
We welcome you to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John S. Mancoll by calling Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at (757) 305-9185 or filling out our online contact form. Dr. Mancoll has been voted by his peers as one of Coastal Virginia’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He is devoted to helping each individual patient achieve the best results possible.
