Can exercise get rid of specific areas of fat without liposuction?

Excercise may result in generalized body weight loss, by increasing the amount of calories burned. Although each person tends to gain or lose weight in certain areas of the body on an individual basis, these areas in which weight tends to be lost easiest may not be the areas in which weight loss is desired. Increased muscle tone and mass can help fill out loose skin in the area involved in exercise, but there is no such thing as exercises to make the body lose weight in a certain area. Only liposuction can accomplish fat loss in such a selective fashion.

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Is liposuction a good way to lose weight?

Liposuction is not a good method for weight loss. There are increased risks for liposuction in the significantly overweight person. Removal of underlying fat can make excessive skin more apparent. The best candidates for liposuction are those with a correct body weight, who still have difficult areas which are resistant to further weight loss or excercise. After a consultation examination, Dr. Tuckman often recommends that an overweight patient get as close as possible to ideal body weight before proceeding with liposuction, in order that the best results may be obtained.

Because fat is lighter than water, a large volume of fat does not account for as much weight as one might think. For example, if a liter of fat is removed from a person's thighs, a significant difference in measurements and contour would result, yet the weight of the fat removed would be less than two and one half pounds.

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Does liposuction treat cellulite?

The "cellulite" appearance is caused by enlarged fat cells in combination with the anchoring apparatus from the dermis of the skin to the fascial covering of the underlying muscle. There are more such attachments in men, resulting in less contour irregularity known as cellulite. There is a genetic predisposition to cellulite. Liposuction removes some of this cellulite fat, but the attachments and irregularities are difficult to eliminate entirely. Sometimes, these surface irregularities may become more apparent after liposuction. Weight loss by dieting is the best way to decrease cellulite.

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Will liposuction tighten up loose skin?

Good skin elasticity helps maintain a smooth surface contour. Tight skin is seen in the very young and is generally lost as we age. Even through middle age, some elasticity is retained. The skin envelope shrinks to adjust to the reduced contour following as appropriate liposuction. If there is true loose skin, removal of the underlying fat may make the loose skin more apparent. In such a person, liposuction may not be the best solution. Dr. Tuckman may, in such cases, consider a face lift, abdominoplasty, or thigh lift.

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Is fat removal permanent?

Since liposuction reduces contour excess by removing excess fat cells, the procedure is permanent. Should there be a weight gain following liposuction, fat will tend to be deposited in areas other than those treated, moreso than in those treated.

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What are the techniques of liposuction?

In all liposuction techniques, a thin surgical instrument called a cannula is used to loosen or disrupt the fat cells in the area, and then suction is applied and the fat is removed through the cannula. In recent years, "superwet" and "tumescent" techniques have been developed. These techniques involve injecting a sterile saline, or salt-water, solution into the fat, and then using thin cannulas to remove the fat, resulting in less discomfort, less blood loss, and better results. Dr. Tuckman has been using such techniques since 1993. A new method, ultrasonic assisted liposuction, disrupts the fat using ultrasonic soundwaves before suctioning is carried out. This method is not yet approved for usage in the United States. It appears that this method may offer some advantages in liposuction of the torso. This method is more time-consuming, more expensive and may cause skin damage if done incorrectly.

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Is liposuction surgery painful?

It is normal to experience some pain for an hour or two following surgery, for which as much pain medication as necessary is given. Thereafter, the area feels like a large bruise, and a prescription for light pain medication is given, to be used as necessary. When only one or two small areas are treated, particularly on the face and neck, "twilight" anesthesia and local anesthesia may be used. When multiple or large areas are treated, general anesthesia is recommended.

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What is the recovery period after liposuction?

Recovery after liposuction follows a general pattern: During the first week a compression garment is worn full time to help limit swelling and speed resolving of the swelling, which always occurs as the tissue responds to liposuction. The patient usually feels somewhat stiff during this time and vigorous activities should not be undertaken. Driving may resume after pain medication is no longer needed. If large areas are liposuctioned, fatigue may be noted for up to two weeks, at which time a decrease in swelling is often noted. Light excercise may be done as tolerated. Vigorous sports and excercise are prohibited for three weeks. Swelling continues to decrease and the improvement in contour continues for three to six months, and in cases where the calves and ankles have been treated, for up to six to nine months. Compression garments for two to three weeks have been helpful in speeding contour improvement, and if calves and ankles are treated, support hose is recommended for up to six weeks.

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Where are the scars after liposuction?

Liposuction scars are usually less than 1/4 inch long, and are usually placed in natural body creases or in areas where they would be most inconspicuous, such as those areas hidden by clothing or bathing suits. In most cases, the scars will be red or pigmented for approximately six months, and gradually fade for the next six months. Scars are rarely bothersome, however, it should be noted that all scars are permanent and their height, width, and final color are not totally predictable.

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