July 2019

Is excess fat slowing you down?

Have you tried dieting and exercising to no avail? 

Then, liposuction may be a good option for you!

Also known as lipoplasty or suction-assisted lipectomy, liposuction is a slightly invasive cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat from areas that don’t seem to respond to diet or exercise. 

It’s usually performed on the belly, hips, thighs, arms, buttocks, neck, back, and even face. It can also be done with other cosmetic surgeries like breast reductions, tummy tucks, and facelifts. 

Still not sure about liposuction? Here are some top reasons why it’s still a valuable option for fat reduction:

1. Liposuction can treat certain conditions 

While this procedure is normally done for cosmetic purposes, it can also be used to treat several health complications, including: 

• Lipomas: Benign, fatty tumors 
• Morbid obesity 
• Lipodystrophy syndrome: Accumulation of fat in one body part and loss in another
• Lymphedema: Excess fluid in tissues
• Gynecomastia: Accumulation of fat on a man’s breast

Liposuction will not only treat these conditions, but it’ll also promote a natural fat distribution in the body. 

2. Tailored to specific locations on the body

During the procedure, fat is suctioned from the problem areas by a thin tube known as a cannula. When attached to a vacuum pump, the cannula sucks out all the fat through the incisions.  

They come in different sizes and shapes, including angled, sharp, and blunt-tipped. Your surgeon will select the right cannula for the problem area. For instance, an angled cannula may be perfect for neck liposuction, while a straw-like cannula may be used to remove belly fat. 

By using special equipment for specific body parts, you’re guaranteed better results. 

3. The extracted fat can be reused 

Newer lipo techniques like water-assisted and tickle liposuction remove the excess fat with less bruising and trauma. As a result, the fat removed can be reused to plump up other areas in your body that lack volume – such as the face, butt, and breasts. 

Fat grafting from liposuction is a safer and less invasive procedure compared to implants and fillers. 

4. Quick recovery time 

With liposuction, you can get back to work in less than two weeks. The recovery time is dependent on the individual and the type of surgery. 

After the procedure, expect some soreness, swelling, and bruising for the next few weeks. Additionally, your surgeon may recommend a compression garment for the next 1-2 months after the surgery to control the swelling. 

You may also need to take some antibiotics to prevent infections. 

5. Tightened skin 

With newer liposuction methods such as ultra-sound lipo, fat is broken down using radiofrequency energy. This not only helps remove the fat but also brings about a skin tightening effect. Thus, there’s no need of undergoing a skin tightening procedure after the fat removal. 

Consider liposuction for quick fat reduction

It’s important to know that liposuction isn’t a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. It’s recommended for individuals with stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to exercise and diet. 

Consult your surgeon for more information.

Rhinoplasty is a surgery that changes the shape of the nose. 

The motivation for rhinoplasty may be to change the appearance of the nose, improve breathing or both.

The upper portion of the structure of the nose is bone, and the lower portion is cartilage. Rhinoplasty can change bone, cartilage, skin or all three. 

Talk with your surgeon about whether rhinoplasty is appropriate for you and what it can achieve.

Here are a few things you need to know about rhinoplasty:

1. It can take about a year for your nose to heal fully.

Depending on the extent of your rhinoplasty, you may be able to see the most noticeable aspects of your results immediately after your splint and bandaging is removed.

But your nose will be slightly swollen for a few weeks after your surgery and can take almost a year to fully return to normal. 

Over this time, your scars will slowly diminish, residual swelling or irritation will subside and your skin texture and tone will return to normal. 

For patients with naturally thicker skin, it can take up to two years for your result to be fully realized. However, most of your visible healing should be done within the first three to six months. 

Changes after the six-month mark are typically subtle, and since you likely look at your face every day, you won’t notice any significant changes on a daily basis. 

It is best to review before and after pictures of your nose several months after the procedure. This will give you a more realistic look at the long-term changes achieved with the procedure.

2. Not Everyone is an Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for a nose job is one who is unhappy with the appearance of their nose or has difficulty breathing.

However, you must be willing to be flexible and have realistic expectations. 

In order to heal properly, you must be in good overall health and it is recommended that you quit smoking, or at least stop until you are fully healed.

3. If It’s Done Right, No One Will Be Able to Tell

If your nose job is done right, it will enhance your natural beauty. 

A good nose job only involves minor alterations that allow your nose to blend in with the rest of your face. People will notice your beautiful appearance, rather than zeroing in on your nose.

4. Internal splints or nasal packing can dry out your mouth.

For about a week following your surgery, you will have splints or bandaging to help your nose heal correctly. Depending on your surgeon and your procedure, this may include splints inside your nose. 

The newer splints are designed to allow you to breathe through them, improving your post-rhinoplasty experience. However, you may feel more comfortable mouth breathing. 

Therefore, it is recommended that you stock up on lip moisturizers, hydrating beverages, and foods that require minimal chewing to help ease your discomfort during this time.

Rodgers Center for Plastic Surgery offers a number of options for facial plastic surgery, including rhinoplasties and treatments for nasal obstruction. Contact us for more information.