Liposuction Treats Excess Fat
Liposuction Surgically Removes Unwanted, Excess Fat
Liposuction, the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the country today, is the expertise of board-certified dermasurgeon and artist, Eric Finzi, MD, PhD. Dr. Finzi uses the tumescent liposuction technique, a safe and effective way to remove unwanted fat. Since its introduction to the U.S. in 1987, tumescent liposuction performed under local anesthesia has maintained a superb safety profile.
A true, modern-day Renaissance man, Dr. Finzi uses his artistic ability to finely sculpt bodies and faces for a more balanced body symmetry. The results are often life changing for the thousands of patients he has successfully treated since he opened his first practice in 1992.
The Ideal Candidate
For some, diet and exercise alone cannot combat fat in certain body areas due to a genetic predisposition. The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who is in good general health, exercises moderately, and eats well-balanced meals, but who is unable to reduce excess fat in certain areas. In today’s health conscious world, many people are now including liposuction as a part of their overall wellness plan. Medical studies have proven reducing fat in certain body areas can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, and other medical conditions. This procedure is not recommended to treat obesity.
About the Procedure
Dr. Finzi draws a topographic map of the area(s) to be treated on the patient while he or she is standing. The clinician then injects a local anesthetic into the areas where fat will be removed. This anesthetic lasts for the duration of the surgery and up to 12 hours, minimizing post-operative discomfort.
Once the areas are numb, Dr. Finzi makes tiny incisions, 1/8″ long, near the areas to be treated. He then inserts a hollow tube called a cannula and suctions away the unwanted fat, sculpting the body for better symmetry. The use of very small cannulas allows Dr. Finzi to perform liposuction with precision. The small incisions will heal without stitches and will disappear over time.
After surgery, the staff applies dressings and provides a special garment, like a tight fitted body suit, for the patient to wear. Patients can return home within one hour after the procedure, but must be driven by a friend or family member. Once returning home, you should take it easy for the remainder of the day. Extra Strength Tylenol will help with post-operative discomfort. A day after surgery, most patients are well enough to drive, and can return to work within a day or two. The patient must wear the special garment for 7 to 10 days after surgery. Skin will retract back to its natural shape, leaving you with the desired results within a few weeks, and with optimum results in a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does excess fat removal with liposuction hurt?
The refined tumescent liposuction technique is almost completely painless. We dispense additional pain medication upon patient request. Post-operatively, the small amount of soreness usually disappears within a few days, and in most cases, is managed by taking Tylenol.
Are there any scars after removing excess fat with liposuction?
No. When using the tumescent technique, the incisions made for the micro-cannulas are so small that they heal without stitches and become almost invisible in time.
How much excess fat can be removed and will it come back?
Up to 10 pounds of fat can be removed by tumescent liposuction from localized areas containing extra fat to make an impressive difference. However, the procedure is not a treatment for obesity. Since adult fat cells do not divide, they will never return. As long as there is no excessive weight gain, the new sculpted silhouette is permanent.
Will I be symmetrical and even?
Artistic skill is necessary to obtain symmetry and body contouring with liposuction. This is almost impossible when a patient is asleep under general anesthesia since they can not be examined from different viewpoints. However, with the tumescent technique using local anesthesia, Dr. Finzi will examine a patient in different positions during and immediately following the procedure to carefully search for areas needing refinement. These areas can be touched up on the spot. Dr. Finzi also measures the exact amount of fat removed from each side to ensure that your contour will be even.
Will my skin be saggy or loose?
No. In nearly all instances, the elastic properties of your skin will cause it to retract back to your desired shape.
When can I resume my normal activities?
Although you will need someone to drive you home, you can be up and about that evening, and return to work in one to two days. You may resume light exercise, as tolerated, within three to four days.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
No. You will be relaxed and lightly sedated but completely awake during the procedure. You may listen to music or bring a book to read. The body sculpting takes 2-4 hours to complete and is performed in our state-of-the-art, accredited surgery suite with a highly skilled medical staff and the most advanced monitoring and safety equipment.
How will my skin look after surgery?
Because the fat is removed by suctioning small “tunnels” through the fat, the skin remains completely connected to the muscles underneath. So, as healing occurs, the fibrous strands which connect to the skin will contract and pull the skin closer to the muscles. Dr. Finzi will leave a thin blanket of fat attached to the skin which will let the skin have a soft and natural feel after the post-operative recovery period.
What are the weight and age limits?
Liposuction has been performed on patients ranging in age from 15 to 75. There are no absolute age or weight limitations as long as you are in good health.
Read more about Liposuction from the Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center.
