Liposuction
About Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction is a highly refined cosmetic surgery procedure aimed at reshaping and contouring the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck. This technique is particularly effective for those areas resistant to diet and exercise, offering a solution for individuals seeking to refine their silhouette and enhance their body’s natural contours. Through targeted removal of fat cells, liposuction can achieve significant aesthetic improvements, resulting in a more balanced and proportionate body shape. Our practice employs the latest technologies and techniques in liposuction, ensuring a safe, efficient, and customized approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each patient, with a focus on minimizing downtime and maximizing results.
Liposuction Procedure Details
- What?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure intended to reduce targeted areas of fat accumulation – e.g. abdomen, pubis, flanks, back, buttocks, thighs, arms, chin, and neck (subcutaneous, not core fat). Tiny hidden incisions are made in the skin to allow the insertion of small vacuum cylindrical cannulas. Liposuction is often used as part of other procedures like the tummy tuck and male breast reduction to treat gynecomastia.
Fat cells are microscopic fat storage containers. Disruption/removal of these reduces the number of storage containers in a given area, thereby resulting in a reduction of this regional stored volume of fat. Liposuction is a very safe operation when performed by skilled, experienced, careful surgeons.
- HOW?
Liposuction is an operation in which one or more small (Band-aid coverable) incision(s) is made in a hidden site and through which is inserted a vacuum wand or cannula. Vacuum suction is applied and subcutaneous fat then is extracted into a bottle from which the fat can be processed for use elsewhere (e.g. face) or simply discarded.
Fat is a soft yellow, gelatinous, energy–rich tissue. Interestingly, the fat on the back side of the body has a tougher, more gristly nature as there are tiny white fibers passing through this fat. After suctioning, the surgeon closes the incisions with tiny sutures, and applies a Band-aid. Usually the procedure is performed outpatient under an anesthetic. Drains are seldom required. Although antibiotics routinely are used, the risk of infection is very small.
- WHO?
Patients with good skin tone or elasticity (relative absence of stretch marks or dimpled cellulite) and normal or slightly above normal body mass are the best candidates for liposuction. Focal areas of fat accumulation (e.g. “saddlebags” in women/“love handles” or large breasts in men) represent ideal targets for liposuction.
It is not a shortcut to weight loss by itself, although patients have considered its value as an emotional springboard for launching into an effective dieting-exercise weight loss program. Stressed skin, i.e. exposed to nicotine, chronic sun, massive weight changes, hormone or medication effects, advancing age with telltale signs of laxity, stretch marks, or cellulite dimpling often has a tendency to sag after fat removal and needs to be evaluated by an experienced physician first.
- AND THEN?
Afterwards protected activities are encouraged. A compression garment may be worn for added comfort. Swelling for 6-8 weeks is common. The biological age of the skin determines shrinkage: young elastic skin shrinks nicely; stressed (see above) skin tend to relax downward. Strategic performance of liposuction in concert with adjacent skin removal or tightening can help alleviate this tendency, and requires artful experience of the surgeon.
My Plastic Surgery Group has extensive experience in liposuction and combination procedures. During recovery and early healing patients often describe the discomfort as a deep “bruised” feeling, coupled with skin surface numbness, and may show short-lived skin bruising.
Liposuction Before & After
Frequently Asked Questions
Small amounts of weight gain do not harm results, but certainly, since the results of liposuction can be subtle, it is best to avoid weight gain.
This is a newly developed technique which removes fat and simultaneously heats the skin to induce minor shrinkage. Currently we are evaluating its merits, but do not yet offer it.
Ultrasonic Liposuction is an approach in which microwave energy causes fat cells to liquefy so that they can be vacuumed out through the cannula.
Liposuction causes fluid shifts to occur in the body. Preoperative hydration helps to make those shifts of fluid the smoothest and safest possible.
It is very safe. Blood loss is usually moderate and infections are rare. The risk of blood clots is comparable to other anesthetic procedures
Infection risk is minimal. Preventative antibiotics are used.
Liposuction is considered a contouring procedure, not a weight loss operation. There is no significant weight loss with this procedure.
Moderate swelling can be alleviated by wearing compression garments and by reducing salt in your diet. Usually lower trunk swelling lasts 3 to 6 months, and thigh, arm, and breast swelling will last about 1-3 months.
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen and Aleve. And, because they may cause bleeding, you should avoid fish oil (Omega 3) capsules. Herbal products should also be avoided. All of this will be covered in depth with your plastic surgeon prior to cosmetic surgery.
Unfortunately, there are no proven techniques for permanent cellulite removal.
It depends on how many areas are operated. This can be discussed with your plastic surgeon during your consultation.
This procedures are normally performed under general anesthesia.
Ordinarily not.
The cost of liposuction varies. The price of the procedure is impacted by the size and number of targeted regions, the techniques employed, and the amount of fat removed.
Liposuction Procedure Information
Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy), or lipo, is a surgical procedure in which fat tissue is extracted from beneath the surface of the skin by inserting a hollow, stainless steel or plastic rod through a band-aid sized incision and then applying suction. With a liposuction procedure, the surgeon is able to permanently reduce a deposit of excess fat. In our, and most other, practices, liposuction is almost always performed under general anesthesia.
You might have heard of the tumescent technique for this procedure as well. What makes the tumescent technique different is that extra fluid is injected in advance to stabilize fluid shifts, and may reduce bleeding. This is a very safe procedure.
Liposuction works better on some areas than others, and we feel it is important to share the fact that there is a risk of sagging skin in the area where lipo was done if the patient has poor skin elasticity. During your consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons, they will discuss whether or not they feel you would be a candidate for liposuction.
Depending on the number of locations of fat sites you have and the amount of fat removed from each site, liposuction generally takes between 1/2 hour – 3 hours.
Get Started Today
The best way to get started with liposuction in Carmel is by contacting My Plastic Surgery Group and scheduling your informative consultation. Our skilled surgeons are your ideal choice for expert care and high-quality plastic surgery results.
Denise Reister18 January 2024I saw Nate for laser hair removal today for the third time. I’ve also seen him for Botox injections. He carefully explains everything he is doing. He is such a kind & caring human. I will definitely use him again & again.
Peggy Brennan18 January 2024Samantha was wonderful. She definitely knew what she was doing and was also friendly & personable.
jennifer foltz17 January 2024The staff is always friendly, professional, and accommodating. Dr. Akers is to the point but listens intently to any concerns (as does the PA!)
T B15 January 2024I recently went for a consultation and the staff was very friendly. Dr. Akers was very nice, polite, professional, and respectful. He explained everything really well of what to expect with the procedure I’m interested in. I was very pleased.
Angie Duzan12 January 2024I had my consultation with Dr Akers. The office staff and the doctor are all so very friendly. They made me feel very comfortable..I have never felt so welcome in a doctor office as I do with Myplastic surgery group. They are all friendly,knowledgeable on procedures and helpful! Dr. Akers is just the most down to earth doctor I have ever met. I travel from Bloomington and will do it every time.I highly recommend this place. They offer a variety of services! Angie Duzan
Amanda Westfall11 January 2024Samantha is an incredible injector. She did my Botox for forehead and crows feet- it was a very positive experience with very little discomfort - thank you so much for keeping me young!
Cheryl OBrien10 January 2024I am very pleased with my results of having a tummy tuck with Dr Aker. I am 4 months post op. The before and after pics are astounding! His office staff are always friendly and make sure that I have all my questions answered. I'm so glad that I chose this doctor. I had a great experience overall.
marisol Goodan9 January 2024Great overall first experience with my consultation. Dr Reddy and the staff were very professional, knowledgeable and answered all my questions thoroughly.
Meet Dr. Aker
Dr. Aker, an Indianapolis plastic surgeon affiliated with several area hospitals, has lectured and is published widely on a variety of plastic surgery topics. Dr. Aker brought several new techniques in cosmetic surgery to Indianapolis and Carmel including the endoscopic breast augmentation (“endo aug”) and Asian eyelid surgery.
Meet Dr. Reddy
After completing her undergraduate degree at Lehigh University, Dr. Reddy earned her medical doctorate degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. She went on to complete an accredited transitional year internship and ophthalmology residency at the highly regarded Emory University, where she distinguished herself as a highly skilled surgeon, having received her surgical training from world-renowned mentors at the Emory Eye Center, one of the top training programs institutions in the country.
