Liposuction in Indianapolis & Carmel, IN

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.

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.

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.