We are all born with a finite amount of fat cells. As we gain weight they increase in size and when we lose weight they decrease in size.
Thus, once removed fat will no longer be able to be stored in the area of fat removal. However, weight gain will be in other areas of the body where the fat was not removed.
Yes! By performing liposuction first (fat removal only) will not preclude having a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) at a later date. A tummy tuck will remove any additional unwanted fat and the excess and stretched skin as well as repair the stretched or separated (diastasis recti) abdominal muscles usually found after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Both remove unwanted fat but in different ways.
Liposuction will remove fat by extracting the fat through a cylindrical tube (cannulae) with negative pressure (suction). It will not affect, or repair separated abdominal muscles (after pregnancy or significant weight loss) nor will it reduce excess skin or loose skin. In fact, the skin may become looser after liposuction because of the “deflation” of fat and volume loss. Thus, is why we include Vellashape III (a skin shrinking device) with all our liposuction procedures.
Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) surgically removes the excess fat directly from the abdominal AND:
- Tightens/repairs the stretched and separated muscles after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
- Dr. Hardesty includes flank liposuction and a non-narcotic pain pump with each tummy tuck.
Depending on the volume to liposuctioned, the area(s) of the body and the patients emotional ability liposuction can be safely completed under local anesthesia
and oral sedation:
1) you will feel a pinprick when initial local medication injected
2) you will feel some moderate discomfort/burning when the tumescent fluid is injected
3) after this there should be no pain but you will feel pressure and movement of the liposuction cannulae .
I recommend that you make several consultative appointments with Plastic Surgeons who are experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition ideally they are members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).
Thank you for your questions.
Unfortunately without photos or being able to examine your tissue, my response is more limited.
However hopefully you will find it helpful.
Liposuction is optimal when you have reached your goal weight and for diet resistant fat areas of your body.
There are several technologies avavailable:
a) suction asst. Liposuction (SAL)
b) ultrasonic asst. liposuction (UAL)
c) power asst. liposuction (PAL)
d) laser asst. liposuction (LAL)
e) water asst. liposuction (WAL)
They are all effective and are secondary to the experience of the Plastic Surgeon.
Like in golf “it’s not the club it’s the golfer”!
Fees vary based on geographic location, Plastic Surgeons experience and reputation.
In addition to liposculpting many of us have added non surgical methods “to shrink skin” after liposculpture using Radio Frequency(RF)devices. Two such devices include:
a) Vellashape III
b) Thermi tight
In my practice drains are rarely used.
The recovery period is similar for all types.
Please make a consultative appointment with several experienced Plastic Surgeons who are Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).
As long as your blood sugars and blood pressure are controlled and Hgb1ac is normal you probably at no greater risk than normal. Arthritis per say is not a risk other than the medication you may take for it.
If you receive a medical clearance I recommend that you make several consultative appointments with Plastic Surgeons who are experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition ideally they are members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).
