Your Ultimate Guide to Lipo in Miami, FL
Whether you've recently lost a lot of weight or you're in the process, the body naturally tends to hold onto pockets of stubborn fat which are hard to move.
This is where the procedure of liposuction comes in. It's ideal for removing stubborn areas of fat that diet and exercise fail to achieve.
Liposuction surgery generally targets areas which tend to hold onto excess fat, such as the stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks and more.
If you're looking for liposuction treatment in your area, here's an in-depth guide to lipo in Miami, FL.
Everything You Need to Know about Lipo in Miami, FL
Contrary to what many people believe, liposuction is not as invasive as you may think.
If you're looking to slim down, tone up or improve the appearance of cellulite in certain areas of your body, liposuction is your answer.
How is this achieved? A board-certified surgeon will make small skin punctures, loosen the fat under your skin and suction it out with a cannula.
Liposuction is also good for specific areas such as love handles, saddlebags, calves, ankles, arms, the neck, and back.
It's important to note that there is no guarantee that the appearance of cellulite will improve after liposuction. This is why this procedure is often combined with an open procedure to contour the overlying skin.
The entire process is therefore described as ''liposculpture''. This procedure helps to guarantee a slimmer, smoother body shape and contour.
So, with this in mind, who is best-suited to a liposuction procedure?
Ideal Candidates
Each person who wishes to undergo liposuction will be assessed by a board-certified surgeon.
An overall health check will clear you for surgery. A surgeon will determine whether a liposuction procedure is the right choice for you.
Generally, the ideal type of liposuction candidate will display:
- Disproportionate deposits of fat on the body which do not seem to budge with exercise or diet
- Good skin elasticity which is firm and not too loose, as liposuction works to remove fat underneath the skin, and not skin itself
Then again, if you simply wish to have more definition and tone in certain regions of your body, liposuction is the ideal procedure for this.
In some cases, a surgeon may advise against liposuction as a procedure and recommend another.
For instance, if you have lost a large amount of weight and have excess, loose skin, a tummy tuck may be best instead.
However, this is up to the discretion of the surgeon and their expertise.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons does not recommend removing more than 10 pounds of fat during a liposuction procedure.
This is high-volume liposuction and can lead to an increased likelihood of complications during or after surgery.
This is why patients are always advised to be near or at their ideal weight before undergoing a liposuction procedure.
Surgical Techniques
While liposuction is a surgical procedure, there are a number of different techniques used for different areas of the body.
Some of the most common surgical techniques include:
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
Also known as the ultrasonic approach, this dual procedure uses ultrasound waves and a cannula to extract loosened fat.
The ultrasound waves can treat denser areas of fat which tend to accumulate around the thighs and stomach. Ultrasound waves break down deposits of fat, which is then suctioned out of the body.
This surgical technique is popular among men looking for a more defined and contoured physique.
A variation of the technique is also popular, known as VASER(R) Lipo. An ultrasonic cannula evenly disperses energy and improves fat breakdown and removal.
This is often a preferred surgical technique as it tends to minimize injury to the skin and is highly efficient at targetting fat cells.
Tumescent Liposuction
This variation of liposuction is also known as the ''Super-Wet'' procedure. It is a suction-assisted technique, using a solution to break down stubborn fat which is then removed via a power motor.
A solution comprised of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine is first injected into the target areas of fat. The cannula is then inserted into the skin and removes fat cells at a controlled speed with the help of the power motor.
This approach allows surgeons to remove anywhere from a few ounces to a few pounds of fat during the procedure.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
As the name suggests, this technique includes the use of a laser to target specific problem areas. Burst energy breaks down and loosens fat cells, which are then removed from the body with a cannula.
Some of the most popular laser-assisted liposuction brands include SmartLipo(TM), SlimLipo(TM), Lipolite(TM) Laser Liposculpture, and ProLipo PLUS(TM).
What to Expect During and After Surgery
Liposuction today has become far less invasive than the techniques used in yesteryear. But you will still have to be in the hospital or a surgery center for the procedure.
You will undergo general anesthesia for approximately 30 minutes per body part undergoing liposuction.
If you intend on having liposuction done to numerous areas of your body, your surgeon may recommend splitting up each procedure. This is to avoid putting your body under too much strain.
Post surgery you'll require rest and need to wear compression garments to help control bruising and swelling.
Results are not instantaneous, you can expect bruising and swelling for at least one-week post-surgery. The final results of your procedure(s) may take a few months to reveal themselves.
How Safe is Liposuction?
Liposuction techniques performed today are extremely safe. However, it is important to do your research and select a board-certified and reliable surgeon to perform your procedure.
For the most natural looking results finding the right surgeon is imperative. This will ensure a safer liposuction experience.
Looking for a Board-Certified Expert?
Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, well-known for his expertise throughout Miami, Florida.
If you're looking lipo in Miami Fl, make your appointment today for the life-changing results you're looking for.