Liposuction
Liposuction, sometimes referred to as lipoplasty or liposculpture, helps re-sculpt your body by removing fat that is unresponsive to dieting and exercising. This procedure can be applied to nearly any area of the body and is commonly applied to multiple areas during an operation.
Liposuction eliminates fat from any of the following areas:
- Chin
- Back
- Upper Arms
- Abdomen
- Hips and Waist
- Outer Thighs and Inner Thighs
- Knees, Calves and Ankle areas
Liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise, but it can be an effective procedure for reducing or eliminating stubborn fatty deposits. Ideal surgical candidates are non-smoking individuals in good health, who have localized fatty deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise.
About Liposuction
Liposuction can be performed with the patient asleep under general anesthesia or with the patient awake using a local anesthesia mixture placed into the treatment areas. Typically, one or more tiny incisions are made, often hidden in natural creases or beneath clothing lines. Through these incisions, a narrow tube or “cannula” is inserted and the underlying fatty tissue is removed. A combination of massage and gentle pinching helps determine the amount of fat to be removed. At the conclusion of the procedure, tiny bandages are applied along with a compression garment that helps reduce swelling and support the treated area.
There are several different types of liposuction procedures. Tumescent liposuction involves the use of dilute local anesthetic fluid placed into the treated areas, and is almost always used. Dr. Richard Tepper offers Lipotherme in his office-based operating room under local anesthesia. This advanced technology combines the benefits of laser technology to dissolve fat and and tighten skin at the same time. The procedure usually requires one to three hours of time. Almost all patients go home the same day. However, if the volume of fat removal is excessive, an overnight stay may be required.
BeforeAfter 
Recovery
The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive an operation the patient undergoes. Generally, patients benefit from plenty of rest and avoidance of strenuous activity. This may help speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. A support garment is often worn for several weeks after the surgery. Patients may experience minor pain associated with surgery. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the directions given after surgery.
The healing process often lasts from several weeks to several months, during which time the overlying skin has an opportunity to adjust.
