Liposuction

When most people think of liposuction, they think of removing fat from around the abdomen, or maybe in the flanks (the “love handles”). But liposuction can be used to remove fat in a number of other areas of the body, including:

Basically, if there is an area on the body where you would like to see more muscle definition and less fat, there is a way to use liposuction to help you get the results you want.

Another common misconception about liposuction is that it is a weight loss tool. In fact, the ideal candidates for liposuction are not obese. Liposuction is a tool for fat reduction, which is different from weight loss surgery and thus has different prerequisites.

Ideal candidates for liposuction in Philadelphia should actually be fairly near their ideal weight, or at least be able to stable weight. Fluctuating weight can undo the effects of liposuction. Ideal candidates should have active lifestyles and be in general good health. This ensures that the fat they have removed via liposuction will stay off following the procedure.

Dr. Subbio will assess your situation and help you determine if liposuction is right for you. If not, you may wind up requiring a different procedure.

Our team understands the frustration that comes with wanting a weight loss procedure, only to find out that liposuction is not for you. There are weight loss procedures such as gastric banding and gastric bypass that are specifically designed to target weight loss. Liposuction is not one of those procedures.

Dr. Subbio can help you determine if you are ready for liposuction, or if potentially another treatment for weight loss may be something to consider before attempting liposuction.

Another common misconception is that liposuction alone will offer the same benefits as a tummy tuck. In reality, these are very different procedures, each with their own benefits and results. They are also not mutually exclusive; many mommy makeovers combine liposuction and tummy tucks for transformative results.

In this video, Dr. Subbio explains the differences between tummy tucks and liposuctions, and the ideal candidates for each procedure.

Small incisions of about 1/4-inch each are made in the areas to be treated. Dr. Subbio will make every effort to place the incisions in discrete locations where the scars can be easily covered with clothing. These might include natural body creases, the area low on the abdomen above the groin, the belly button, or under the chin, for example.

A tube called a cannula is inserted into the incisions and attached to a suction device that removes the fat. Dr. Subbio uses the tumescent technique, which is the preferred Liposuction method in which tumescent fluid is used to numb the area, reduce bleeding, and loosen the fatty tissue. He then moves the cannula in and out of the incision to break down the excess fat as it is suctioned out. The incisions are either closed with sutures or bandaged for natural healing.

• Length: 1 to 2 hours (or more for extensive procedures)
• Anesthesia: Local or general, depending on the extent of the procedure
• In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient
• Extensive procedures may require a short in-patient stay
• Results: Permanent (if sensible diet and exercise are maintained)

You will be able to walk the next day, but please do take it easy. Our Philadelphia liposuction patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness for about two weeks. Sutures will either dissolve on their own, or we’ll remove them about a week after your surgery.

If you have extensive Liposuction, drains may be placed in some of the incisions to catch fluids. We will remove these within a week after your surgery. Depending on the area and extent of your Liposuction, you may need to wear a compression garment for 2-4 weeks to keep swelling to a minimum.

Liposuction is generally regarded as a low risk procedure, especially when it is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio. However, as an invasive procedure, liposuction does have potential risks and side effects.

The most common side effect of liposuction is bruising around the treatment area. Dr. Subbio takes special care to minimize this risk by using tumescent liposuction; a technique where a fluid mixed with a topical anesthetic is used to break apart fat below the skin. This allows it to be more easily and painlessly removed, and reduces the risk of side effects.

Other potential side effects include discoloration and sagging of the skin, scarring, worsening of cellulite, swelling, infection, and changes to skin sensation. In rare cases, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary complications have been noticed following liposuction.

Dr. Subbio takes special care to use proven techniques to minimize these risks. That’s why it is so important to find a proven plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio to perform your liposuction in Philadelphia.

Liposuction scars are very uncommon with a trained plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio. This is because liposuction incisions are small (usually less than an inch long), Following your surgery, you will likely have a wound that scabs over, leaving a small scar which will fade over time.

Dr. Subbio knows how to place his liposuction incisions in areas where scarring is less likely, and less visible if you wind up having scars that take longer to heal. Dr. Subbio also provides his patients with detailed aftercare instructions to minimize recovery times (and the appearance of scars).