Liposuction Before & Afters
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Fat cells are stubborn and can be frustrating as well. Sometimes, despite your best intentions and efforts to get rid of them, the fat remains. That may be the time to take the battle against fat to “the next level,” with help from our Tampa liposuction specialists.
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Liposuction, often called “lipo,” improves body contours by removing targeted fat cells.
Liposuction is a highly effective body contouring procedure designed to eliminate stubborn fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise. This procedure targets specific areas of the body, permanently removing fat cells and enhancing your natural shape. Liposuction can address a variety of areas, including the abdomen, thighs, arms, back, and even smaller, more delicate areas like the chin and neck.
The process involves making small incisions and using a thin tube called a cannula to gently break up and suction out fat cells. Modern liposuction techniques, including tumescent liposuction and ultrasound-assisted liposuction, allow for more precise fat removal, leading to smoother, more refined results. At our practice, we focus on delivering outcomes that align with your aesthetic goals while prioritizing safety and comfort.
While liposuction can make a noticeable difference in body contour, it is important to remember that it’s not a weight-loss solution. Instead, it’s best suited for patients who are near their ideal weight but struggle with localized pockets of fat that seem resistant to their efforts.
Liposuction works by breaking up fats and then suctioning them out of the body. Specifically, liposuction completely and permanently removes targeted fat cells in specific body areas.
This sculpting technique is one of the most common procedures performed today, with minimal incisions placed in natural creases to allow access to the middle and deep fat compartments for extraction. At our practice in Tampa Liposuction is ideally suited for fat removal where the integrity of the underlying musculature is good and the elasticity of the skin is sufficient to shrink smoothly to the contour of the fat removed.
Today's technology has enhanced the safety of the procedure and the precision of the results. Using liposuction Tampa cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bruce Landon can improve the shape and contours of areas like the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, back and arms. He can make the legs and arms appear slimmer, and the abdomen flatter. Facial liposuction can help to sculpt the face and neck. For example, it can be used to remove fatty deposits along the jawline or underneath the chin.
Many methods of liposuction are currently available and include ultrasonic, tumescent techniques and laser assisted. Your method is dependent upon your relative amount of fat excess, skin type and age.
There are several ways to perform liposuction using different instruments and technology. Traditional liposuction involves inserting a long, thin tube (called a cannula) through incisions in the treatment area and moving it back and forth through the fat layer to break up the fat. Then, the fat is suctioned out of the body.
Ultrasound liposuction involves a special cannula that emits ultrasonic energy to break up fat and make it easier to remove. Vaser is one of the more well-known ultrasound liposuction systems. Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a tumescent "wetting" solution into the treatment area to firm up fat and make it easier to suction out of the body. This wetting solution contains a local anesthetic, for pain management, and epinephrine, which constricts the blood vessels to minimize bleeding and swelling.
When considering Liposuction Tampa patients should know this can help to permanently remove fat cells in the following areas:
Liposuction does not treat obesity and is not a substitute for diet and proper exercise. Liposuction is not intended to improve or remove cellulite, and, in many instances, may make such dimpling worse.
Liposuction produces impressive results. Fat cells removed through liposuction cannot grow back.
Following liposuction Tampa patients can expect their skin to mold itself to the new contours of the treated areas. Remember that liposuction can be performed alone or combined with other procedures such as facelift, breast reduction, or a tummy tuck.
When considering Liposuction Tampa patients that visit us choose this procedure for its ability to:
The best liposuction candidates are healthy, active individuals with localized areas of unwanted fat. Liposuction is not an effective weight loss method, and candidates should be within 20 pounds of their ideal weight.
The best lipo results are achieved by patients who have too much fat in specific areas but otherwise have a healthy and stable body weight. If you have coronary artery disease, diabetes, or a compromised immune system, you may be disqualified as a candidate for liposuction.
Good candidates for liposuction also have firm, elastic skin that will contract over the body's newly sculpted curves and contours after surgery. Dr. Landon meets with every Tampa liposuction candidate one-on-one to determine whether liposuction is best for their needs, and to recommend an alternative if it is more suitable.
Keep in mind that the success of your liposuction procedure depends largely on the skill and experience of your surgeon. Our Plastic Surgeon Dr. Landon is a premier surgeon in Tampa with extensive training and many years of experience. He also has an eye for balance and proportion, which helps him deliver beautiful and natural-looking results.
General anesthesia is commonly used for patient comfort. At Landon Plastic Surgery in Tampa liposuction will be performed in our AAAASF certified operating suite. AAAASF is an acronym for the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities.
You will typically be scheduled to arrive one hour before your procedure. First, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to reduce the risk of surgical infection. Then, once your anesthesia has been administered and you are sufficiently sedated, your targeted treatment areas will be injected with a cocktail of medications designed to break up your fat cells.
Your surgeon will use one of several liposuction techniques depending on your goals and treatment areas. The selected technique may involve the use of ultrasound or lasers. The surgical team will monitor your vitals throughout your procedure, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level. Your procedure may last up to several hours, depending on the size of your treatment areas and the extent of fat in them.
Your access incisions will be closed with an absorbable material following your fat removal. Your surgical team will put a compressive garment on your treated areas immediately after surgery to minimize fluid accumulation and enhance your long-term results. You will typically spend a few hours in a recovery room so that medical personnel can make sure your body has cleared your anesthesia and that you are “good to go.” Make sure you have arranged for someone to drive you home and that you have some help at home for at least the first night following your liposuction.
Recovery from liposuction varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the areas treated. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the days following surgery. These symptoms are typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication and by wearing the recommended compression garments.
Most patients can return to light activities and work within 3-5 days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks. The compression garments not only help control swelling but also promote skin retraction, ensuring smooth contours as you heal.
You’ll notice some results as the initial swelling subsides, but the full benefits of liposuction typically become evident within three to six months as your body continues to heal and adapt to its new shape.
It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely, including attending all follow-up appointments, to ensure the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery.
Proper aftercare is key to achieving the best results from your liposuction procedure. In the first few weeks, you’ll be advised to wear compression garments continuously to reduce swelling and help your skin adapt to your new contours. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and gently moving around can aid in recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Your first follow-up appointment will be within 48 hours of surgery to check on your healing progress. Your surgeon will monitor your recovery, provide detailed care instructions, and address any questions or concerns you may have. It’s normal to experience some temporary changes in skin sensation and mild lumpiness as your tissues heal. Over the next few months, your body will gradually settle into its final shape, revealing a smoother, more sculpted appearance.
Your post-surgical swelling will hide your results for a few weeks. But once that swelling resolves, your treated areas will look less bulky.
Most liposuction patients achieve 90 percent of their desired results within three months following their treatment. However, it may take up to six months for your treated areas to heal fully. After that, your results can be very durable and even permanent if you maintain a healthy and stable weight.
Survey results reveal that more than 90 percent of liposuction patients are happy with the results. Remember, the fat cells that were suctioned from your body are permanently removed and cannot regenerate in those treated areas. But you will still need to watch your weight to keep fat from building up in untreated areas.
Liposuction pairs beautifully with a variety of other cosmetic procedures to enhance your overall results. Depending on your aesthetic goals, you may consider combining liposuction with:
Choosing complementary procedures can provide more comprehensive body contouring, leading to a harmonious and proportionate appearance.
The cost of liposuction can vary depending on the areas being treated, the complexity of the procedure, and the specific techniques used.
During your consultation, your surgeon will provide a personalized quote based on your treatment plan. It’s important to consider the value of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience. Quality and safety should be the top priorities when selecting your provider, as these directly influence your results and overall experience. Financing options are available to help make liposuction more accessible, allowing you to invest in your confidence and well-being without compromising on the quality of care.
Liposuction has improved many women's and men's happiness, self-esteem, and appearance. Landon Plastic Surgery and Medspa is Tampa's leading and most trusted facility of its kind. Medical Director Dr. Bruce Landon is double board-certified in plastic surgery and is a fellow of both The American College of Surgeons and The American Society of Plastic Surgery. In addition, Dr. Landon is a bonafide expert in liposuction and has practiced in Tampa for more than two decades. To learn more about liposuction Tampa candidates can call (813) 499-1408.
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells in treated areas. But the procedure does not change how your body processes and stores fat. So if you gain weight in the future, your treated areas will remain fat-free, but the new fat will be stored in some other area of your body.
Pain will vary from person to person. But most patients say their treated areas just feel like a large bruise and that their level of discomfort does not interfere with their concentration.
Over-the-counter products are usually sufficient to control pain, but your doctor can prescribe additional medication as needed and appropriate.
All such procedures carry risks, including bleeding and reaction to anesthesia. Possible complications specific to liposuction include:
A liposuction session can safely remove between six and eight pounds of fat (3-4 liters).
Scars are minimal because the incisions made during liposuction are tiny. Scarring is also dependent on the skill of your surgeon and each patient’s genetic scarring tendencies.
Since liposuction is almost always classified as a cosmetic procedure, it is very unlikely that your insurance will pay.
Costs will depend on the number, size, and locations of your treatment areas. Have a conversation with your doctor about liposuction costs before your procedure.
in Tampa, FL
Dr. Landon always takes the time to listen and address any concerns about the procedure you're interested in. Schedule your free, personal consultation with Dr. Landon today and experience the difference in care.