Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat from underneath the skin. It is a great technique to help tailor areas of the body that are resistant to exercise and diet. It can help create more definition in the abdomen, flanks, legs and chest area. In the appropriate patient, it can also create areas of tighter skin and better contour.

	Why Choose Dr. Michael J. Lee for Liposuction? Dr. Lee emphasizes protecting the most superficial layer of fat which will decrease the risks of contour problems in the skin after liposuction.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

For liposuction to be effective, the skin quality should be good. This means that areas of stretch marks or very loose skin are not areas that respond well to liposuction. Also liposuction results are best if there are contour problems not overall increased weight and fat. Liposuction should not be used as a weight reduction technique.

Many people, however, do lose weight a month or two after the procedure because the recovery process usually decreases appetite for a few weeks as well as the results usually motivate more compliance with exercise and diet.

What is liposuction etching or liposculpture?

Liposuction techniques have improved over the last few years with smaller cannulas and less trauma. If there are areas that have a small area of fat, this can be removed using smaller cannulas to retrieve the fat. These cannulas allow Dr. Lee to help sculpted areas such as the abdomen, neck, love handle region, back, and thighs.

In the appropriate patient, it can create shadows around the abdomen, chest and back area.

What are the risks of liposuction?

There are risks of prolonged bruising, swelling and numbness of the skin as well as contour problems. The bruising, swelling and numbness last a few days to a few months. The contour problems may need additional surgery to correct.

Dr. Lee tries to minimize contour problems by not removing the most superficial layer of fat to prevent injuring the layer that creates the natural smoothness to the body.

There are other risks that are more uncommon including blood clots, significant bleeding, and anesthesia risks. These are rare and can be minimized by decreasing the length of time in the operating room and by moving and walking soon after surgery.

How long is the recovery?

Depending on where and how much liposuction is performed, the recovery can vary for one to two days to a few weeks. Regardless of where and how much, activity and exercise can be started for most individuals after 7-10 days.

There is also a wide variation in swelling and bruising which usually resolves over one to two weeks.

When can I exercise?

Exercise can be resumed within seven to days after liposuction.

How much weight can I lose doing liposuction?

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It should be used for sculpting and removal of contour problems with fat.

Dr. Lee has seen many people lose weight after liposuction because they see some results and this motivates them to exercise more and eat healthier.