What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure used to contour the body and remove areas of stubborn fat deposits that don’t seem to change despite diet and exercise, but it IS NOT a weight loss procedure.

Liposuction may be performed on almost any area of the body, although some areas are more difficult to treat. Once the fat cells are removed, they do not grow back. However, since human fat cells grow in size but not in number, you can still have fat accumulation in areas of prior liposuction, should you gain weight.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Liposuction?

The best candidates for liposuction are healthy non-smokers who have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind. At the time of your consultation, your goals, the procedure, and the routine postoperative healing process will be explained in detail, and all of your questions will be answered.

Good results from liposuction depend on three events:

• First and easiest to understand is fat removal.
• Second is the formation of the scar tissue where the fat was removed, which allows the skin to adhere and create a new contour. This is helped by wearing a compression garment.
• Third is the ability of your skin to be elastic and shrink to accommodate the removal of fat. This, too, is helped by wearing a compression garment after surgery. Areas of skin with lots of stretch marks will not shrink well after surgery. The ability of your skin to shrink is somewhat age related and is not always predictable. Techniques to stimulate skin shrinkage may be required to improve results. This is why wearing a compression garment over the treated liposuction area must be used for several weeks or longer. Cellulite in women is due to particular arrangements of the fat cells. It is found in certain genetically predetermined areas of the body. The posterior thigh and buttock area are the most common regions. There is no long-term improvement of cellulite from traditional liposuction. If fine, small cannula techniques are used with superficial suction, the cellulite appearance may or may not be improved.

Liposuction Procedure

Dr. Lynam of our Richmond, Virginia, plastic surgery facility uses the state of art method of Liposuction called VASER LogoVaser® ultrasonic liposuction. VASER Liposuction involves the use of high-frequency energy to help break up fat cells. What makes this liposuction alternative effective is that it achieves quality results in a safer manner.

What You Should Know About Vaser® Liposuction

VASER liposuction is beneficial not only for excess fat deposit removal but also helps to shrink the skin better than traditional liposuction. Because of the high-frequency energy it delivers, there is typically less bruising and swelling. For patient safety, we limit the removal of fat to 5 liters.

Liposuction may be used to reduce fat deposits to the following areas:

• Neck
• Abdomen and waist
• Upper arms
• Hips and buttocks
• Breast or chest area
• Thighs (inner and outer)
• Back
• Inner knees

You will be placed in a compression garment following surgery. Liposuction procedure is done on an outpatient basis, taking 1-3 hours to perform depending on the number of sites being treated and is done under general anesthesia.

After Liposuction Surgery

During the first 24-48 hours following surgery, excess liposuction fluid and liquefying fat cells drain from the small skin openings. The day following surgery, you may shower. You should wear the compression garment 23 of the 24 hours of the day including to bed at night for the first week. Beginning week two, a spandex-type garment that applies a lesser amount of pressure is recommended to wear at least 12 hours a day for an additional 2-3 weeks of compression. The goal is to train the skin so it shrinks and redrapes over the areas of fat removal and adheres at its new position. You may return to work in 1 week following your liposuction procedure.

The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for our liposuction procedure is to schedule a consultation at our Richmond, Virginia, plastic surgery facility. You will learn what reasonable expectations for the goals you wish to achieve are.

What Makes This Liposuction Special?

When it comes to liposuction, this cutting-edge method is an excellent alternative to traditional liposuction procedures. Unlike laser-assisted methods, which act as a blowtorch that burns tissue and sometimes damages skin, the safe sound waves used in this procedure provide safe and effective results. Want to learn more about why this alternative is a good choice? We have the details below.

Quicker Recovery Time

Undergoing an elective procedure like liposuction does not always equate to being bedridden and out of commission for a prolonged period of time. In fact, patients who undergo this procedure can return to normal activities in no time.

Better Healing

Wondering what makes this recovery process so much better than others? Because this form of liposuction is more gentle there is less bruising and swelling. Additionally, there is better cell shrinkage, which allows for the blood vessels and connective tissue to stay better intact. With far less risk of skin or surrounding tissues becoming damaged, you have everything to gain in terms of benefits. The overall result? A much quicker recovery that is complemented by satisfactory results.

Schedule a Consultation Now

When it comes to liposuction, the highly skilled professionals of our Richmond, Virginia, facility know best. Our state-of-the-art surgical boutique has everything we need to ensure that you have a safe, comfortable procedure. In fact, our facility is home to the newest Vaser® ultrasonic liposuction system. This, in combination with Dr. Lynam’s seven years of experience with this procedure, ensures that you are in good hands when you visit our facility. If you live in the Richmond, Virginia, area and think liposuction may be a good treatment for you, contact us about a preliminary consultation.

“My experience with Dr. Lynam was excellent. I interviewed three different doctors in the Richmond area and he was by far the best. I wanted to have liposuction on my hip area and I was a very unique case. I was extremely uncomfortable and literally scared to try this procedure. Dr. Lynam reassured me that he could make me look and feel better about myself. Dr. Lynam and staff was great during my six months of recovery and visits they were very professional and pleasant to work with at all times.”
– Iris D
Liposuction Patient