Liposuction is a surgical technique used to contour the
body by removing unwanted areas of fat. Since 1982, Liposuction has
grown to become the nation's most frequently performed cosmetic plastic
surgical procedure.
Dr. Burt Greenberg urges patients to read the ASPS, American Society
of Plastic Surgeons, physician statement concerning lipoplasty. The
ASPS states that liposuction is generally safe, provided that patients
are carefully selected, the operating facilities are properly equipped,
and the physician has accredited surgical training in body contouring.
The ideal candidate for liposuction is a healthy person with localized
areas of unwanted fat beneath firm elastic skin. Although patients of
all ages may benefit from liposuction, the loss of skin elasticity with
advancing age may limit the degree of improvement in older patients.
Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations
and discuss them frankly with Dr. Burt Greenberg.
Planning your surgery
Women usually seek liposuction to improve contour of the
hips, thighs, abdomen, legs, buttocks and face/neck area. Men usually
seek improvement in the waist and abdomen. Liposuction is not a method
for weight reduction. It cannot compensate for deficiencies in diet
and exercise. Liposuction does not effectively tighten loose skin or
eliminate the shallow surface irregularities termed "cellulite."
Imperfections in final appearance are not uncommon after liposuction.
The skin surface may be irregular or asymmetric. Numbness and pigmentation
may occur and sometimes, additional surgery may be needed to bring even
further improvement.
Using computer imaging, Dr. Burt Greenberg will show you what the final
result may most closely resemble. Quite often, additional procedures
are performed along with liposuction including: mini abdominoplasty,
gluteal lift, brachioplasty (cosmetic surgery of the arm), and breast
reduction procedures. These possibilities will be discussed during your
initial consultation.
The surgery
During the procedure, a cannula is passed through small
skin incisions and manipulated to break up the unwanted fat. The fat
is then transferred through the tube by the attached vacuum machine.
The tumescent technique allows the injection of fluid into the areas
of the fat to be aspirated. The fluid, which contains local anesthesia
and blood vessel constricting drugs, can produce fatty loss, alleviate
pain, and lessen the need for deep anesthesia.
The procedure is performed in Dr. Burt Greenberg's plastic
surgery facility, The Great Neck Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Facility,
which is accredited at the highest level ("C" level) by the
American Association of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF).
Dr. Greenberg uses general anesthesia for the majority of liposuction
patients. Anesthesia is provided by board-certified anesthesiologists
who work exclusively with Dr. Burt Greenberg.
After your surgery
All patients experience some degree of discomfort after
liposuction, during the first post-operative week. Pain, swelling, discoloration,
and numbness should be expected. Drain tubes are not generally used
by Dr. Burt Greenberg. Patients are required to wear a snug fitting
garment provided by Dr. Burt Greenberg for the first six weeks. A return
to exercise, including jogging, weight lifting, aerobic exercise, is
permissible at that time. You will be completely healed in approximately
three months and your body contour will have assumed its post-operative
condition. Occasionally, small "touch-up" procedures are recommended.
If your expectations are realistic, you will be very pleased with the
results of your surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable
in a wide variety of clothes and more at ease with your body. By eating
a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you can help maintain your
new shape. A nutritionist is part of our surgical team and can provide
recommendations to you both before and after surgery. This may optimize
your outcome and speed the healing process.
