Although many variations of the liposuction procedure have been developed in the past decade, the basics remain the same. A tiny incision less than one-quarter inch long is made near the area where the fat will be removed. Through this incision, a long thin tube, or cannula, is inserted. The cannula is repeatedly pushed through the fat layer deep beneath the skin, breaking up the surrounding cells. At the same time, a vacuum attached to the cannula removes the unwanted cells by suction. The length of the procedure depends largely on how much fat must be removed and how many areas are being attended.

There are two core liposuction methods that we use in our office. Suction-assisted lipoplasty (SAL) is the more traditional technique that removes fat by suction alone. Ultrasonic-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) uses ultrasonic energy emitted from the cannula to “melt” fat, allowing for ease of removal. In many cases, tumescent fluid (a solution of saline and local anesthetic) is also used to help facilitate fat removal and reduce the amount of pain during and shortly following the procedure. Each case is different, and Dr. Springer will select the procedure that most appropriately fits your needs.

Am I a good candidate for Liposuction?

There are cases where even a small accumulation of fat is unflattering to the figure because of its location. The location of fat storage in the body is largely determined by one’s heredity and gender. Exercise and diet helps to reduce overall body size and weight, however, despite the best of efforts, many people struggle with persistent areas of unwanted fat. Those who experience this phenomenon are the ideal patients for this procedure. Liposuction helps to remove the disproportionate and localized areas of fat in order to reduce contour irregularities.

Skin elasticity also plays a role in the final result. This procedure only removes excess fat, not excess skin. In order to create the best result, the skin must adjust to fit the newly contoured area. The more resilient and elastic your skin is, the greater the chance that it will conform to your new shape after surgery. Younger patients usually have greater skin elasticity, and therefore have a better chance of their skin adapting to their new figure. However, whether or not the skin will readjust also depends on how much fat is removed, the extent of previous trauma to the skin, as well as other factors.

Most importantly, anyone considering liposuction must have realistic expectations for their result. This procedure can enhance your appearance and, in turn, your self-confidence. However, as is the case with any cosmetic surgery, it is impossible to create the ideal figure or body. This procedure will not make you perfectly symmetric, and the overall results depend on continued diet and exercise. We do hope that we can help everyone feel better about themselves and their bodies by removing excess fat and creating a more flattering body contour.

How long will the results of liposuction last?

The results of the liposuction procedure are expected to be permanent. The number of fat cells in your body will never increase, since the body does not replace fat cells that are removed. However, the size of the remaining cells can still increase or decrease, creating changes in your figure. Undergoing this procedure does not guarantee that the treated areas will remain trim regardless of how you treat your body. Therefore, you must make an effort to retain the beautiful changes we are able to provide by adhering to a moderate diet and exercise program.

How do I select a competent plastic surgeon?

Perhaps your most important decision regarding liposuction is the choice of your plastic surgeon. One way to ensure that your physician can offer you the care you deserve is to make sure he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association in Plastic Surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and/or the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), two prestigious national associations, require that all of their members pass the plastic surgery board exams. Choosing a surgeon who is a member of one or both of these associations ensures that he or she is well educated and has years of experience in the field of cosmetic surgery.

An equally important factor is your comfort level with the plastic surgeon that you choose. Make sure you feel he or she has spent enough time speaking with you, and that the physician understands your needs and desires. You are having surgery – therefore, you should feel like your needs are being heard and met. Ask to see before and after photos of prior liposuction patients. The physician should be willing to show some to you – make sure to verify that they are his or her own patients.

Do you perform this procedure in a hospital or clinic setting?

Our liposuction cases are performed in a hospital setting. Our staff is very knowledgeable and compassionate, and the hospital fees have been negotiated so that you don’t have to pay a premium for the hospital care that you receive. Liposuction is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, so you may go home a few hours after surgery. However, depending on the extensiveness of the procedure, it may be appropriate for you to stay overnight.

What type of anesthesia do you use?

We use local and general anesthesia, depending on the length of surgery and your preferences. We find that most of our patients are more comfortable with general anesthesia, but Dr. Springer will discuss the pros and cons of each option with you in order to help you make the best decision.

In many of his cases, Dr. Springer uses the tumescent technique which involves injecting a solution into the area where fat is to be removed prior to the actual liposuction. This solution is made up of saline, epinephrine (which helps the blood vessels in the area to contract) and a local anesthetic such as lidocaine. This technique not only provides additional pain relief during the procedure, but the anesthetic also continues to work for a short while following surgery.

What are my payment options?

As is the case with all elective surgery, full payment is required prior to your surgery date. However, Dr. Springer does offer another payment option in addition to cash, personal check or credit card. For many years he has offered financing to his cosmetic patients in order to allow more flexibility in payment. When you come into the office for your free consultation, Dr. Springer’s staff will be happy to discuss all of the prices and payment options with you. At that time we can give you the names of the financing firms with whom we work if you are interested.

What can I expect after surgery?

With any surgery, recovery time varies from person to person. Swelling usually begins to subside a week or so following surgery. We will give you a support garment to wear for a couple of weeks following surgery, in order to help reduce the swelling and allow your skin to conform to your new shape. Bruising tends to last for three weeks or longer before clearing up. Some areas may be numb following the procedure and can remain so for several weeks. In almost all cases, however, feeling eventually comes back in treated areas.

Most patients are comfortable returning to work after a few days of recovery at home. One to two weeks following surgery, you should be comfortable doing most daily activities. We do ask that you avoid strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting or cardiovascular exercise, for about one month in order to allow for complete healing.

When will I see my final result?

It may take three to six months before you see the final result due to continual swelling and bruising following surgery, so patience is necessary. After the swelling and bruising has resolved, you will be able to appreciate your new contour. As long as you adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle, you should be able to enjoy the figure that we provide you with little change for many years.

Our goal is to create a more balanced figure for each patient by removing fat from “problem” areas. It is our hope that this will help each person feel better about the shape of his or her body, enhancing self-confidence and self image.