Liposuction: It’s Not Just for the Tummy

As much as we’ve learned about various plastic surgery procedures, thanks largely to the internet, some misconceptions still remain. Most people understand that a tummy tuck is a procedure that sculpts the midsection. There is also the idea that liposuction does the same. It does, and is often combined with abdominoplasty to remove unwanted fat and tighten the tummy. While liposuction can be performed on the abdominal area, it can do a lot more. Here, we discuss the broader concept of liposuction so you can see how it may do wonders for your appearance.

What Other Parts of the Body Can be Treated with Liposuction?

While the midsection can be an incredibly stubborn area when it comes to unwanted fat, there are other areas in which liposuction can make a dramatic difference in contouring. These include:

• Neck
• Arms
• Chest (men)
• Love handles and flanks
• Buttocks
• Thighs
• Calves

Nearly any part of the body on which there is pinchable fat can be treated with liposuction. The benefits of doing so include rapid results and the permanent reduction of fat on the body. The body has only so many fat cells. Those that are removed during liposuction are not replaced. So, if you maintain healthy lifestyle habits after undergoing liposuction, there is every reason to expect your shape to remain consistent over time. The results of liposuction are also very natural-looking. A skilled plastic surgeon performs liposuction in a way that creates tiny tunnels into which surrounding fat cells can fall after surgery. The use of a good compression garment promotes this in a way that supports the desired shape. As healing occurs, fatty tissue, connective tissue, and skin all smooth to create beautiful new contours.

Know the Limitations

As versatile as liposuction is to sculpt various parts of the body, this procedure does not result in weight loss. It should not be sought as a form of weight loss but as a cherry-on-the-top type of treatment. If you are near your ideal weight and want to lose some fat that seems to stick no matter what you do, liposuction may be ideal for you. There is minimal downtime needed to recover. Patients are often ready to return to work after five to seven days. The discomfort that can occur during recovery can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. The compression garment applied after surgery also helps with comfort.

Are you ready to look and feel your best? Contact our Bloomington, IL office at (309) 664-1007 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tattini.