For patients who desire a slimmer figure, Dr. Paul Critelli offers liposuction, a cosmetic procedure that removes stubborn fat from areas of the body that are resistant to diet and exercise. Men and women most commonly remove fat from the stomach, hips, lower back, thighs, arms, chin and chest. The surgeon uses a tube-like tool called a cannula to loosen fat cells, and remove them from the body. This procedure helps patients achieve a slimmer contour, but should not be used as a solution for being overweight. Men and women considering liposuction should be at or near a stabilized, ideal weight.
About The Surgery
Tumescent "Super-Wet" Lipo
Tumescent liposuction, known as the “Super-Wet” approach, is a suction-assisted (SAL) technique that uses a solution and power-aided motor to help remove stubborn fat. The surgeon injects the solution, made of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine (to control bleeding), into the problem areas. The surgeon then inserts the cannula attached to the motor to remove fat cells from the body at a controlled speed. The motor helps surgeons remove anywhere from several ounces to a few pounds of fat.
During/After Surgery
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure performed either under general anesthesia at a surgery center, or for small areas in the office under local anesthetic. The procedure lasts about 30 minutes for each body part. It can be a stand-alone surgery, or combined with other procedures. However, the surgeon may suggest performing the surgery over a period of time for the safety of the patient. After surgery, patients are required to wear a compression garment to help the body adjust to its new shape. Bruising and swelling will subside within 1 week, but patients will not see final results for several months. Liposuction does leave a small scar, but it fades over time.
Expected Cost
The average cost for liposuction depends on the technique and scope of the surgery. Schedule an appointment for a customized consultation with Dr. Critelli to determine the cost of your procedure.
FAQs
Is it safe?
While today’s surgical techniques are safe, patients can experience poor results from inexperienced surgeons. It is important for patients to do their research, and find an experienced surgeon that can help them achieve the best, most natural-looking results.
Permanent results?
The results of liposuction can be seen for many years following surgery if the patient follows a healthy diet and exercise program. Removed fat cells do not come back, but patients can still gain weight if their remaining fat cells grow.
Too much fat?
Yes, there can be too much fat. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons does not recommend removing more than 10 pounds of fat for the safety of the patient. Removing more than 10 pounds is considered high-volume liposuction, which increases the chances of complications from the surgery. Patients are advised to be near or at their ideal weight before undergoing liposuction.
Skin tightening?
While liposuction removes fat and improves contour and shape, it does not address sagging or drooping skin. If skin laxity is a concern, patients can talk to the surgeon during the consultation to discuss their options for improving skin texture, such as a tummy tuck, thigh, neck, arm or butt lift.