Many people seek liposuction because they want to improve areas of fat deposit that are out of proportion with the rest of their body and do not go away with diet or exercise. It is a body contouring procedure that sculpts specific areas of your silhouette to obtain a harmonious shape. A proper diet and exercise regimen are vitally important to obtain the optimal results. The objective of a liposuction is not to loose weight.
If you are considering a liposuction, the information provided will give you a basic understanding of the procedure but it can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances.
1. Am I a good candidate for the surgery?
2. What should I expect from my consultation?
3. How is the surgery performed?
4.What is the recovery like?
1. Am I a good candidate for the surgery?
The best candidates for liposuction are women and men who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. Because only fat is removed, the quality of the skin is very important for proper contraction. If you are within 10 to 20 pounds of your ideal body weight and in good physical and mental health with reasonable expectations, you should be an appropriate candidate for liposuction.
2. What should I expect from my consultation?
During your consultation, you will learn about the surgery, its limitations and risks, and discuss your specific needs and concerns. This will help Dr Larocque to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. He will examine you and evaluate your skin quality and your body contour. He will take photographs and will show you by computer-imaging the silhouette he wants to obtain.
Your medical history will be discussed with particular attention to any medical conditions that can influence the results. Finally you will meet with the patient coordinator to discuss surgery fees and scheduling dates.
3. How is the surgery performed?
The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia with sedation. It is sometimes done under general anesthesia if there are many areas to be treated. Using a mixture of local anesthetic and adrenaline, a special solution called tumescent fluid is created and is inserted in the treated areas. It helps numb these areas, controls bleeding, and reacts with the fat, making it easier to remove. The fat is then suctioned out through a blunt tubular instrument called a cannula. Dr Larocque uses a power-assisted cannula for more precision and control. The recovery is faster and easier. You will need to weir a special compression garment for a few weeks to help ensure a good contour to the treated areas.
You should expect some bruising, swelling, and discomfort after the procedure. Depending on the number of areas treated, you may need to be out of work and away from your usual activities for the first week. You will begin to see the result only about three weeks after the surgery and it may takes at least six months for the final result.
