Newport Beach Plastic Surgery | Dr. Hendrick's Blog

In the second installment of the procedure of the week series, I will be
talking about one of the more common body-contouring procedures known as
Liposuction. In 2004, liposuction was the #1 most frequently performed
procedure by doctors who are members of the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons.1

Liposuction is a procedure that is often used by both men and women.

Common places that women get liposuction are:

* Under the chin
* Hips
* Thighs
* Stomach

Common places for men to get liposuction are:

* Under the chin
* Around the waist
* Breast area (To reduce the size of their breasts - a condition known
as Gynecomastia)

Liposuction is generally reserved for the mildly overweight whose bodies
will not respond to dieting. Liposuction is also usually reserved for people
who are active and healthy and who have localized areas of extra fat.

I have three really great innovations in liposuction that make the procedure
even better. Most physicians infuse a large amount of fluid containing
adrenalin in the area to be treated, prior to liposuction. In addition to
the adrenaline, I add a special mix of numbing medications that make the
site virtually pain free for up to 24 hours after the surgery. This, I
believe, allows you to resume normal activities sooner that most people do
after this procedure.

Liposuction surgery can vary in time and degree based on your needs. Things
I have to take into consideration when talking about surgery options are the
size of the area and the amount of fat that has to be removed. The procedure
consists of inserting a small metal tube with vacuum pressure through a
small incision and suctioning out the excess areas of fat. I prefer a
power-assisted liposuction device the vibrates the metal tube and shakes the
fat loose. It comes out faster and with less trauma using this device.
Fluids are typically administered intravenously, because body fluids are
lost during the procedure.

My third innovation is sutureless closure of the entrance sites. Most
doctors will suture the openings closed, which leaves a noticeable scar. I
use a special band-aide that seals the wound and essentially leaves very
little noticeable scar.






3 weeks post op.



After the surgery you will have to wear a compression garment as to help
with the reduction of swelling. Because of the swelling, results will not
show up right away. It takes around six weeks after the procedure to see the
full effect of the liposuction. Sometimes liposuction is done along with a
Tummy Tuck. These two procedures combined can significantly change the body
shape and contour for the better.

For more information on Liposuction, please visit my Liposuction Frequently
Asked Questions page. Also check out my before and after photos of
liposuction patients.

Liposuction is not right for everyone. To determine if you are a good
candidate for liposuction, please contact me today for your confidential consultation.

1. From The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (2004 Statistics)