What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, can remove areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Typical locations include the lateral thighs, abdomen, inner thighs, and “love handles”. Ideal candidates for liposuction in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, are at their ideal body weight and have good skin tone. Liposuction is performed using the “tumescent” technique. Prior to suctioning, the area to be treated is infiltrated with fluid. This fluid contains medication to minimize blood loss and help with post-operative pain control. Dr. Rocheford does not use ultrasonic liposuction.
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“I am three months post-op from my abdominoplasty and I couldn’t be happier with my results. Best decision I ever made! I got my confidence back after having two kids back to back. Everything about the process from consultation through post-operation was very well thought out and organized. Dr. Rocheford is approachable, kind, answered all my questions, and made me comfortable right away during my consultation. Day of my surgery her and her team again made me feel calm and it almost felt like a spa day! Everyone is so friendly, warm, and welcoming. I can’t emphasize enough how highly I recommend Dr. Rocheford and her team. I know I will definitely be going back for anything I may want/need in the future!”
“I had my rhinoplasty done by Dr. Rocheford and cannot recommend her enough! I am 4 months post op and am amazed at how seamless the recovery process was. She and her staff are so helpful and kind and made me feel very comfortable. I felt prepared every step of the way and am so happy with my results!”
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Heather Rocheford, MD
BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
There are so many fads and false promises out there. It’s almost impossible to make a confident decision without trusted advice, and that’s what I’m here for. My goal is to help you understand what is right for you – based on your unique situation.
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Details Of Liposuction
- Surgery: Surgery is done under general anesthesia at an outpatient facility or hospital. The surgery takes 1 – 6 hours, depending on the number of areas to suction. It is outpatient for small to medium volumes, and overnight for a large volume.
- Discomfort: Mild to Severe. Anticipate 2 – 14 days of pain medication.
- Bruising and Swelling: Peaks within 3 days and slowly resolves over 2 – 8 weeks.
- Bandages: Removed in 1 – 4 days.
- Stitches: Internal stitches dissolve.
- Support: Wear a compression garment continuously for 2 weeks and during the day for the next 4 weeks.
- Work: You may return to work in 5 – 14 days if you are finished taking prescription pain medication. Wait 2 – 3 weeks if your job requires heavy lifting.
- Exercise: May be resumed in 2 – 4 weeks. Exercise sooner will cause swelling and delay your final result.
- Final Result: After the swelling subsides, usually 6 – 8 weeks. The duration of the result is 7 – 10 years.
Liposuction in men is typically performed on the chest, abdomen, and flank (love handles). In women, the last 3 illustrations indicate the most common areas to treat. The incisions are less than one centimeter long and will be hidden increases to minimize visibility. To help control your contour, you will wear a compression garment following surgery.
Candidates for Liposuction
Ideal candidates for liposuction are those individuals seeking to permanently remove excess or stubborn fat that is not responsive to diet and exercise. Candidates should be okay with a surgical procedure with minimal-to-moderate downtime. Additionally, those seeking liposuction should be in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations.
Liposuction Procedure
Your liposuction procedure will begin with an anesthetic. General anesthesia is most commonly used for liposuction procedures. Your surgeon will begin by making a small incision in the area where the fat is to be removed. Through this incision, they will insert a thin tube called a cannula. The cannula is maneuvered in a way that breaks up the excess fat before it is suctioned out through the small tube. To finish the procedure, sutures are made to close your incision.
Liposuction Recovery
Immediately following your liposuction procedure, you will experience some mild to moderate pain and bruising. You can take a pain reliever to help ease any discomfort. You will be required to wear a surgical compression garment around the clock during your recovery for 2 weeks and then only during the day for four weeks after that. You will also be required to pause or limit exercise for 2 weeks. Final results can be seen 6-8 weeks after your procedure.
Let Dr. Rocheford Help You
Dr. Rocheford has compiled a list of frequently asked questions for her liposuction patients. She and her team are also available to discuss your personal concerns. Complementary procedures, like a tummy tuck, may help you better achieve your cosmetic goals.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re ready to discuss your Minneapolis-St. Paul liposuction options, now is a great time to schedule your liposuction surgery consultation with Dr. Heather Rocheford at our plastic surgery offices, serving the Twin Cities Metro area including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury and beyond. Simply request a consultation online or call Rocheford Plastic Surgery at 651-739-1100 today to schedule your appointment.
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Liposuction FAQ’s
Are you put to sleep for liposuction?
Depending on your unique liposuction surgical plan, you may require only a local anesthetic or light sedation. More extensive procedures or those that are paired with a surgical lift will require general anesthesia.
What is Liposuction?
Also known as lipoplasty, liposuction in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image. Liposuction techniques may be used to reduce localized fat deposits of the thighs, hips and buttocks, abdomen and waist and other areas.
Is liposuction right for me?
If you are bothered by excess fat deposits anywhere on your body that don't respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you. Ideal candidates for liposuction are adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin, and good muscle tone, healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing, non-smokers, and Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring.
What are the risks of liposuction?
The decision to have liposuction is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Dr. Rocheford and her staff will explain, in detail, the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.
Is liposuction safe?
The risks and complications associated with liposuction include, but are not limited to: uneven contours, anesthesia risks, infection, fluid loss or accumulation, unfavorable scarring, and the potential for revision surgery.
What should I ask during my liposuction consultation?
Use this checklist as a guide during your consultation: How many years of plastic surgery training have you had? Am I a good candidate for this procedure? What will be expected of me to get the best results? Where and how will you perform my procedure? What surgical technique is recommended for me? How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery? What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure? How are complications handled?
Can visceral fat be removed?
No. Visceral fat is the tissue that surrounds your organs inside your abdominal cavity and is necessary for your bodys health. If you have excess visceral fat, diet and exercise are the easiest way to reduce it.
Does a tummy tuck remove fat?
A tummy tuck can remove abdominal fat through surgical removal or liposuction. It also comes with the benefits of skin excision and muscle tightening for an overall improved look to the abdomen.
How can I lose tummy fat fast?
The quickest way to lose stubborn tummy fat is through liposuction if youre at a healthy and stable weight. Certain non-surgical body contouring treatments can also remove stubborn fat, but work more slowly.
What are the liposuction procedure steps?
Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. First, a sterile liquid solution is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.
Can I get liposuction if I am overweight?
Good candidates for liposuction are those who are at a healthy and stable weight. This lowers your risks of complications and also ensures youre less likely to experience weight changes that can negatively affect your results. If you lose significant weight after your procedure, you may need additional surgery for excess skin.
Does liposuction get rid of cellulite?
No. While liposuction can get rid of unwanted fat, it is not the recommended treatment for getting rid of cellulite.
Is Lipo permanent?
It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop. The fulfillment you feel from the initial results of liposuction should continue as long as you control your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A significant weight gain can reverse your results. Following liposuction, your slimmer and better-proportioned body should more accurately reflect the healthy and active life you lead.
Will I need help after liposuction?
If your liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
What should I expect during my liposuction consultation?
Be prepared to discuss why you want the surgery, your expectations, and desired outcome, any medical conditions or drug allergies, use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and previous surgeries.
How should I prepare for liposuction surgery?
Dr. Rocheford may ask you to get lab testing and medical evaluations take or adjust your current medications, stop smoking well in advance of surgery, and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.