Excess Fat and Liposuction

Body fat on adults tends to increase gradually with age. After the age of 30, an individual often accumulates fat most frequently in the abdomen, hips, and the area under the chin. Fat in these areas is often resistant to diet or exercise. After pregnancy, the fat on the abdomen and hips may persist despite concerted efforts at dieting and exercising. For many people who have an inherited tendency to accumulate localized deposits of fat, liposuction is often the most effective means of significantly changing the body's silhouette.

Liposuction is performed by inserting a tubular instrument, called a cannula, through a small skin incision for placement into the fatty subcutaneous layer. The cannula is connected to a powerful suction pump and inserted into the fat through small incisions in the skin. Fat removal is accomplished as the suction cannula creates tiny tunnels through the fatty layers. After liposuction surgery, these tiny tunnels collapse and thus result in an improved body contour.

After the procedure, compression garments are worn while the overlying skin heals and contracts, resulting in a firmer, more contoured appearance. There may be temporary swelling and bruising at the operative site and moderate post-operative discomfort which is easily controlled by medication.

Although the removed fat cells cannot regenerate, the remaining fat cells may grow larger if lifestyle choices are not conducive to weight loss. Diet and exercise continue to play a large role in weight management even after liposuction.

Depending on your individual needs and desired results, Dr. Maas or one of our affiliated outstanding body surgeons is available to discuss options in liposuction and body contouring.