Reduce Stubborn Fat with Liposuction

Deposits of stubborn, excess fat anywhere on the body can make otherwise confident people feel insecure about their appearance. If diet and exercise programs fail to help you achieve your desired body contours, liposuction may be a viable alternative.

Dr. Anne Nickodem performs this procedure to reshape the body by removing excess fat.

Reasons for Liposuction

Liposuction can be used to remove excess fat in different areas of the body such as:

• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Hips
• Waist
• Buttocks
• Knees
• Back
• Arms
• Neck
• Calves
• Ankles

It should be noted that liposuction is not a treatment for stretch marks or cellulite, although some people may see slight improvement for these conditions.

What to Expect with Liposuction

During liposuction small incisions are made in targeted areas of the body to insert a tube (cannula). This tube is used to break up stubborn fat deposits and suction out just the right amounts of fat to contour the body.

Liposuction is often combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck, to achieve the desired results.

Liposuction Recovery

Your recovery after liposuction will depend on how many areas are treated and your own unique healing ability. On average, you should expect to recover a few days at home and limit any strenuous activities for about 2 weeks. You may be instructed to wear a compression garment for a short time to minimize swelling. Dr. Nickodem may place drainage tubes under the skin to drain any excess fluids from the area.

Swelling and bruising is normal and temporary. Full results may take several months to achieve. It is necessary to continue a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain your great results. Liposuction should not be viewed as a weight loss procedure.

Following Dr. Nickodem’s post-op instructions will help to minimize the risk of complications.

Potential Risks of Liposuction

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage or skin sensation changes
• Bruising and swelling
• Blood clots
• Fluid loss or accumulation
• Anesthesia risks

Reasons to Postpone Liposuction

Not everyone is a good candidate for liposuction. Dr. Nickodem may recommend you wait to have this procedure if you:

• Consider liposuction a weight loss solution
• Want to lose significant amounts of weight in the future
• Have a serious medical condition that may interfere with healing
• Will not stop smoking prior to and after surgery (this can delay healing and increase the risk of complications)
• Have unrealistic expectations 
• Believe that you can never regain weight after liposuction

Is liposuction in Annadale, VA, right for you? Contact us today to schedule a Cosmetic Consultation to find out.