Dr. Monteiro uses the newest tumescent and power-assisted techniques to sculpture body features by removing excess fat in all areas of the body, including the neck, arms, abdomen, back, hips, thighs, knees, and calves. This procedure is widely popular among women and men alike.
Please ask Dr. Monteiro about anything you don’t understand in the information contained below.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction, a very common procedure for both women and men, is the surgical vacuuming of fat from beneath the surface of the skin. It is used to reduce fullness in any area of the body. It is an excellent method of spot reduction but is not an effective method of weight loss. Very small incisions are made in the skin at strageic areas to insert instruments that will remove fat.
Who is a candidate for liposuction?
Generally people who have localized areas of protruding fat achieve the most dramatic results. Patients who are slightly overweight can benefit from liposuction. It is best to be at or near your normal weight. Good skin elasticity permits the skin to shrink easily to the reduced contour. There are no absolute age limits for liposuction.
What is the tumescent technique?
The tumescent technique involves injection beneath the skin of a solution of salt water containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic and small amounts of adrenaline, a naturally occurring hormone which shrinks blood vessels. By injecting this solution to the fat prior to performing liposuction, Dr. Monteiro numbs the tissues and shrinks the blood vessels, thereby eliminating pain and reducing and minimizing bleeding, bruising, and swelling. The tumescent technique permits some patients with less extensive procedures to be treated without general anesthesia.
What areas are most frequently treated?
In women, the single most frequently treated areas are the abdomen, flanks, hips, outer thighs and inner thighs. In men, the abdomen and flank area or “love handles” are treated most frequently. Other areas commonly treated include the male pectoral (breast) area, underarms in women, and removal of fat under the chin and around the jawline. Liposuction will typically not tighten significant loose skin and may need to be combined with other procedures such as abdominoplasty, facelift or neck lift to gain the desired results.
Can liposuction tighten up a loose neck?
If there is excess fat in the area under the chin and the skin is taut, liposuction alone can produce a more sculpted, angular, and youthful jaw line. If, however, the skin of the neck is loose, hanging, or crepey, even if there is excess fat, liposuction alone will not produce the desired result. Patients with loose skin usually require a face and neck lift in addition to or instead of liposuction. In general, most patients who benefit from liposuction of the neck are under 40. Most patients over 40 will require some surgical skin tightening.
Planning your surgery
Although liposuction is very safe and effective, it is a surgical procedure and can cause complications such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. In addition, aesthetic complications such as skin irregularity or waviness can occur depending on how much fat has been removed, or if the skin has poor elasticity. Fortunately, complications are uncommon and most patients are satisfied with their results. Dr. Monteiro will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the procedure. He will also explain the anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. Don’t hesitate to ask him any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
Preparing for your surgery
Types of anesthesia
Where your surgery will be performed
Your liposuction may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center, or possibly in an office-based facility. It’s usually done on an outpatient basis, for cost containment and convenience. If you’re having extensive areas treated, you may be admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay.
After your surgery
Getting back to normal
Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be up and about in a day or two, you may not be up to returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel. Avoid exercise for a week. If you have any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to call the doctor. Dr. Monteiro will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities.
Your new look...!
You should also keep in mind that liposuction won’t keep you firm forever – the effects of diet, lack of exercise, gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again. Your satisfaction with liposuction is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic.