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Should You Add Liposuction to Your Tummy Tuck?

Are sit-ups and crunches not doing anything to get rid of your belly pooch, loose skin, or that layer of abdominal fat? Are you finding that, despite your healthy diet and consistent exercise routine, your lean, sexy stomach is as elusive as ever?

Well, it’s not your fault. Excess skin, stretched muscles due to pregnancy, or stubborn fat are all conditions that many of us encounter. You might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, or liposuction, or a combination surgery. Combining the two procedures, known as lipoabdominoplasty, might be the best choice if your goal is to tighten your abdominal area as well as remove excess fat.

Liposuction uses suction to remove isolated pockets of stubborn subcutaneous fat in those pesky love handles, belly fat, and back rolls. What it doesn’t address is excess skin or muscle laxity that may follow pregnancy or weight loss.

On the other hand, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens loose or separated abdominal muscles, resulting in a smooth, toned physique. For those areas of stubborn fat surrounding the abdomen, on its own, a tummy tuck may not be the most effective option.

Liposuction, combined with other procedures, is completely safe and growing in popularity. For example, for the mommy makeover procedure, your board-certified plastic surgeon offers, liposuction may be combined with a tummy tuck. Doing this in one combined procedure removes excess fat and reduces abdominal stretching, returning your body to its former, more desirable, sexy shape.

How Does Liposuction Complement a Tummy Tuck in Fredericksburg, VA?

At the start of your tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon first performs liposuction throughout the abdominal area to eliminate excess fat. A tiny tube, known as a cannula, is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen, and the fat cells are removed with an aspirator.

Once the fat has been removed, the tummy tuck is then performed,  removing excess tissue and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles, resulting in a flatter, firmer abdominal profile.

What Are the Benefits of Adding Liposuction to Your Tummy Tuck?

The most significant benefit of adding liposuction to your tummy tuck is that exercise- and diet-resistant fat can be removed during the same procedure where loose skin is tightened, and stretched muscles are repaired.

Scheduling only one surgery with just one recovery period and less overall downtime is an excellent benefit for someone with a busy schedule.

Finally, when your tummy tuck is combined with liposuction, body contouring results are maximized. Removing excess fat and stretched loose skin at the same time is often the most efficient and effective approach in getting ready for that new bathing suit!

How Do You Decide to Add Liposuction to Your Tummy Tuck?

Learn how you can combine these two procedures during your initial consultation with your surgeon at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg in Virginia. The result of this meeting will be a fully individualized surgery plan to suit your anatomy and the desired result. Schedule a personal consultation online or by calling (540) 371-7730 today!

Liposuction: Build Your Summer Body in the Winter

Cold, dark days and slippery conditions don’t lend themselves to jogging or playing sports. Winter also tends to cause intense, persistent fatigue for those who live at higher latitudes. Reduced sunlight leads to increased production of the “sleep hormone” melatonin, making people feel tired throughout the afternoon and evening. Low levels of vitamin D play a role in poor performance, too: According to a study published in the journal PLOS One, athletes with optimal vitamin D levels exhibit greater strength, stamina, and ability to recover from intense workouts (as compared to athletes with low vitamin D levels). In short, if working out in the winter exhausts you, it’s not all in your head; it really is harder to get in shape during the colder months. How, then, can you successfully sculpt the perfect body in time for swimsuit season? Costly, tiring gym sessions are one option, but if that doesn’t work for you, it might be time to consider liposuction.

Liposuction for Weight Loss: How it Works

Liposuction (and related procedures, like SmartLipo) can’t create spontaneous whole-body weight loss. What these procedures can do, however, is quickly and permanently reduce the size of “problem areas” that haven’t responded to natural weight loss methods. For example, if you have a BMI under 30 but you still struggle with a protruding belly and chubby thighs, liposuction can contour these regions, so they’re more proportional with the rest of your body. Many people use liposuction to help them achieve greater visible muscle tone (even a modest amount of subcutaneous fat can obscure muscle definition) or get rid of distracting lumps and folds that make them feel self-conscious.

During liposuction, a special instrument called a cannula is inserted directly into the patient’s subcutaneous fat. This thin tube (which is typically between two and six millimeters in diameter) injects tumescent solution into the treatment area, liquefying fat cells for easier removal. Tumescent solution also typically contains a local anesthetic (to minimize discomfort) and several agents designed to reduce bleeding and inflammation. By controlling soreness and swelling locally, plastic surgeons can often avoid the use of general anesthetic when performing liposuction.

Recent advances in liposuction technology have significantly reduced the recovery time associated with this procedure, too. Most people who have liposuction only need to rest for about a week after their surgery, and they can return to light activities within days. The recovery from laser lipolysis procedures like SmartLipo is even shorter: SmartLipo patients can usually return to work within just three to five days. In other words, if months of punishing workouts haven’t paid off for you, body contouring can intervene to create the results you deserve—quickly.

Arrange a Liposuction Consultation in Fredericksburg

Don’t let the “winter blahs” stop you from achieving your summer body goals. Our team of caring, experienced board-certified plastic surgeons can help you find freedom from unwanted fat. To begin your journey, contact us to arrange a one-on-one consultation.

 

 

 

Liposuction and Lipedema

Liposuction, like many plastic surgery procedures, has important medical uses. Liposuction can help patients with a condition called lipedema finding long-lasting relief from the physical and emotional discomfort associated with their illness. If you or someone you know is struggling with lipedema, our board-certified plastic surgeons can guide you on the path towards recovery.

What is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a poorly-understood condition that causes severe, chronic problems with fat distribution and fluid retention. This disease, which primarily affects women, creates disproportionately large deposits of fat on the lower limbs and buttocks, even if the affected woman is otherwise slim. This buildup of fat is not caused by lifestyle factors (like dietary choices) and it does not respond to conventional weight loss methods. Liposuction is the only effective treatment for lipedema.

The fat distribution issues caused by lipedema should not be confused with normal variations in body shape, i.e., having a “pear-shaped” figure. Women with lipedema have extreme proportions; it’s not uncommon for a woman with this condition to have a ten-size difference between her upper and lower halves (such as wearing a size 6 top and size 16 pants). Furthermore, unlike normal fatty deposits, the fat stores created by lipedema frequently cause pain and swelling. If untreated, lipedema can lead to mobility issues, including disability. Lipedema can also be disfiguring; it’s not unusual for lipedemic fatty deposits to clump together and harden, creating visible lumps under the skin.

How Liposuction Treats Lipedema

Noninvasive treatments, like compression stockings, pain medication, and lymphatic massage, are often used by physicians to manage lipedema. However, while these treatments can ease some of the discomfort associated with lipedema, they cannot slow the buildup of fat that invariably accompanies this progressive disease. Liposuction, by contrast, permanently removes problematic fatty deposits. Fat cells that are removed via liposuction will not grow back on their own, so in many cases, liposuction can halt the progression of lipedema.

Liposuction has been shown to greatly reduce pain and mobility issues in patients with lipedema, too: According to a study of 25 patients who received liposuction for lipedema, spontaneous pain flare-ups, sensitivity to pressure, and susceptibility to swelling and bruising all greatly decreased following surgical treatment. Meanwhile, patients reported experiencing significant mobility and quality of life gains. (Liposuction in the Treatment of Lipedema: A Longitudinal Study, Archives of Plastic Surgery, 2014)

How is Liposuction Performed?

During liposuction, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted below the skin. Our doctors then irrigate targeted fatty deposits with a special solution in order to liquefy fat cells and make them easier to remove. This solution contains a local anesthetic that greatly reduces postoperative soreness, along with other compounds designed to limit bleeding and swelling. Once fat is ready for removal, it’s sucked out through the cannula. Liposuction does not require the creation of large incisions, so it rarely causes any visible scarring. It also has a very low rate of complications.

Getting Help for Lipedema

Many women with lipedema are not diagnosed until their condition becomes disabling or disfiguring, which makes treatment more challenging. If you suspect you have lipedema, we recommend arranging a liposuction consultation with our doctors; they’ll help you assess your symptoms and recommend the best course of action. With our help, freedom from the pain and distress of lipedema is possible.

 

 

Most Commonly Requested Liposuction Areas

Liposuction is as versatile as it is effective: This convenient, low-risk procedure can permanently remove unwanted fat from almost anywhere on the body. Liposuction is the best way to contour small areas, too; the thin cannulas used during this procedure can shape even the fingers, toes, ankles, and knees. Most non-surgical fat removal devices are too large to be used similarly.

If you’re considering having diet-resistant fat removed, it’s useful to know the most commonly requested liposuction sites. Having this information will help you work with our surgeons to develop a comprehensive body sculpting plan that meets all your objectives.

The 6 Areas Most Commonly Treated by Liposuction

1. The Abdomen

Unsurprisingly, the upper and lower abdomen are two of the most popular liposuction sites. Liposuction can quickly and permanently eliminate up to ten pounds of belly fat. Keep in mind, however, that this procedure is not meant to serve as a substitute for lifestyle changes. Removing more than ten pounds of fat at a time can cause surgical complications, so it’s not possible to use this procedure as a treatment for central obesity.

Eligible candidates use liposuction to treat age-related fat centralization or inherited fat distribution problems. Mothers also turn to liposuction to get rid of the lower belly “pouch” that often develops after pregnancy.

2. The Breasts

Both men and women can benefit from liposuction’s ability to contour the chest. Men frequently use liposuction to treat gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts). Women may use it to correct breast asymmetry or decrease the size of their breasts slightly (more dramatic reductions in breast size can only be achieved using breast reduction surgery). Some women also use liposuction to get rid of the small pocket of fat that sometimes exists between the breasts and the armpits. Removing this fat can reduce irritation while wearing a bra and make clothes drape in a more flattering way.

3. The Area Under the Chin

Though non-surgical treatments for submental fat exist, they don’t produce results as quickly as liposuction. They can also cause more localized irritation for some patients. Liposuction is therefore still the treatment of choice for most patients who wish to get rid of a double chin.

5. The Thighs

Some women have what’s known as an accentuated “pear-shaped” figure: Their upper body is very lean, while their thighs and buttocks retain stubborn bulges of fat. Liposuction can be used to slim the lower body, giving these women more balanced proportions.

6. The Upper Arms

High estrogen levels tend to increase the amount of fat that’s stored on the arms, as well as increasing breast size. Unfortunately, natural or not, this extra arm fat can make a woman look heavier and less toned than she actually is. Having arm liposuction can improve visible muscle tone and decrease upper body mass at the same time.

To learn more about how liposuction can be used to sculpt a shapelier body, contact PSSF to arrange a consultation. Our surgeons will be happy to answer any questions you have about this procedure.

 

 

Weight Loss vs. Liposuction: What’s the Difference?

Having a quick, safe, and effective treatment for obesity could safeguard the health of millions of Americans. It’s therefore unsurprising that many people look to plastic surgery to help them shed excess fat when diet and exercise fail to yield meaningful results. Unfortunately, the role of liposuction in fat loss is widely misunderstood: This procedure won’t make a heavy person slim overnight, but it’s capable of doing things normal weight loss can’t. Here’s what you need to know before you schedule a liposuction consultation:

Understanding the Role of Liposuction

If you’ve ever seen “before and after” photographs of liposuction patients, you know what a dramatic difference this procedure can make in a person’s appearance. Most liposuction patients look like they’ve lost approximately 25 pounds when they’ve actually had between five and eight pounds of fat removed. These results, along with misinformation in the media, have led to the popular assumption that liposuction is a “weight loss” procedure.

The effectiveness of liposuction lies in its ability to remove fat from the key “problem areas” that we associate with looking heavy. A person might only be carrying five pounds of fat around his midsection, for example, but if it’s all packed into a distinct set of love handles, he’ll appear chubby. The same can be said of people who have a double chin even though they aren’t overweight, or who have unusually thick thighs. These individuals all have problems with fat distribution, not generalized weight gain.

Fat distribution issues, unlike generalized weight gain, can’t always be treated with diet or exercise. The idea that you can “spot reduce” fat is a myth: When you burn calories, stored energy is released from fat cells all over your body. Weight loss therefore produces a uniform reduction in total body size, regardless of whether you’re exercising your stomach, legs, or arms. No matter how much weight you lose, your proportions will stay roughly the same. This means that if you had a large belly and average-sized limbs before losing weight, you’ll probably still have a prominent stomach after losing weight—it will just be smaller than it was. These deposits of “stubborn” fat are what make body contouring procedures like liposuction a cosmetic necessity: Liposuction can permanently remove them without any of the risks associated with extreme dieting.

If you’re interested in having liposuction, you should view it as the last step in your weight loss journey. Before having this procedure, you’ll need to use conventional weight loss methods to reach a healthy BMI and reduce your total body size. After you’ve achieved this goal, analyze your body for any remaining areas of unwanted fat and decide whether or not you want surgery. If you think liposuction could help you put the finishing touches on the body you’ve worked so hard for, contact us. Our team will be happy to answer any further questions you have about this procedure.

 

 

 

Get Your Best Summer Body with Liposuction

In this age of innovative nonsurgical fat removal procedures, it can be easy to forget the unique advantages of liposuction… And this is a shame, because if you’re looking to sculpt the perfect summer body, liposuction may well be the best tool to use. Before you pass over this tried, tested, and true fat removal procedure, take a moment to consider its many benefits:

The Top 6 Advantages of Having Liposuction

1. Liposuction is extremely versatile.

Most nonsurgical fat removal procedures use an applicator tool that “sucks in” the flesh that’s being treated. This means that these treatments are not usually suitable for use on very small or inflexible areas, like the hands, ankles, or feet. Additionally, patients who have very dense fat may not respond well to nonsurgical treatments as the applicator device won’t be able to pull in enough tissue to be truly effective. Liposuction, on the other hand, can be used virtually anywhere on the body (thanks to the availability of ultra-thin cannulas), and on any patient.

2. Liposuction produces quick results.

While nonsurgical fat removal can be very effective, it takes a while to work its magic. Most patients have to wait at least two to three months to really see the results of these procedures. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for nonsurgical fat removal procedures to require more than one treatment session, sometimes spaced weeks apart. In other words, if you’re looking to get the perfect body by June, you have to start in the middle of winter. Liposuction, on the other hand, is virtually instantaneous. Once the patient leaves the plastic surgeon’s office, his or her unwanted fat is gone—permanently. All he or she has to do is wait a week or two for any residual swelling to subside, and it will be time to pull out the shorts and swimwear.

3. Liposuction is more affordable than most people realize.

Usually, surgical procedures are a fair bit more expensive than their nonsurgical counterparts as they’re more difficult to administer. Fortunately, this isn’t the case with liposuction. Because it’s such a straightforward and relatively quick operation, it only costs $2000-3000 on average. This is about the same as the average total cost of having CoolSculpting. Patients are therefore free to choose between liposuction and alternative options based on which choice fits their preferences the best; cost isn’t an obstacle either way.

4. Recovering from liposuction is easier than you think

Recovery from liposuction takes about one week, and it isn’t usually particularly painful. Patients will generally be given prescription painkillers and compression garments in order to help keep soreness and swelling to an absolute minimum.

It’s important to be aware that pain-sensitive individuals usually experience some degree of post-procedure pain after having nonsurgical fat reduction, too, so avoiding surgery isn’t a surefire way to avoid pain. Once again, you should choose the procedure that fits your needs best; if you experience pain, your surgeon will intervene to help you manage it effectively. When it comes to providing aftercare, board certified plastic surgeons are generally extremely thorough.

5. Having liposuction can actually improve your health.

Most people don’t associate plastic surgery with health benefits, but they should. A number of cosmetic procedures have medical uses as well, and liposuction is no exception. According to a study published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2011, having abdominal liposuction can reduce a patient’s level of blood triglycerides by an astonishing 43%. This is extremely significant because high circulating levels of triglycerides are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. In short, getting that summer body you’ve always dreamed of might actually save your life.

As the list above shows, there are many reasons why liposuction remains one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in America. If you’re tired of dealing with distracting bulges, don’t ignore this quick, safe, and amazingly effective body sculpting procedure. It just might be exactly what you’re looking for.

 

CoolSculpting VS Liposuction

If you didn’t know it already, fat reduction procedures are some of the most popular in the world. It’s understandable, really, fat reduction is the definitive solution for stubborn pockets of fat that are immune to intense diet and exercise. As more and more people are finding out about the wonders of fat reduction, demand for procedures like CoolSculpting and liposuction are skyrocketing. If you’re having a hard time choosing between two amazing procedures, why not learn a little bit about what makes each of them different?

How It Works

Liposuction:

Liposuction is a surgical procedure used for fat reduction and body contouring. Liposuction is done by creating small incisions in the treatment area, then inserting these small tubes called cannulas into the treatment site and suctionining excess fat away.

CoolSculpting:

CoolSculpting performs fat reduction through a non-surgical technique called fat-freezing. Basically, an applicator will take a part of your body and place it between two cooling panels. The freezing technology will then crystallize the fat, destroying fat cells and allowing them to be flushed naturally from the body.  CoolSculpting uses a temperature that only works specifically on fat, so your surrounding tissues are untouched and unharmed.

What It Works On

Liposuction: It’s been around for decades, and since it was first used as a fat reduction procedure, liposuction has become one of the most versatile procedures that can work almost anywhere.

  • Chin
  • Cheeks
  • Neck
  • Upper arms
  • Abdomen
  • Waist
  • Buttocks
  • Thighs
  • Hips
  • Knees
  • Calves
  • Ankles

CoolSculpting: As of now, CoolSculpting is FDA-approved for the treatment of the following areas.

  • Flank (love handles)
  • Inner thigh
  • Outer thigh
  • Abdomen
  • Submental area (“double chin”).

Customization

Liposuction:

There’s been a lot of innovation in the field of liposuction, so there’s actually a wide variety of techniques that you and your surgeon can choose from:

  • Tumescent liposuction
  • Ultrasonic assisted lipectomy
  • Power assisted lipectomy
  • SmartLipo™

CoolSculpting:

CoolSculpting has a few different applicators that can be used on different parts of the body. Most patients work with their technician or physician to develop a customized treatment plan.

  • CoolAdvantage
  • CoolMini
  • CoolCurve
  • CoolCore
  • CoolFit
  • CoolSmooth Pro
  • CoolMax

Why People Like It

Liposuction:

People love liposuction because like most surgical procedures, it’s unbelievably effective. It’s called “body sculpting” for a reason, mostly because there’s a wide degree of precision and control in terms of contouring your body. And although there is downtime and a recovery period required, the results are pretty immediate and obvious and it’s usually only done once. It’s also really easy to combine with other procedures to create the perfect look.

CoolSculpting:

People love CoolSculpting because it’s comfortable, quick, and requires no downtime. The typical CoolSculpting treatment lets the patient lie down, take a nap or read a book while the fat freezing takes place. All they feel is a cooling sensation and some tugging. CoolSculpting is pretty appealing because it allows them to have permanent results with such a simple and easy procedure. There’s no long, painful recovery period that incapacitates them, either.

Feel like you have a good idea of which one you want? No matter which one you pick, remember to go to a renowned practice like the Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg for a consultation for fat reduction procedures. Call us at 540-371-7730 for a consultation today.

Top 5 Liposuction Myths

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the market: liposuction was the third most popular cosmetic procedure last year, and it also holds a 91% “Worth It” rating on RealSelf.com. It’s been modified, improved, and even combined with other procedures in the few decades since its invention. Now, those are some cold hard facts, but there’s a lot of false information and misconceptions going around about liposuction thanks to pop culture and the media. Let’s explore the top 5 most popular liposuction myths:

“It’s a Quick and Easy Way to Lose Weight”

Liposuction should never be considered to be a weight loss procedure, because it’s mainly a body contouring procedure. The perfect candidate for liposuction is someone who is close to their ideal weight but wants to get rid of stores of fat that won’t reduce even after diet and exercise. Removing enough fat by liposuction to cause significant weight loss would actually be very bad for your health. In fact, being obese or very overweight can actually increase risks of complications after procedures.

“Liposuction Is Completely Permanent”

While the effects of liposuction are incredibly long lasting, you still need to maintain your weight through diet and exercise to make sure that your results don’t reverse themselves. Gaining weight after the procedure can really affect your liposuction, no matter how well it turns out.

“Liposuction removes Cellulite”

While liposuction is a body contouring procedure, its main job is fat reduction. That means that, unfortunately, liposuction doesn’t do much to remove cellulite or tighten skin. That’s why the perfect candidate for liposuction is someone who has great skin elasticity.

“A Tummy Tuck and Liposuction Will Do the Same Thing”

A tummy tuck and liposuction actually have completely different results; enough that they can actually be combined together to improve body contouring results. A tummy tuck will remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten abdominal muscles to create a more athletic stomach. If a patient wants a tummy tuck but also wants to remove a significant amount of fat, then liposuction will also be done.

“Liposuction is non-invasive surgery”

Liposuction is minimally invasive surgery.  Liposuction works by inserting these tubes called cannulas through small incisions created by a plastic surgeon. This fat will then be suctioned out, and your incisions will be closed.  Recovery from liposuction is usually 3 days back to work.  Want to find out more about liposuction to see if it’s for you? Contact Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg at 540-371-7730 for a consultation.

May Is Mom’s Month … Time for a Mommy Makeover!

We’re continuing our celebration of moms all throughout May. They sacrifice so much for us and do so willingly, but one unfortunate thing many moms have given up is the body they used to love. Don’t despair, moms. We can help restore your pre-baby body with a Mommy Makeover. Wonderful children and a sexy body, too—who says you can’t have it all?

Has Pregnancy Changed Your Body?

Being a mom is filled with sacrifices, but your body doesn’t have to be one of them. Many women experience unwanted changes to their body and appearance during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, including:

  • Breast Changes– The breasts may become larger or smaller and often develop sagging.
  • Unwanted Fat Deposits– Hormone changes can lead to stubborn fat pockets in areas like the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, etc.
  • Stretch Marks– Stretch marks are common after pregnancy due to the quick expansion of the abdomen.
  • Loose Abdominal Skin– Abdominal skin and muscles can be stretched out, resulting in a post-baby belly that is difficult to tighten up, even when you return to your pre-pregnancy weight.
  • Changes to Genitalia– Changes to the labia and vagina are common. Some women experience discomfort, especially during exercise.

If pregnancy changed your body, a Mommy Makeover may be able to reverse some of those changes. Say goodbye to post-baby belly and sagging breasts!

Is My Mommy Makeover Customized to My Needs?

A Mommy Makeover is highly customizable, designed to meet your unique needs and desires. During your consultation, we’ll examine your body, discuss your goals, and offer treatment recommendations. We may recommend procedures like breast augmentation, a breast lift, a tummy tuck, liposuction, etc. These surgeries can often be combined, reducing the amount of time you’ll need to spend in recovery.

Everyone should love their bodies—especially mothers! Schedule your Mommy Makeover consultation today by calling 540-371-7730.