What do our Chicago liposuction surgery patients say?

"My younger body is back!" - PS, Wilmette
"I have no problem walking down the beach anymore..." - KU, Los Angeles
"No one knows what I did - they think I just have a great body because I take care of myself!" - OE, Vernon Hills
"I would do it again in a heartbeat!" - SS, Chicago

Chicago Liposuction Surgery

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS, people spent over $700 million on cosmetic liposuction surgery last year. In the US, liposuctions costs about $3,000 per area. Many people long for the quick results of liposuction, but are afraid to undergo an expensive surgical procedure which includes some form of anesthesia and some recovery.

Liposuction is not advised for overweight people and is ideally suited for normal-weight people who only have excess fat on a particular spot on their body or localized fate deposit.

Liposuction removes areas of fat using thin cannulas. Small incisions are made and these tubes are placed into your body. The tubing is attached to a vacuum and the excess fat is drawn out of your body. The length of the procedure depends on the amount of fat being removed and the way your body responds to the treatment. There are many forms of liposuction including traditional, power assisted, Vaser or laser assisted and ultrasonic assisted liposuction.

Patients often ask plastic surgeons if there is a way to get the results of liposuction without surgery.  Even with the newer non-invasive laser treatments and other modalities available, there is nothing currently in the marketplace that can give a patient the same result as a liposuction procedure.

Non Surgical Alternatives to Liposuction

There are a number of liposuction alternatives available today, including Lipodissolve, Mesotherapy, and Thermage or Fotolift.

Lipodissolve

Lipodissolve involves the injection of mild medicine and enzymes into fatty areas. These chemicals dissolve fats and are flushed out of the body through the patient's urine. Lipodissolve is becoming popular as a non-invasive body contouring technique in the United States because it offers a faster recovery time. Lipodissolve is especially effective in toning the face, chin and neck area. It is reputed to be beneficial in the reduction of cellulite.  However, there is no solid medical evidence that any of its claims are real.  Any physician performing lipodissolve is probably not a real plastic surgeon since the ASPS does not support this and there are currently medical trials underway.

Thermage or Fotolift

Thermage or Fotolift is probably the most common non-invasive body contouring option offered by plastic surgeons. This technique literally melts unwanted fat with the use of a heated laser/radiofrequency while also causing the patient's own collagen to tighten. Thermage is effective for tightening the skin on the face as well as other areas of the body.  Thermage is frequently used as a non-surgical alternative to the popular face lift procedure.  Again these non-ablative non-surgical laser techniques only realistically correct about 10-15% (regardless of what any particular medical office or salon claims) so you should not expect a dramatic difference.

Even More Liposuction Alternatives

Some non-traditional liposuction alternatives, such as seaweed wraps, acupuncture, special diets and such, claim to offer the same benefits without the surgery. These have not been proven to have long-lasting effects and a comparison to liposuction is not really fair. You can even try to downplay your bulges by using makeup, special clothing and other accessories. If you are still interested in undergoing cosmetic surgery, weigh all the risks and benefits of any given procedure and consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Exercise-Resistant Fat Is Removed With Liposuction

Liposuction works best with people who are a normal weight but have localized areas of excess fat. These localized fat deposits are usually found in the buttocks, hips, thighs, chin, knees, love handles or waistline. The abdomen continues to be the #1 area treated by liposuction in both men and women.

It is important to remember that liposuction is not intended as a weight-loss technique. Liposuction is a procedure used to remove excess fat from otherwise healthy individuals. If you are a healthy, normal-weight person with elastic skin or pockets of excess fat, you may be a good candidate for liposuction surgery.

Most plastic surgeons agree that liposuction is a safe and effective way of removing undesirable fat deposits and in the appropriate patients, usually gives you renewed confidence and self-esteem.  Even in physically fit individuals, everyone usually has some fat somewhere and liposuction can help get rid of exercise resistant fat deposits.

Why Liposuction Is Not A Cure For Cellulite

The incidence of cellulite is almost 100%.  With age and pregnancy, almost every woman gets it.  However, there are also plenty of younger women who are bothered by this condition.  When you have cellulite, you will likely do anything you can to get rid of it. In fact, many people think that liposuction is a great cure for cellulite. The truth is that liposuction cannot cure cellulite. At this time there is no known cure for cellulite regardless of what the laser or Endermologie companies claim in their marketing. This does not mean that there are not ways to improve cellulite.  Most of these, though, involve continuing treatment to continue the improved appearance.  The only way to get rid of cellulite is to cut out or remove that part of the body, for example as a tummy tuck can do for abdominal cellulite or stretch marks.

Liposuction is simply not a good option for cellulite treatment.  It can help a bit but that’s about it.
The main reason liposuction is not great for cellulite treatment is because the area of fat that is improved with liposuction is not the same area where the fat that causes cellulite is located. Cellulite is usually caused by fat cells being trapped close to the skin. Liposuction typically targets deeper and often goes right past the fat that causes cellulite, even when superficial liposuction is performed.  Releasing superficially, though, does improve cellulite more than just deeper treatment.

Sometimes, liposuction can even make your cellulite look worse than before. Ask your plastic surgeon.

What Tumescent Liposuction Is and Why All Plastic Surgeons Use It!

Tumescent liposuction is a newer adjunct for liposuction. It was developed to make liposuction more comfortable for the patient and to reduce the risks associated with the procedure. It is a good alternative to consider over traditional liposuction. The best candidates for any type of liposuction are people who have tried exercise to get rid of the fat and have not been able to achieve the results they desire.

Liposuction of any kind is done to remove fat from the body. It is not meant to replace eating healthy or exercise as a way to maintain a healthy weight. Liposuction is more of a means of sculpting the body to reduce excess fat in areas where diet and exercise have failed to get the results you want.

Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a tumescent solution into the fat to be removed. This fluid firms up the fat which allows the liposuction cannula to move more smoothly under the skin to suction out the fat with minimal trauma.

Due to the fact that the cannula can move more smoothly, the pain, blood loss and bruising after tumescent liposuction is much less then with traditional liposuction.

The risks involved with tumescent liposuction still include the typical risks associated with any liposuction surgery. However, tumescent liposuction does reduce the risk of excessive blood loss.
An additional risk has been found with tumescent liposuction that is not typically associated with traditional liposuction. With tumescent liposuction there is an increased risk for fluid accumulation in the lungs if an overabundance of fluid is used or if your body cannot absorb and excrete the fluid adequately. When any liquid is introduced into the body, the risk for fluid development in the lungs is increased. However, this risk can be minimized by choosing a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon knowledgeable in tumescent anesthesia.

The best candidate for tumescent liposuction will be someone who would qualify for traditional liposuction. Tumescent liposuction is especially suited for someone who wants specific sculpting or who has large areas of fat to remove.

Tumescent liposuction typically has very good results with a quicker recovery period and limited swelling and bruising. Tumescent liposuction offers a great option for someone interested in having excess fat removed from their body. Traditional liposuction carries a greater risk of excess blood loss and bruising afterward. Tumescent liposuction really cuts these risks way down and allows for a speedy recovery and fast results.  Almost every board certified plastic surgeon uses the tumescent liposuction technique.

The 3 Questions To Ask Yourself About Liposuction

Today's society is very focused on physical appearance.  Some people will try to get liposuction without considering the cost or risks.  Patients considering liposuction need to think about it critically enough and make sure they are not making an irrational or impulsive decision.
Here are 3 questions that MUST be answered rationally before you know that liposuction is right for you. Liposuction is a big decision, and can be very costly if the proper research, time, and consideration is not behind the decision.

Liposuction Question #1: Can you afford it?

Can you afford liposuction? Liposuction is a form of cosmetic surgery that was first introduced in the 1970's. The celebrities in the late 70's and 80's made liposuction appear as if it was an easy thing to get done.  However, the average person cannot easily afford it. Each area costs around $3000 and even though there are financing options, it is not something to be taken lightly.

Liposuction Question #2: Can you afford the recovery period?

This is where most people experience the effects of a poorly planned liposuction procedure. Since liposuction is an actual surgery, patients must recover. Can you afford not working?  Even with the newer approaches and minimal down-time, this does not mean there is no down-time.

Liposuction Question #3: Have you researched the alternatives?

Liposuction alternatives are everywhere.  Some are less invasive.  None have a similar effect on the fat in your body, regardless of what the laser companies or non-plastic surgeons tell you.  We offer a wide variety of other alternatives in our office.  If you have not at least considered one of these less costly options, then you have not taken the time and effort to think about your decision wisely. You must consider liposuction alternatives and then make an informed decision. 

Liposuction Risks

Like every other surgical procedure, liposuction also has a small incidence of risks and complications. Probably the safest thing a patient can do to mimize the risk is make sure they are having surgery done by a board-certified plastic surgeon. 

Before your procedure, you should gather as much information about the risks of liposuction as you can. It is very important to discuss your expectations with your cosmetic surgeon. Most patients are satisfied with the results of their liposuction surgery if they go into it with realistic expectations. Below are some of the possible risks and complications of liposuction.

If you are a person who is healthy, does not have any serious diseases, and has a localized fat deposit that will not go away with eating right and working out, then you are an ideal candidate for liposuction surgery.

Various Liposuction Techniques

Liposuction surgery is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery in the World. More than 250,000 liposuction procedures were performed in 2005.

Several things have changed since liposuction was 1st introduced in 1974. The skills of the surgeons and the different techniques are improving throughout the decades.

Choices, options and results can vary widely after liposuction surgery. Doctors should make sure those who are overweight and interested in liposuction treatment understand that liposuction is not a “magic bullet”. Liposuction is usually very effective in shaping the body in fat-prone areas such as the buttocks, breasts, hips, abdomen, chin, cheeks, neck and arms. According the ASPS, liposuction is most effective on, “normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas.”

The basic liposuction techniques are Dry Liposuction, Wet Technique, Super-Wet Technique and Tumescent Liposuction.

Dry or Traditional Liposuction is commonly called the first liposuction technique. It involves suction of tissues with a standard cannula without using any external fluid. There is a higher incidence of side effects with dry liposuction such as substantial blood loss, skin necrosis, nerve damage and increased trauma to the tissues.

Tumescent fluid is used in the second type of liposuction technique i.e. the Wet Liposuction Technique. The liposuction operation is done by injection of tumescent fluid (such as saline, lidocaine and epinephrine) into the fatty layers. This method involves injection of less tumescent solution than the amount of the fat removed.

The third liposuction technique is quite similar to the Wet Technique, but is called the Super-Wet Liposuction Technique. The tumescent fluid amount is equal to the quantity of fat that is removed.

The Bottom Line - Are You a Good Liposuction Candidate?

This is probably the most critical question to ask yourself when considering this procedure.  Liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgery in America today. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess those stubborn fat pockets that diet and exercise cannot seem to help you get rid of.  The results of liposuction are usually an improved shape to your body and higher self esteem.

How do you know if you are a good candidate for liposuction?

Good candidates for liposuction have some excess fat they want removed and have relatively good skin elasticity. Increasing age or massive weight loss usually means that your skin has lost some elasticity.  In this case, there are other body contouring or lifting procedures that may be better alternatives.  For example, if you have poor abdominal skin elasticity because of pregnancies, age or major weight loss, you probably need a tummy tuck instead of liposuction.  Your plastic surgeon can help you make an informed decision.

Good candidates for liposuction are in relatively good health. Since plastic surgery is not always medically necessary, your plastic surgeon will want you to be in pretty good health before operating on you. The healthier you are, the less risky the elective surgery is and the faster your body recovers.

Before a plastic surgeon will agree to perform liposuction on you, you will usually have to have a complete medical check up to see how healthy you are. Some blood will also be drawn depending on your medical history.

So, Should You Really Have Liposuction?

There are many different reasons that people have for undergoing liposuction surgery. Looking good is usually on the top of the list but there are many other reasons. Improving confidence, increasing self esteem, removing excess weight after pregnancy – these are all reasons that people have for undergoing a liposuction procedure.

No matter what reason you yourself may have for undergoing liposuction, there are some things you will want to consider prior to your surgery. Some people are just not good candidates for liposuction.

In order to be considered a good candidate for liposuction you should have good overall health, be over the age of 18 and your skin should have good elasticity if you want to get the best results from liposuction.

Remember that liposuction is not an alternative to exercise and dieting. Losing weight through healthy diet and exercise is always preferable to undergoing liposuction surgery. It is however a good alternative to remove stubborn areas that seem to be unaffected by diet and exercise.

Ultimately only you and your board certified plastic surgeon can determine together if you are a good candidate.

Chicago Liposuction Surgery Pictures & Photos

48 year old female patient before and 12 months after Chicago liposuction, picture of the abdomen and bilateral buttocks, outer and inner thighs. Notice the asymmetry before and after her surgery.  She weighed 136 pounds before her surgery and 135 pounds after her surgery. 

48 year old female patient before and 12 months after Chicago liposuction picture of the abdomen and bilateral buttocks, outer and inner thighs.  She obviously still has some cellulite and stretch marks and it is important to remember liposuction can improve but does not permanently eliminate these. 

28 year old female patient before and 12 months after liposuction of the bilateral buttocks, outer and inner thighs with buttock augmentation with fat injections (500cc). Notice the smoother appearance of her buttocks with a natural augmentation achieved without buttock implants.  Her cellulite is much improved.  She weighed 183 pounds before her surgery and 180 pounds after her surgery. 

39 year old female patient before and 12 months after liposuction of her abdomen. Notice the improved abdominal aesthetics even with her moderate skin tone and stretch marks.  Of course, a more dramatic result could have been achieved with a tummy tuck but there is more scarring involved.  She weighed 179 pounds before her surgery and 175 pounds after her surgery. 

21 year old female patient before and 1 year after Chicago liposuction of her upper back, hips, buttock crease, inner thighs and saddle bags.  She weighed 129 pounds before her surgery and 127 pounds after her surgery.  Notice the mild correction of her buttock crease asymmetry.

         More Chicago Liposuction Patient Photos

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