Liposculpture / Smartlipo

The Procedure

Liposculpture is a very effective treatment for women and men who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposculpture is often the only way to eliminate them. While liposculpture removes unwanted fatty deposits, the skin must redrape over the next several weeks to months to complete the transformation. Because inelastic skin does not retract as well as youthful, elastic skin, some patients may require skin removal / tightening procedures.

Dr. Simon utilizes power assisted liposculpture as this is the latest technology for effective, smooth, and safe fat removal, allowing for the best possible results. Multiple areas are frequently treated at the same surgical procedure and liposculpture is often utilized at the same time as other plastic surgical procedures.

Your Surgical Experience

Dr. Simon and his office staff will make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible. Your surgery will be performed in a fully accredited ambulatory surgery center with board certified anesthesiologists.

Liposculpture is typically performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.

Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your will be provided with additional preoperative instructions.

At the conclusion of the procedure, you will be placed into a compression garment which will aid in reducing postoperative swelling and help skin retraction. Dr. Simon will also arrange for his patients a series of post-liposculpture lymphatic massages to speed the elimination of swelling and assure the smoothest postoperative contour possible.

Before & After Gallery

Good Candidates for Liposculpture

cheeks, jowls and neck

upper arms

breast or chest areas

back

abdomen and waist

hips and buttocks

inner and outer thighs

inner knee

calves and ankles

The Consultation Process

You will discuss with Dr. Simon your areas of concern and your goals. The most effective procedure will be determined and any alternatives will be discussed. Dr. Simon will spend as much time as necessary with you to make you feel comfortable and answer all of your questions about the procedure. Dr. Simon’s patients typically return to normal activities the day after surgery. Strenuous activity is restricted for one week, however patients may return to work as soon as they like. Dr. Simon places sutures under the skin to assure the best possible scar and avoid the need for uncomfortable suture removal.

What to Expect After Surgery

It is important to understand that the results from liposculpture may not be fully evident for up to three months after the procedure as time is required for swelling and bruising to subside and for skin redraping to take place. There may be numbness in some of the treated areas, and sensation may take several weeks to return. Rarely, there may remain areas of permanent decreased sensation. Contour irregularities including depressions or wrinkling of the skin can result in some patients, but treatments are usually available to help minimize these problems if they occur.

Post-op Activity Restrictions

During the first two weeks after surgery, you will be restricted to sitting for only short periods of time and patients are required to sleep on their abdomen. After the first 2 weeks, sitting for more extended periods of time will be permitted (using a soft pillow for weeks 3 and 4). Overall activity is gradually increased. You will be given an appointment to see Dr. Simon within a week of the surgery and you will be seen several times over the ensuing weeks to months. The compression garment will be kept in place for 2-3 months; it may be removed for bathing.

Risks

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Simon at the time of your consultation.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia, although these are all rare.

Long Term Results

The results of liposuction will be permanent, as long as you maintain your postoperative weight. Even with slight weight gain, you may find that the weight is distributed more evenly instead of accumulating in the areas that were problematic for you in the past. Most patients experience a significant increase in self-esteem as they feel more comfortable about their bodies. Occasionally, a touchup may be desired to further improve an area that has been suctioned. The additional treatment can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia in the office. More extensive revisions may require a return to the operating room.