Many of us have a few extra pounds of fat we’d like to get rid of. Whether you have lost a significant amount of weight, gone through pregnancy and childbirth, or simply experienced weight fluctuations associated with aging, it is likely that you have a few pockets of stubborn fat. These problem areas may stop responding to diet and exercise, or may respond at a much lower rate than fat cells elsewhere in the body, which can make achieving your ideal shape difficult. If you have reached a plateau in your efforts to slim down, it may be time to seek help in the form of surgical fat removal.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Walters is proud to offer multiple fat reduction options for men and women in the Greater New Orleans area at Dr. Jules Walters in Metairie, LA. Without a doubt, the most sought-after procedure for eliminating stubborn fat is liposuction. With its extremely high success and satisfaction rate, it is no surprise that more patients are turning to liposuction to help them achieve their aesthetic goals. If you are looking for a convenient and effective way to permanently reduce fat in your problem areas, discover how liposuction or an alternative procedure with Dr. Walters may benefit you.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to remove small to medium pockets of stubborn fat. During liposuction, Dr. Walters makes an incision through which the handpiece, called a cannula, is placed. Using the cannula, Dr. Walters carefully loosens and vacuums out the fatty tissue. Following the procedure, the incisions will be closed.
What Areas Can Be Treated with Liposuction?
One of the aspects of liposuction that patients enjoy most is its ability to be used on many different areas of the body. Some of the most commonly treated areas include:
- Abdomen
- Butt
- Flanks
- Hips
- Thighs
- Back or bra area
- Male chest
- Neck
During your private consultation at Dr. Jules Walters, Dr. Walters will evaluate your case, discuss your concerns and goals, explain your options, and answer your questions before recommending a surgical plan that best meets your needs. If you have more than one area you are hoping to address with liposuction, it is likely that Dr. Walters will be able to combine the treatments during a single surgery.
How Much Fat Can Be Removed with Liposuction?
It is important that patients considering liposuction have realistic expectations about the procedure and understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss tool. Patients should ideally be within 25 pounds of their goal weight, with a few areas of stubborn fat that won’t respond to diet and exercise. Though it depends on the patient, the surgeon, and a variety of other factors, it is typically considered safe to remove up to about 10 pounds of fat during a single liposuction procedure.
Can Liposuction Help Tighten My Skin?
Though liposuction is not designed to be a skin-tightening treatment, some patients may achieve a firmer, more toned appearance after their procedure. However, in many cases, a patient’s skin may be lacking enough elasticity to bounce back to its original shape following liposuction or weight loss. This is common in patients whose skin has been stretched out over a long period of time due to pregnancy or prolonged obesity. Age can also be the cause of decreased skin elasticity.
For New Orleans-area patients looking to simultaneously eliminate fat and tighten the skin, Dr. Walters is pleased to offer Smartlipo™. This groundbreaking procedure is very similar to traditional liposuction, giving patients a convenient and effective option for reducing fat, but it also offers the added benefit of tightening the skin. During a Smartlipo procedure, Dr. Walters will use a punch-hole incision through which the cannula will be placed. Before placing the cannula, however, Dr. Walters will pass a laser handpiece through the incision. When the laser comes in contact with the fat cells, they will liquefy and swell, making them easier to be suctioned out. The key benefit of the laser is that it stimulates the production of collagen, an essential component of healthy, taut skin.
While Smartlipo can produce beautiful results, it is not intended for large volume skin tightening or cellulite reduction. For patients who are concerned about a significant amount of excess, loose, or sagging skin, it may be appropriate to consider another body contouring procedure. Dr. Walters and the knowledgeable staff at Dr. Jules Walters will be happy to discuss options including a tummy tuck, thigh lift, mommy makeover, after weight loss surgery, and more.
Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction or Smartlipo?
In general, men and women who want to have liposuction or Smartlipo should be within 25 pounds of their ideal weight. Patients should be in relatively good health, refrain from tobacco use, and have no contraindications to surgery or general anesthesia.
The best way to determine if liposuction, Smartlipo, or another procedure is right for you is to be evaluated by a qualified, certified plastic surgeon. Contact Dr. Jules Walters in Metairie, LA to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jules Walters today, and discover how liposuction can help you get rid of unwanted fat, enhance your physique, and boost your confidence.
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