At Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, we like to celebrate different things every month because…why not? One month, it could be how to make your skin look its best with treatments like a HydraFacial MD. Another it’s body contouring. Another it’s Mom’s Morning Out.
In line with that on September 12 we’re going to be celebrating September Moms with our annual September Moms New Year/Birthday Bash.
Until then, we’re still in the midst of a sticky August here in Charlotte. In last month’s blog we talked about cooling off your fat with CoolSculpting. This month let’s get into another method for bidding unwanted fat adieu — liposuction.
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ToggleWhat is liposuction?
Liposuction was invented in France. It came to the U.S. in the 1980s. Originally it was a pretty violent procedure. Large cannulas (tubes with suction) were inserted under the skin but they had to be moved back and forth quite aggressively to break loose the fat cells to suction them away. Patients could lose a good deal of blood, plus bruising from the tissue trauma could last for months.
Today’s liposuction has come a long way. Cannulas used are much thinner and new methods make liposuction really only minimally invasive. Patients can usually return to work in just a day or two after most liposuction treatments.
Different options
Dr. Gear uses tumescent liposuction for these procedures. This involves the injection of a tumescent solution to begin the procedure. This solution is a mix of saline water, epinephrine, and lidocaine. The saline solution acts to swell the area. The lidocaine provides local anesthetic. The epinephrine constricts the blood vessels to limit bleeding and subsequent bruising. The epinephrine also tends to constrict the fat cells, making it easier to break them loose.
Areas treated
Most people think of liposuction and their lower abdomen and their flanks. But Dr. Gear successfully uses tumescent liposuction on areas that many plastic surgeons won’t address. These include the breasts, chin, thighs, knees, hips, and, of course, the waist.
Interested in coming into to our cool, beautiful offices on Golf Links Drive and leaving without a bunch of unwanted fat? Call us at (704) 771-1747 and set up a consultation with Dr. Gear about liposuction.