Liposuction
- a procedure that removes unwanted fat from areas on the body
- chin, neck, abdomen, hips, thighs, back, upper arms
- several techniques available
- especially good for areas of fat that resist diet and exercise
- you are at a weight you can comfortably maintain
- those in good physical health
How do I know if I am a good candidate? Back to Top
- you are in good health
- be honest with Dr. Culbertson about medications, including over-the-counter, vitamins or supplements, drinking alcohol, and smoking cigarettes
- you have deposits of fat that will not go away with diet and exercise
- you are psychologically stable
- you have realistic expectations
- you know that liposuction will improve your appearance and self-confidence
- you do not expect it to transform your looks, your life, or how people treat you
How do I prepare for Liposuction? Back to Top
- consult with Dr. Culbertson
- have your complete medical history ready, she will need to review it
- you and she will discuss your expectations and desires very carefully
- discuss areas that you feel detract from your body contour
- recommend approach that will address these areas
- Dr. Culbertson will explain her technique, the type of anesthesia, the facility where the surgery is done, and the risks and benefits of the surgery
- instructions on eating, drinking, medications to avoid or that you must take
- please follow these guidelines carefully, they are there to keep you safe
- notify Dr. Culbertson if you develop any illness
- make arrangements for someone to help you after surgery
- you will have someone drive you home and need help for at least the first 24 hours
- you may need help for a few more days, so arrange that in advance
What do I expect from Liposuction? Back to Top
- the length of surgery is determined by the number of areas and amount of fat that is to be removed, type of anesthesia, and liposuction technique
- there are several techniques of liposuction
What can I expect after Liposuction? Back to Top
- fluid drainage from incisions
- you will wear a fitted garment to decrease swelling and promote good body contour
- regular follow-up visits with Dr. Culbertson
- you will experience some degree of pain, burning, swelling, bleeding, and temporary numbness, you will have a prescription from Dr. Culbertson to treat discomfort
- you may find you feel anxious and depressed, this will ease as you recover from your procedure
When will I feel like myself again? Back to Top
- you will feel better after the first couple of days and be back to work in a few days
- after a week or two, you will feel almost completely recovered
- you will need to wear your fitted garment for several weeks after your surgery
- it will be four to six weeks before you can work out strenuously
- in the first few weeks, the bruising and most of the swelling go away
- it may take longer for the less noticeable swelling to finish going down
How will I look? Back to Top
- there will be a noticeable improvement soon after surgery
- in four to six weeks it will be even more apparent
- by a few months you will see the final result
- you will be more at ease with the appearance of your body
- you may find you are comfortable in a wider variety of clothing
- if you had realistic expectations, you should be pleased with the result
- to maintain your new shape, you will need to continue with eating a well-balanced diet and doing regular exercise