Unwanted pockets of fat are as common as live oaks in Okatie. We all have pockets here or there that seem to be impervious to anything we do to try and get rid of them. You know where these pockets are — the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, even under the chin. Liposuction with Dr. Smith can suction away the fat for good, leaving you with a slimmer contour.
What is liposuction?
Most people have at least heard of liposuction. It’s hard to believe that the procedure has been around in the U.S. for about 25 years. When the procedure was first introduced in the early 80s, coming over from France, it was a pretty violent procedure. Larger cannulas were used and they had to be moved about under the skin quite aggressively to break loose the fat before suctioning it out. That’s why patients had to be under general anesthesia, and there was some serious tissue trauma and bruising that could linger for months afterwards.
Today, liposuction with Dr. Smith is so much different. It’s now more effective and targeted, all while being far less invasive. The procedure is typically performed under sedation or “twilight” anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Smith uses the tumescent technique, where a saline solution containing lidocaine is first injected into the target areas to minimize the pain and firm the fat, making it easier to remove. The solution also contains epinephrine to constrict the blood vessels, limiting blood loss and bruising. A cannula is then inserted to suction out the fat and liquid. The cannulas used in modern liposuction are much smaller, so the corresponding incisions needed to access the fat pockets are very small, usually not even requiring stitches.
Where can liposuction be used?
A better question would be where can’t liposuction be used? Dr. Smith uses liposuction to remove fat in the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, inner knees, chest, cheeks, chin, calves, and ankles.
Not for weight loss
Some patients assume they can simply suction away large quantities of fat, as a weight loss option. But liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. In fact, removing too much fat can actually be dangerous. Dr. Smith prefers for his patients to be within 10 percent of their ideal body weight to qualify for the procedure.
Winter is a great time for liposuction with Dr. Smith. That way, you’ll have a slimmer contour come spring and summer. Call us at (843) 705-8940 to schedule a consultation.
