Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that permanently removes excess fat deposits by suctioning them away. This popular cosmetic surgery procedure has been used for decades as an efficient way to contour the body for a slimmer, toned physique.

Liposuction can be used to reduce fat in many areas of the body, including the abdominal area, back, hips, flanks, arms, chin and neck, thighs, or buttocks.

Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Most patients who are interested in reducing stubborn fat are good candidates for liposuction in Orlando, FL. However, it’s important to remember that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure, so you should be at or near your ideal, healthy weight before choosing liposuction surgery. Rather than losing weight overall, the goal of liposuction is to remove stubborn areas of fat to sculpt the body.

You should be in good overall health before having liposuction. Dr. Mercado will review your goals for the procedure and your health history during a consultation to determine whether liposuction is right for you.

LIPOSUCTION VS. COLOMBIAN LIPOSCULPTURE

Dr. Mercado specializes in a technique known as Colombian Liposculpture, which is used to sculpt the body for a curvier, feminine look by removing a small amount of fat from many key areas as opposed to removing many fat cells from one specific area, which can cause abnormal-looking results. This technique is beneficial for those who have some excess fat in areas such as the abdomen but want to maintain an hourglass shape with fuller hips or buttocks.

However, the Colombian Liposculpture technique is not suitable for all patients’ goals. If you’re concerned about simply reducing body weight or targeting areas such as the chin or upper arms, a traditional liposuction approach may be better for you.

THE LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE

Liposuction is usually performed under general anesthesia but can be performed using local anesthesia or twilight sedation in some cases. There are various liposuction techniques that may be used depending on your needs or goals. The base technique is called tumescent liposuction, which utilizes a fluid injected into the treatment areas that breaks up fat cells and anesthetizes the area to make the procedure even more tolerable.

Every liposuction procedure, whether using tools like ultrasound-assisted liposuction or power-assisted liposuction or other body contouring procedures follows a standard protocol. First, a small incision is made in the treatment area so that a cannula, or hollow tube, can be inserted. The cannula is then used to suctioning away fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissues and blood vessels.

The liposuction procedure usually takes up to two hours, depending on the size of the treatment area and the amount of fat removed.

LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY

Liposuction in Orlando, FL is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day as the surgery. Most liposuction patients take 1-2 weeks to rest and recover at home. During this time, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness as you heal.

Dr. Mercado will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable throughout your recovery. You can also expect to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and ensure you heal with the intended contour. Dr. Mercado will give you specific instructions for your recovery period during your consultation and follow-up appointments.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

The liposuction process begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Mercado to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. To schedule a liposuction consultation at Eterna MD, call (407) 664-1073 or contact us online