Liposuction in Portland

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that involves the surgical removal of fat in order to change the shape of the body. The procedure, also known as lipo, is performed by breaking up fat and “sucking” it out of the treatment area with a cannula. Liposuction is not a weight loss tool but a cosmetic procedure that is effective at smoothing areas of the body that do not react to regular diet and exercise.

Liposuction is the most common cosmetic procedure performed in the United States and one of the most frequently requested procedures at Dr. Ronald DeMars’s Portland plastic surgery center. Dr. DeMars uses advanced surgical techniques to provide his body contouring patients with outstanding aesthetic results.

Liposuction Treatment Areas

Liposuction is used to reduce or eliminate unwanted fat from areas of the body including:

  • Buttocks
  • Hips
  • Waist/”love handles”
  • Thighs
  • Upper arms
  • Back
  • Neck

If you have an area of excess fat that is disproportionate to the rest of your body and will not respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you. Schedule an informative consultation with Dr. DeMars to receive more details about the procedure and how it can improve your body shape.

Your Liposuction Consultation with Dr. DeMars

During your consultation, Dr. DeMars will ask you about the area(s) of your body that you would like to sculpt. He will ask you to describe your ideal cosmetic outcome. Dr. DeMars will perform a physical examination, noting the amount of excess fat and elasticity of your skin. (Keep in mind that liposuction will remove fat, but it won’t tighten the skin.) He will review your medical history and ask you certain questions about your lifestyle in order to decide whether liposuction is an appropriate fit.

Once Dr. DeMars has deemed you a good candidate for liposuction, and you have decided to move forward with surgery, you will receive detailed pre-operative instructions. You will also be able to ask any questions you have about the procedure and how to prepare for it.

Liposuction Procedural Details

Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis, using anesthesia for your comfort.

Dr. DeMars will make a small incision in the treatment area and insert a small, thin tube (called a cannula). He will move the cannula back and forth to break up the fatty tissue in the area; then, he will use suction to gently remove the fat from the body. This is all done meticulously to improve your body’s contours and proportion.

When Dr. DeMars is finished removing the fat, he will close the incisions and place a support garment around the treated area to help the tissues heal.

Prior to fat removal, a tumescent or “wetting” solution may be injected into the treatment area to constrict the blood vessels; this minimizes blood loss and reduces post-operative pain as well as the risk of bleeding.

Liposuction Recovery

In order to avoid complications, you should diligently follow all of Dr. DeMars’ aftercare instructions.

For the first few days, soreness, swelling, and bruising are normal; these side effects will subside with time. You need to rest your body as the tissues heal, taking short walks to promote good circulation. Dr. DeMars will meet with you for several follow-up appointments and let you know when it is safe to resume exercising and go back to work and your normal routine.

Learn More About Liposuction in Portland

While liposuction can greatly enhance the appearance of the torso, thighs, arms, neck and face, this procedure is not a cure-all. For patients who require more comprehensive, specialized surgical treatment to slim and tighten specific body areas, Dr. DeMars offers several other body contouring procedures. For more information, please call him today at 503-253-3458.

Liposuction FAQs

When can I exercise after liposuction?

Every patient recovers at a different pace. Ask Dr. DeMars when you can return to your normal activities, including exercise and sports.

Typically light activity (such as walking) is permitted and even encouraged as soon as the day following liposuction, or whenever you have enough energy. More strenuous activity and exercise is permitted four to six weeks after surgery.

Liposuction vs. tummy tuck — what’s the difference?

Liposuction is a body shaping procedure that reduces localized fat deposits. It can be used to contour the abdomen, hips, legs, buttocks, back, chest area (for men) and upper arms.

Tummy tuck focuses on shaping and slimming the midsection. In addition to removing loose, saggy skin and repairing abdominal muscles, tummy tuck includes a liposuction component to reduce surplus abdominal fat.

How much weight can I lose after liposuction?

You probably won’t lose any weight. Liposuction is not intended to be a weight loss solution. In fact, Dr. DeMars prefers that liposuction candidates are at or close to their ideal target weight before undergoing surgery.

Will I have loose skin after liposuction?

It’s difficult to say, without seeing you and evaluating your skin tone and excess fat. If you have a lot of skin and its tone is naturally poor, you might be at a higher risk. Dr. DeMars will address this with you during your liposuction consultation.

What are the risks of liposuction?

Liposuction risks include the following:

  • Persistent swelling
  • Infection
  • Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Poor wound healing
  • Uneven contour
  • Need for revision

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. However, choosing a board certified, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. DeMars and following all of his pre- and post-operative instructions minimizes many of the risks of surgery.

When can I go back to work after liposuction?

There is no hard-and-fast rule about when you can resume work after liposuction. The answer depends on factors such as how many areas you’ve had treated and the type of work you perform. Individuals with desk jobs typically return to work after a week or so; individuals with physically demanding jobs may need to take additional time off work. Dr. DeMars will give you a more detailed answer during your consultation.

Are there any alternatives to liposuction?

CoolSculpting is purported to achieve the same effects as liposuction but without the downtime. However, Dr. DeMars typically recommends his patients take the approach that will make them happiest with their results. Learn more about his views on CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction here.

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