Liposuction Beyond the Belly
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction was one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in 2014, and for good reason. Many people have unwanted fat that is resistant to even the best efforts in healthy eating and exercise, which can be extremely frustrating, but liposuction can be an effective way to remove the excess fat. For many patients, liposuction is a way to remove belly fat, but while the procedure is effective and popular in the abdomen area, few patients realize the many other areas of the body where liposuction can make a difference.
Under the Chin—Whether it’s the result of overall weight gain, genetics, or natural sign of aging, excess fat in the neck area, under the chin, and around the jawline is a common concern. Patients who are also concerned about sagging skin can benefit from a neck lift as well, but for some patients, liposuction alone can give them the more slender, youthful profile they seek.
Upper Arms—While the weight is easy to gain, fat in the upper arms is notoriously difficult to reduce. For patients whose skin still has youthful elasticity, liposuction in the upper arms can create a more sleek contour. To discuss whether liposuction alone can give you the results you’re looking for or whether a more comprehensive procedure called an arm lift may be necessary, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott.
Outer Thighs—Excess fat on the side of the legs, sometimes referred to as “saddlebags,” can make a patient to have ill-fitting clothing and an appearance of being larger than the rest of their body truly is. Fat in this area can also be especially stubborn, even for those who exercise regularly, which is why liposuction can be an ideal solution for many patients.
Inner Knees—While unwanted fat commonly affects both genders, women have a higher tendency than men to store fat in the legs, and for some patients, this results in excess fat in the inner knees. Many patients become self-conscious, especially when it comes to enjoying warm weather in shorts or skirts. For these patients, liposuction may be able to provide the targeted fat reduction and better contour they seek.
Ankles—All patients’ bodies store fat differently, and some have a tendency to build fat around the ankle area. This can be both damaging to the patient’s self-esteem and uncomfortable when it comes to wearing many types of shoes. While this fat can be resistant to diet and exercise, it can be effectively removed using liposuction.
Beyond being an effective procedure on nearly any part of the body, liposuction can also be a very safe procedure. For many patients, especially those receiving liposuction on a small area, I utilize a technique called tumescent liposuction. By using local anesthesia and minimal incisions, this method provides patients with safer results and lower recovery time than more comprehensive procedures.
As I’m reminded every day, each patient that I see has different concerns, different expectations for their surgical results, and different medical needs. The only way to know which plastic surgery procedures are the best fit for you is to set up a consultation with me, and in the meantime, it always helps to research possible procedures. To learn more, explore my website or join me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.