Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove unwanted fat deposits and to improve one’s physical appearance. Results are often dramatic and satisfying. Removal of fat cells is permanent so that the treated areas should never be as large as before liposuction, even if you gain weight. However, if you gain weight, you will grow fat cells that are still present in other places in your body. Therefore, once liposuction is performed, you should KEEP yourself in shape and use the surgery as a stimulus to continue to lose any unwanted weight. Eating properly and regular exercise will maintain the best results.

It is important that you find a physician who is board certified in his or her specialty and appropriately trained in liposuction according to the guidelines of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. In that way, patient safety is not compromised and although there are risks for all procedures, the chance of their occurrence is minimized. The surgery can be performed on healthy individuals using tumescent anesthesia (see “What is Tumescent Anesthesia”) along with sedation or local anesthesia.

Make sure you are comfortable with the physician and that you have been counseled about what to expect and the potential risks, as well as long term effects.
Dr. Mussenden offers 1 hour seminars to persons interested in the procedure. Please email or call for that information.

What areas are usually treated with liposuction?

The majority of people treat the “love handles”, the upper and lower abdomen, the flanks, the back and thighs. Dr. Mussenden also treats the arms, breasts, chin and full legs. For those women who have interest, Dr. Mussenden performs fat transfer to the buttocks to enlarge this part of the body.

What is tumescent anesthesia?

A combination of anesthetic solution and medication to decrease bleeding are mixed with saline which is pumped into the fatty regions to be sculpted. This allows the surgeon to insert small tubes into the fatty areas and suction the fat along with the fluid. The fat then is more liquefied before removal. Dr. Mussenden also uses the VASER inside the tissues before suctioning, which makes the fat even more liquid and easier to remove.  The VASER selects the fat to liquefy, thereby sparing your nerves and blood vessels which, in turn, minimizes damage to those structures.

How will the skin look afterwards?

The skin will be loose at first until it reattaches itself to underlying layers of tissue. That is why tight elastic garments must be worn for a specified time in order to get the best results. The skin will eventually retract and tighten. For those with a large amount of fat to remove, the skin may never shrink totally; in this case, a Skinectomy or Tummy Tuck can be performed. Cellulite can possibly be helped with a technique of breaking the fibrous bridges under the skin, but it is NOT recommended to have this done unless liposuction is being done at the same time. Mesotherapy is more effective in treating cellulite and Dr. Mussenden is trained in this art as well.

What about recovery?

Most people have minimal to no pain following the procedure because of the anesthesia which is infused into the tissue before liposuction is performed. In fact, most patients describe soreness as though they have been working out excessively. It is likely you will be able to return to work in 2-4 days after the procedure.

Your Surgeon

Dr. Caryl Mussenden is a board certified surgeon of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for over 25 years. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society of Liposuction Surgery through which she received her training in the art of liposuction. She is committed to helping men and women feel better about their physical selves and their appearance in how they look in their clothes, hence the term “Liposculpture.”

So how do I proceed for the surgery?

First, come to one of our 1 hour seminars and schedule a consultation.

During your consultation, Dr. Mussenden will personally evaluate you and assess any medical risks. If you are interested in proceeding, your primary care physician will need to clear you for the procedure. Financing and various payment options are available as this is NOT covered by insurance. Our Liposculpture coordinator will discuss financial options with you at your visit.