Liposuction removes the fat on top of the abdominal wall muscle. Liposuction does not tighten muscle or remove loose skin. It is important to have the proper surgical procedure to get the results you expect. Liposuction involves making small incisions and injecting tumescent fluid that will decrease bleeding and also offer a numbing effect. A cannula (metal tube) is inserted through the small incision. The tube is connected to a tube that is connected to a suction machine. The suction force pulls the fat through the tube into a container. In power-assisted liposuction, the cannula rotates during the suction process. In ultrasound-assisted liposuction, heat is used to melt fat before it is removed. A probe is inserted through the same small incision used to inject the tumescent fluid, and the fat is liquefied with ultrasound waves before it is removed. In laser-assisted liposuction, laser light is used to liquefy fat. In types of liposuction that involve heat (ultrasound-assisted or laser-assisted), skin shrinkage is enhanced.
If the patient has good skin elasticity, the skin will be able to shrink after the fat has been suctioned out. If stretch marks are present, the elasticity of the skin is already decreased. Loose skin is more common after the procedure if stretch marks are present before the procedure. If there is loose skin before the procedure, it may worsen after the procedure. Exercise will not tighten the skin. With normal aging, the skin loses some of its elasticity. The stretching of the skin on the abdominal wall with pregnancy will also decrease the elasticity of the skin. Most importantly, liposuction will not tighten the abdominal wall muscles that can be significantly stretched during pregnancy or weight gain. It is important to have realistic expectations before undergoing a procedure to avoid disappointment after the procedure. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will inform you which procedure will give you the best result.
For more information, contact Dr. Michelle Hardaway. www.MichelleHardawayMD.com
