Liposculpture is one of the latest trends in cosmetic surgery, though many patients are still unfamiliar about how it differs from liposuction. As the name implies, liposculpture is a cosmetic procedure that helps to enhance body tone and contour. At the Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center, we are proud to offer liposculpture to patients who are close to their ideal weight but who may not see in the mirror the contour they desire.
What is liposculpture?
Liposculpture is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to reshape, sculpt, and contour fat to help create muscle tone, firmness, and shapeliness.
Unlike liposuction which removes fat, liposculpture can remove and rearrange fat to help patients achieve a more dramatic contour in certain areas of the body. It is better suited for targeting smaller areas of fat which are resistant to diet and exercise.
Liposculpture can be combined with other body contouring procedures to help patients achieve their desired appearance.
Where can liposculpture be used?
Liposculpture works to improve your overall body contour and muscle tone by removing excess fat. It is often used to treat the following areas:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Back
- Buttocks
- Calves
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Hips
- Neck
- Thighs
- Waist
It is important to note that liposculpture is not a weight loss procedure and should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet or exercise. As such, good candidates should have realistic expectations of the procedure and results. During your consultation, your doctor will talk with you about what to expect.
How does liposculpture work?
The procedure generally takes anywhere from 2-4 hours. The tumescent method is often used to limit blood loss and reduce scarring. Local anesthesia will be administered to the targeted area and oral sedation can be given for added patient comfort. A tiny incision is made allowing a small cannula, or tube, to enter under the skin and into the fat. The fat is then removed by suction through the tube.
Once the fat is removed, it can be purified, processed, and transferred to other parts of the body such as the breast, buttocks, hands or face to enhance those areas.
Risks
As with any procedure, there can be associated risks with liposculpture. Though complications are rare, the most common side effects include rippled skin, lumpiness, and scarring around the incision.
Recovery
The recovery time is very similar to that of patients who undergo liposuction. Swelling and bruising are to be expected and may last several weeks depending on the amount of sculpting that took place during your procedure.
We do recommend you arrange for a caretaker or family member to assist you during the first 24 hours after surgery. You may be amazed by how quickly you may recover from this procedure. Light walking is recommended to prevent blood clots, but strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided during the first week.
Additionally, a compression garment may be prescribed to help minimize swelling and pain during the recovery process.
Results
Though the results may be visible immediately after surgery and more noticeable as swelling subsides, patients should expect the results to become fully apparent between 6-12 months after the procedure.
The results of liposculpture are permanent and long-lasting but dependent on the patient’s ability to maintain a healthy weight.
For more information on liposculpture and our services, please contact Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center today.