Liposuction: What You Should Know

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat that you can’t seem to get rid of through diet and exercise.

A plastic or dermatologic surgeon usually does the procedure on your hips, belly, thighs, buttocks, back, arms, and under the chin or face to improve their shape. But liposuction can also be done with other plastic surgeries, including facelifts, breast reductions, and tummy tucks.

Am I a Good Candidate?

You’ll want to have realistic expectations. Liposuction won’t get rid of cellulite, so if you hoped you’d come out of surgery without any, you’re out of luck.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, and with it comes risks. So you need to be in good health before you get it. That means you must at least:

Be within 30% of your ideal weight

Have firm, elastic skin

Not smoke

Doctors don’t recommend the procedure if you have health problems with blood flow or have heart disease, diabetes, or a weak immune system

What Should I Know Beforehand?

The first step is to consult with your surgeon. Talk about your goals, the options, the risks and benefits, and the costs. Ask all your questions.

If you decide to go ahead with liposuction, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to prepare for it. These may include diet and alcohol restrictions.

Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have and any medications you take, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements. They will likely recommend you stop taking certain meds, such as blood thinners and certain painkillers several weeks before surgery.

What Should I Expect?

Your liposuction may take place at your doctor’s office or a surgery center. Make sure that the place where you’re getting it done is accredited, and is known for its professional standards, safety and good results.

You’ll go home the day of the procedure. Make sure to have someone drive you home afterward. (If you’re having a lot of fat removed, you should get the surgery done in a hospital, where you might stay overnight).

Before your liposuction starts, your doctor might mark the areas of your body that will be treated. They may also take photos to use later for before-and-after comparisons.

Next you’ll get general anesthesia — which means you will not be awake during the procedure — or a “local,” which means you will be awake but not feel any pain.

Types of Liposuction

There are just a few different liposuction techniques. But what they all have in common is the use of a thin tube, called a cannula, connected to a vacuum to suction the fat from your body.

Tumescent liposuction is the most common technique. Your surgeon injects a sterile solution into the area where the fat is to be removed. It consists of saline — which is salt water – along with lidocaine and epinephrine. The solution makes it easier to suction the fat with less blood loss and pain.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, or UAL, uses sound wave energy under your skin to rupture the cell walls of the fat. This liquefies the fat so it can be suctioned out.

Laser-assisted liposuction, or SmartLipo, uses a laser to produce a burst of energy to liquefy the fat.

How Long Is Recovery?

You might not have to stay in the hospital depending on the type of surgery you had. But you should expect bruising, swelling, and soreness for at least a few weeks.

Your surgeon may require you to wear a compression garment for 1 to 2 months after surgery to control swelling.

For more information visit www.PacificLipo.com

Moles, those benign skin growths, can be effectively removed by a dermatologist using various procedures like freezing and excision. However, the choice of method hinges upon factors such as size, location, and whether there are suspicions of malignancy.

According to statistics from the American Academy of Dermatology, most individuals harbor between 10 to 40 moles on their skin, which are commonly found on the face and body. While the majority of moles are benign and pose no immediate health risks, removal may be considered for cosmetic reasons or if the mole causes discomfort or irritation.

Determining whether a mole is cancerous requires professional assessment. Dermatologists recommend annual skin cancer screenings, particularly for individuals with a history of skin cancer. Additionally, any moles displaying asymmetry, irregular borders, non-uniform color, diameters larger than a pencil eraser, or evolving characteristics should be promptly evaluated using the ABCDEs of mole checks.

Mole removal procedures are typically conducted in-office by dermatologists. Common surgical methods include freezing with liquid nitrogen, burning with an electric current, shaving with a surgical blade, and excision, which involves deeper removal followed by stitching of the skin, usually for suspected cancerous moles.

Freezing is a commonly used procedure for noncancerous moles, which involves applying liquid nitrogen to the mole to destroy the tissue. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward procedure that may cause mild discomfort or a stinging sensation during application.

Burning, or electrosurgery, is another method used for noncancerous moles, where an electric current is used to burn off the upper layers of the mole. This method may require multiple sessions for complete removal and may result in minor scarring or temporary discoloration.

Shaving involves using a surgical blade to shave off the mole from the surface of the skin. This method of mole removal is suitable for smaller, noncancerous moles and typically results in minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time compared to excision.

Excision is a more invasive procedure used for larger or suspected cancerous moles, where the entire mole is removed along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The wound is then closed with stitches, which may leave a scar depending on the size and location of the mole.

After mole removal, the tissue is usually sent to a laboratory for further evaluation to check for signs of cancer. Patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, or redness at the removal site, which typically resolves within a few days to weeks.

While various websites may propose DIY methods for mole removal, these lack scientific validation and may even be hazardous. Such methods include burning with apple cider vinegar, applying garlic or iodine, or attempting to cut the mole with scissors or a razor blade. Similarly, topical applications like baking soda, castor oil, banana peel, and different oils are not endorsed for safe and effective mole removal.

Though mole removal creams are available in pharmacies and online stores, their efficacy remains uncertain. It’s crucial to highlight that mole removal should be performed by medical professionals to ensure proper evaluation for cancer and to mitigate risks associated with DIY methods.

For individuals concerned about visible moles, using makeup to conceal them can be a safer alternative. Additionally, it is safe to clip or pluck hairs growing from moles, if desired.

In conclusion, while mole removal may seem like a straightforward process, it’s imperative to entrust it to qualified dermatologists for optimal safety and efficacy. DIY methods, despite their allure, pose significant risks and should be avoided in favor of professional medical care. For more information visit Mole Removal Orange County Newport Beach.