Liposuction in Farmington Hills

What liposuction addresses

Liposuction targets stubborn fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise, reshaping the contour of specific areas. It removes fat cells from the treated area, and those particular cells do not return. Significant weight change afterwards can still alter the result.

Techniques

Several approaches are available, and which one suits a given area is decided at consultation.

• Tumescent liposuction — the most widely used approach, infusing the treatment area with a solution of lidocaine and epinephrine before fat is removed.
• Ultrasound-assisted (UAL) — uses ultrasonic vibration, which can help with denser fat deposits.
• Laser-assisted (SmartLipo) — uses laser energy to break down fat, with some skin-tightening effect.
• Power-assisted (PAL) — uses a vibrating cannula tip for more efficient removal.

Areas commonly treated

Abdomen, thighs, hips, back, flanks, face and chin, arms, knees, and the male chest.

Am I a good candidate?

Suitable candidates generally have realistic expectations and firm, elastic skin. Liposuction may not be appropriate if you:

• have weakened immunity or a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease
• have poor circulation or a blood-clotting disorder
• smoke
• have recently had significant weight change
• take blood thinners
• have loose, sagging skin that will not reshape well

Candidacy is a clinical judgment made at consultation after an examination and a review of your history.

How the procedure is performed

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, carried out under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. Small incisions allow a thin cannula to be inserted and fat to be suctioned from the treatment area. In some cases that fat can be transferred to another area of the body.

There is no strict limit on how much fat can be removed. Large-volume liposuction refers to removing more than five litres; most patients have between two and five litres removed.

Recovery

No hospital stay is required. A compression garment is worn after surgery. Most patients return to work within a few days and resume normal activity in two to three weeks, once cleared by Dr. Hardaway.

Liposuction is not pain-free. Anesthesia manages discomfort during surgery, and soreness, swelling and bruising afterwards are common, improving significantly within about a week.

Risks

All surgery carries risk. Bruising and swelling are common. Less common risks include infection, blood clots and nerve damage. Following the aftercare instructions reduces risk, and no outcome can be guaranteed.

Procedures often combined with liposuction

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
• Mommy Makeover
• Body lift
• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
• Panniculectomy

Choosing a surgeon

Look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, specific experience in body contouring, before-and-after results for patients whose starting point resembles yours, and patient reviews. Dr. Hardaway is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and in general surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.