Liposuction

Liposuction and abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, are two types of body contouring procedures that are often combined together. Liposuction is a faster and less invasive procedure than a tummy tuck, but it cannot achieve the same degree of abdominal sculpting and does not address excess skin. Liposuction removes excess fat deposits, while a tummy tuck surgically removes fat and skin while also re-contouring the abdominal muscles themselves. 

For patients with stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) or large amounts of excess skin following weight loss or pregnancy, a tummy tuck with liposuction may be the ideal solution.

Dr. Campanile will work closely with you to determine which approach will be best for you, based on your individual goals and anatomy. Customizing the procedure to the physical needs and cosmetic goals of each person is the best way to ensure superior results from liposuction with or without a tummy tuck.

At Campanile Plastic Surgery in Denver, we feel proper preparation for liposuction is essential. Lipo itself is surrounded by a lot of misconceptions, and knowing the straight answers before your appointment can help you feel more positive about your experience.

Since liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure, there are fewer arrangements to make, compared to a more involved surgery. However, there are still some steps you can take to help your experience be as positive and low-stress as possible, as well as encourage a more rapid recovery.

• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your liposuction appointment. Dr. Campanile recommends that you also have someone to stay with you full-time for at least the first 24 hours after your procedure.
• Arrange for some extra help around the house for the first few days.
• Plan to take some time off of work and other daily responsibilities for the first several days after lipo.
• Let Dr. Campanile know if you take any vitamins, supplements or prescription medications, as he may request that you make temporary adjustments to this routine.
• If you smoke, you’ll need to refrain from cigarettes, vaping or smokeless tobacco for at least 14 days prior to your appointment and throughout the healing process (at least for another two weeks after your procedure).
• On the day of your appointment, take a shower in the morning, washing the targeted areas with an antimicrobial soap. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and slip-on shoes if possible.

The details of your liposuction procedure will vary depending on the type of liposuction you’re getting and whether or not you’ve chosen to combine lipo with any other procedures. Generally speaking, however, Dr. Campanile begins liposuction by making a few small incisions near the treatment area where he can insert a thin, hollow medical tube called a cannula. A tumescent solution is administered to the surgical area to reduce bleeding, increase comfort and prepare the fatty tissue for removal. Suction is then used to remove the targeted fat. 

With VASERlipo, an ultrasonic probe is inserted after the cannula to liquefy fat cells using sound waves. Finally, once all the excess fatty deposits have been removed through suction, the incisions are closed and your procedure is complete.

The duration of your liposuction procedure will depend on the size and number of areas being treated. Small areas such as the face or neck can typically be treated via liposuction within 30 to 60 minutes, while larger areas such as the buttocks and thighs may take several hours to complete.

Recovery time varies from person to person and depends on the type of liposuction used and how extensive the treatment was. Dr. Campanile may recommend that you wear a compression garment for several weeks after liposuction to reduce swelling, promote circulation and increase comfort while you heal. 

Because of the very small incisions and outpatient scheduling of liposuction procedures, patients may make the false assumption that their bodies don’t really need much time to recover. Resist the urge to do too much too soon, as your body still needs enough time to rest and heal. Most people are able to return to work within one week after lipo, though you will need to hold off on vigorous exercise for a few weeks until Dr. Campanile gives you the all-clear. 

Some soreness and tenderness are normal and to be expected in the first few days after getting liposuction. These symptoms are typically easily managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Bruising and swelling should continue to diminish on their own over the coming days and weeks.

If you have any questions about preparing for your liposuction or during recovery, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 720-336-4843.

While you may notice some immediate changes to the shape of your body after liposuction, swelling and bruising can camouflage your initial results. As these symptoms subside over the next several weeks, you should begin to see your full lipo results taking shape. Most of Dr. Campanile’s patients can expect to enjoy their final new body shape within 3 to 6 months after liposuction. 

To maintain your liposuction results long-term, it is important to continue with healthy eating and exercise habits, as it is possible for the remaining fat cells to become larger again even after liposuction. 

Request a consultation to learn more about liposuction. Also, be sure to view our liposuction before and after photos to see the results Dr. Campanile can achieve. We’re here for you every step of the way and look forward to meeting with you.