Indianapolis Institute for Plastic Surgery

When should I consider liposuction?

Many women and men have localized areas of fat which are resistant to diet and exercise. Many patients are near normal weight and desire only a contour change.
Areas which are particularly amenable to liposuction are the hips, thighs, and tummy. The lower legs and arms are suctioned less often but can be evaluated and, in some cases, treated.
Other commonly suctioned areas include the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), male chest/breasts, trunk, waist, and inner knees.

Anticipated Results:

A long-lasting improvement in the contour and proportion of the treated areas.
A more flattering figure or physique in and out of clothing
Clothes will fit better and often a decrease in at least 1-2 clothing sizes will be seen
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Some areas of fat are more difficult to treat, either because of genetics or previous surgery. The love handles in men, the back, and the upper abdomen tend to have a tougher, firmer fat that can be difficult to remove. The Internal Ultrasound and External Ultrasound can be especially helpful in these areas. The internal ultrasound is used to treat the deep layers by using a vibratory motion combined with heat to liquify or "melt" the fat. This new device has made fat removal easier; and in many cases, it is possible to remove more fat than with traditional liposuction because the fat cells are removed in a more liquid form. The external ultrasound is a device used to treat the superficial layers by promoting skin contraction. By using this combined therapy, I can increase the amount removed with reducing the risk of skin irregularities, promotion of skin contraction, and improvement of cellulite. UAL (ultrasound-assisted liposuction) is typically less traumatic and the ability to contour is increased. Dr. Short usually incorporates both the internal and external ultrasound for assistance in liposuction. She always uses the tumescent technique which helps decrease postoperative pain, swelling, and bruising. She discusses each of these components of the procedure as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.
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Examples of Liposuction:

Patient 1 had liposuction to the abdomen, hips, thighs and knees bilaterally. This patient had high volume liposuction (removal of fat greater than 5 liters) performed. With having liposuction on this many areas, you will experience a longer recovery period and healing process. As the picture demonstrates, the patient received significant results in contouring and dropped several clothes sizes post-operatively. The patient below is pictured before and 6 months after surgery.

Patient 1

Before After

Before After

Both Patient 2 and Patient 3 pictured below had liposuction to the hips bilaterally. The patients were ideal candidates for the liposuction procedure because they were at their ideal body weight but the hip area was disproportionate to the rest of the body. With performing liposuction to the hips and thighs bilaterally, the patients were able to maintain a more harmonious balance of body weight. The patient were pictured before and approximately 6-8 weeks after surgery. Note for Patient 3 the resolution of the back folds also.

Patient 2

Before

After

Before

After

Patient 3

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After

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After

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