If You’re Considering Liposuction…
Persistent bulges of fat on your body can be suctioned away with liposuction. This surgical technique is one of many body contouring options available at our Leawood practice. Dr. Doug Cusick is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been providing liposuction and other procedures for decades. In a consultation with you, Dr. Cusick can help you decide if this surgery can achieve the goals you have in mind. Please call our staff at 913-661-0202 to arrange your visit.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical technique that removes stubborn fat from specific spots. Via a suction device, fat deposits can be eliminated from many areas of the body, including:
- Neck
- Chin
- Upper arms
- Back
- Chest
- Waist
- Tummy/abdomen
- Hips
- Love handles
- Thighs
- Buttocks
Liposuction is not a way to lose weight or a weight-loss alternative. In fact, the actual weight of the fat removed won’t be significant. Instead, liposuction provides the best results when you are at or near your ideal weight. Then, liposuction acts as refinement, removing stubborn fat where it is not shrinking in response to diet and exercise.
The Liposuction Procedure
There are many liposuction variations, but they all work by removing excess fat from a targeted area. Dr. Cusick will talk to you about the variations he offers and what will work best for the treatment area.
All liposuction variations ultimately use a thin instrument called a cannula, which is attached to vacuum suction. Techniques have been developed over the years to make the removal of fat more efficient and less taxing on the surrounding tissue. While the oldest techniques involved the surgeon moving the cannula back and forth to mechanically break up the fat while suctioning it away, today we have methods to prepare the fat first, so that its removal is more efficient.
One variation uses ultrasound energy. A tiny probe emits ultrasound energy in the treatment area to burst the walls of the fat cells. This liquefies the fat, which makes removing it via suction more efficient than removing it in its solid state.
Many liposuction procedures today involve the injection of tumescent fluid. This fluid contains lidocaine and epinephrine, which numbs the treatment area, reduces blood loss and reduces post-op bruising.
Cost and Financing
The cost is variable depending on procedure specifics. You’ll need to come to a consultation to get an accurate cost quote. Once you’ve met with Dr. Cusick to discuss your options, our office will provide you with the cost for the recommended procedure(s).
While we accept cash, check and major credit cards, some of our patients are interested in financing options. We do accept various financing plans from Med Loan Finance, which you can apply for on their website.
Liposuction Recovery
Immediately: Swelling is to be expected. You may be wearing bandages and Dr. Cusick may have placed drains in the incisions for excess fluid to escape. You’ll go home and rest, getting up to walk around intermittently.
The first week: You may feel comfortable returning to your job after a week. Talk to Dr. Cusick about your usual routine and your job duties so you can decide together when the best time is for you to return to work.
2-3 months: A lot of the swelling will go down during this time and you’ll be loving the flatter treatment areas. During this time you will be able to incorporate more and more of your normal routine, including exercise, social events, playing with your kids, activities involving heavy lifting, etc. Incision scars will begin to look lighter in color and may begin flattening.
6-months to a year: You’ll be looking at your final results after 6 months, although the treatment area will probably look much the same as it has for the past few months. Minor amounts of swelling will subside for up to a year, although you may not notice it.
Each patient has a slightly different recovery timeline. You can stay on track during recovery by following all the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Cusick and our staff. Rely on us every step of the way for clear communication and outstanding care.
Find Out If You’re a Liposuction Candidate
Are you wondering if you are a good candidate for liposuction? If you live in Leawood, Kansas City or any of the surrounding areas of Kansas, please arrange a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas Cusick by calling 913-661-0202. You can also fill out the Appointment Request Form below, and our staff will help you set up your consult. We look forward to serving you!