Liposuction: Achieve a Leaner Physique

and it was second only to breast augmentation.

*According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Liposuction is not intended as a weight loss surgery. Rather, it is intended to eliminate fat that will not respond to diet and exercise. During your consultation, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will conduct an examination, and discuss your candidacy and expectations for this procedure. If you meet the candidacy requirements, they will work with you to develop a liposuction treatment that can help you look and feel your very best. Liposuction can be performed on its own, or in conjunction with procedures including tummy tuck, mommy makeover, and face lift.

Although it is not ideal for everyone, liposuction can potentially help many patients achieve their particular aesthetic goals. 

Immediately following your liposuction procedure, it is normal to experience:

• Mild discomfort
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Slight drainage from incisions

Typically, discomfort can be addressed with over-the-counter pain medications. Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne may also place a drainage tube and a compression garment over the treatment area. In most cases, this garment should be worn for at least a few days after surgery, although the specific amount of time may vary from patient to patient.  During the first week, you will need to take baths instead of showers in order to avoid exposing their sutures to excessive pressure. By the fifth or sixth day, most patients are able to move around more comfortably and return to work with no complications.

Even if you are dedicated to proper diet and exercise, it may be a struggle to eliminate stubborn fat deposits on your thighs, hips, or abdomen. Fortunately, liposuction is a safe and effective solution that can eliminate these fat deposits so you can begin enjoying your healthy lifestyle to the fullest. Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne are proud to offer liposuction at their New Orleans Metro-area practice, along with several other customizable body contouring procedures. Don't wait any longer to achieve the lean body contours you desire. To learn more about how liposuction can enhance your figure, contact us today.

The Liposuction Procedure

When you undergo liposuction, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will place you under general anesthesia. Our doctors work with trusted anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists to ensure your comfort and safety. They will create one or more tiny incisions in the treatment area. Through these incisions, they will insert a cannula, or tube, which will suction out excess fat cells. If you choose, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne can relocate these fat cells to other areas of the body, such as the buttocks, to enhance your figure. After your surgery, they may place temporary drainage tubes to assist in the healing process.

Healing and Recovery

Immediately following your liposuction procedure, you may experience mild discomfort. This can be addressed with over-the-counter pain medications. Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne may also place a compression garment over the area of treatment. In most cases, this garment should be worn for at a few days after surgery, although the specific amount of time may vary from patient to patient. Patients should also expect some bruising, swelling, and slight drainage from the surgical incisions. During the first week, patients will need to opt for baths over showers in order to avoid exposing their stitches to excessive pressure. By the fifth or sixth day, most patients are able to move around more comfortably and return to work with no complications.

Patients should keep in mind that every case is unique and healing times can vary.

For the next several months, swelling will gradually subside. The skin around the area of treatment may also appear loose. However, this is normal and the skin will typically tighten over time. Most patients find that swelling completely dissipates by about six months, at which point the final results of treatment are more noticeable. However, patients should keep in mind that every case is unique and healing times can vary. Typically, smaller treatment areas will take less time to heal than larger treatment areas.

Maintaining Long-Term Results

Before undergoing liposuction, it is important to understand that fat removal does not prevent future weight gain. Therefore, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain long-term results of your treatment. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and calcium-rich dairy are all elements of a well-balanced diet. Limiting processed foods and increasing water intake is an excellent way to keep pounds off. Additionally, a regular exercise regimen is helpful for improving muscle definition. Patients who enjoy the most success typically engage in physical activity about five times a week. Generally speaking, patients who do not adhere to a healthy diet and exercise program are much more likely to gain weight in the future.

Commonly Combined Procedures

Many patients choose to receive liposuction in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as tummy tucks, arm lifts, and thigh lifts. A comprehensive treatment plan can help you maximize the aesthetic benefit of your surgery. During your initial consultation, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne can help you determine which combination of treatments can give you the results you desire.