Lipo as weight loss? Part 3
June 16th, 2010
Earlier in my career, I had the unique opportunity to be interviewed on television by Roseanne Barr and Tom Arnold about liposuction, which I discussed earlier this week. This series continues.
Lipo as weight loss? Part 3
Why isn’t Lipo a quick fix? I have found that cosmetic surgery results are far better when the fat layer located beneath the skin is as thin as possible before surgery. In the case of skin tightening procedures, the skin can be stretched more easily to give a better result. I also believe that wound healing is more efficient, there are fewer complications and patients see the best results when they are at a healthy weight.
Patients presenting for cosmetic surgery consultation who are carrying extra pounds frequently change their minds regarding which procedures they are pursuing after reaching their ideal weight. This is most evident with breast surgery. A woman considering breast reduction before weight loss will frequently choose breast enlargement after significant weight loss. Patients considering liposuction after weight loss usually only need a slight reduction of stubborn remaining localized fat pockets, such as the outer thighs. Skin appearance often responds better when weight loss is gradual and exercise is part of the program.
I know the idea of having surgery first, followed by weight loss and conditioning has been popularized on reality TV. It has never made sense to me. Why take this shortcut if there are increased risks, potential medical problems and compromised cosmetic results? Please consider being within 20 pounds of your ideal weight before considering cosmetic surgery. It is the best advice that I can offer my patients.
Remember: A moment on the lips, perhaps a lifetime on the hips!
Swelling: How much is normal?
June 10th, 2010
Swelling is normal part of surgery. In fact, it is a normal part of most situations where the body is injured, whether it is trauma from a fall or a medical disease like pneumonia.
The process of tissue swelling begins to occur immediately when surgery is started. It can initially be seen next to the edge of the incised skin. The tissues adjacent to the incision also begin to swell. These are the first steps in the stages of normal healing. Swelling continues as tissues are dissected to allow implant placement (breast enlargement), to allow fat removal (liposuction), or to allow skin and muscle tightening (facelift). As I complete surgery, allowances must be made for swelling as the final sculpting is completed.
The process of swelling continues as patients recover. Maximum swelling is usually between 48 and 72 hours after surgery. This swelling will extend beyond the surgery site to involve adjacent areas. In the case of breast enlargement, swelling will extend onto the chest, back and abdomen. Patients may also notice swelling in distant areas, such as hands and feet, areas well removed from the surgical site. The most distressing to some patients, is the aspect of temporary weight gain due to the extra fluid. This temporary fluid is normal and passes with time.
The question I am often asked, “When will this go away?” Swelling will begin to pass out of your body following 2 to 3 days after surgery. It is naturally excreted in your urine. Initial resolution is rapid, with the vast majority of swelling gone in four to six weeks. Complete resolution of any remaining swelling may take as long as six to twelve months. Although waiting this long to see a final result is frustrating to many patients, this is simply part of scar maturation and the physiology of internal healing. So once again, patience is a virtue!
Follow Us!
