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A procedure introduced in the United States
in 1982, liposuction can remove localized collections of fatty tissue
in many areas of the body. By using a high vacuum device, Dr. Lamb
can suction fat from the legs, buttocks, hips, abdomen, back, arms,
face and neck.
The popularity of liposuction is due to the
effectiveness of the technique and the fact that it leaves only
tiny scars, often less than one-half inch in length. Liposuction
is neither a substitute for proper diet and exercise nor a cure
for obesity. To get the most from this procedure, you should be
of average weight with extra fat localized in specific areas. It
is also important that you have healthy, elastic skin with the capacity
to shrink evenly after surgery. Since liposuction removes only fat,
it cannot eliminate dimpling or correct skin laxity. The tumescent
technique, superficial liposculpture, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty
(UAL) or other variations of conventional liposuction may be recommended
by Dr. Lamb, depending on your specific needs. If your skin has
lost much of its elasticity, Dr. Lamb may recommend a skin tightening
procedure (abdominoplasty, thigh lift, buttock lift or arm lift).
These procedures are effective but leave more extensive scars.
Following surgery, you will wear a snug garment,
possibly up to several weeks, to promote skin shrinkage and to minimize
swelling and skin discoloration. If you have had surgery below the
waist, you may be advised to wear a long-legged girdle for a few
weeks as you resume your normal routine.
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