Liposuction Questions

Hartford, Greenwich, Waterbury, and Glastonbury, Connecticut

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a technique for removing fat in order to improve a person's body contours. It is not a weight loss technique, but is used to remove fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise and is often used after a person has achieved their best possible results on their own. Liposuction is also called lipoplasty or sometimes just "lipo."

Is all liposuction the same?

No. There are many different variations on the liposuction procedure. Most commonly used is the tumescent liposuction technique, which is often described as "traditional liposuction." In addition, recent innovations have included power-assisted lipo, ultrasonic lipo, and SmartLipo, which uses laser energy to facilitate the removal of fat and improve final results.

Is liposuction for me?

You may be a good candidate for lipo if you:

• Have localized body fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise
• Are near your ideal body weight
• Are generally in good health
• Eat a well-balanced diet

The best way to know if lipo is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Foster. He will listen to your goals and talk about your medical history to determine if lipo is a smart procedure for you.

What is better for me, liposuction or a tummy tuck?

Lipo is a better procedure for people who are mostly concerned about fat in the belly area and have tight, elastic skin that is likely to retract after liposuction. A tummy tuck is good for people who also have excess skin and slack abdominal muscles that contribute to a sagging belly. SmartLipo may be a good compromise for people who have some excess skin.

What areas can liposuction treat?

Lipo can be used on virtually any area of the body. Commonly treated areas include:

• Abdomen
• Waist
• Back
• Thighs
• Male breasts (gynecomastia)
• Face/neck
• Upper arms
• Knees
• Ankles

For most areas, traditional liposuction is a good choice, but SmartLipo is often recommended for smaller areas where more precision is required.

How does liposuction work?

In all lipo procedures, several small incisions are made around the area to be treated. The suctioning tool, a narrow, hollow wand known as a cannula, is inserted through these small incisions and used to remove fat. Then the incisions are closed.

How long does the liposuction procedure take?

Depending on the areas being treated, lipo can take two to three hours.

Does liposuction hurt?

During the lipo procedure, you will be anesthetized and should feel no discomfort. Most of the time, local anesthesia is used.

What are the risks of liposuction?

Please see our SmartLipo complications page for a detailed discussion of liposuction risks.

How long is recovery from liposuction?

Every person experiences a unique process of recovery from lipo. The length of recovery will depend on personal factors as well as the details of your procedure. In general, count on two days off from work for a SmartLipo procedure and a week for traditional lipo. It is smart to err on the side of caution and check with Dr. Foster before returning to work or any strenuous activity.

Why should I have my liposuction with Dr. Foster?

Dr. Foster is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been perfecting his craft since 1985. His extensive experience has taught him much about how to get the best results out of a lipo procedure. In addition, he is the only SmartLipo instructor in Connecticut, and has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the manufacturer of SmartLipo, Cynosure.

If you have more questions or would like to schedule a lipo procedure, please contact us today to set up your consultation with Dr. Foster at his Waterbury, Glastonbury, or Greenwich office.

Glastonbury, CT

Greenwich, CT

1625 Straights Turnpike/Suite 108
Middlebury, CT 06762

888-8CT-LIPO
(888-828-5476)