Liposuction in Biloxi, MS
Michael Diaz, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon in Biloxi, MS, performs 360-degree liposuction, power-assisted liposuction and high definition liposuction on residents in and around Southern Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama who want to remove fat to reveal a more toned body.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat deposits to reshape specific areas of the body to redefine contours and enhance a toned figure. The treatment involves inserting a thin cannula through small incisions in the targeted area to extract the excess fat. Lipo is often performed on areas including the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. It is also often done in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments.
When there is a larger volume of fat involved, or the procedure is performed on fibrous areas of the body, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) is often used. This is a newer, more advanced technique using an ultrasound probe beneath the skin that liquefies the fat before it is suctioned.
The Best Candidates for Liposuction
The best candidates for liposuction are men and women who achieve and maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen but still have pockets of fat that do not react to their lifestyle in a positive way. They need to be somewhat fit and healthy to get the results from lipo and understand that it is not an alternative plan for weight loss but rather a way to target stubborn fat pockets.
Planning Your Liposuction
Prior to having lipo, it is necessary to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diaz for an evaluation of your area of concern as well as to discuss your desired look. Following the evaluation, Dr. Diaz makes a recommendation about whether liposuction or another cosmetic treatment is the best option.
Lipo is considered an elective procedure which means that health insurance plans rarely provide coverage. During the consultation, we can go over the costs involved so that you know what the cost is and can plan for it.
Lastly, since anesthesia is involved, it is important to make plans for someone to take you to and from the surgery center as well as stay with you for the first day.
Preparing for Your Liposuction
Because this procedure involves anesthesia and incisions into the targeted area, it is necessary to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure. This means that it is essential to have an overall health check-up as well as bloodwork and an evaluation of your medical history. Also, it is recommended that you stop taking any medications or supplements that cause the blood to thin as well as cease smoking, if you do, for two weeks prior to and following the procedure. This is done to prevent excess bruising and help the healing process.
Types of Anesthesia
General anesthesia: This is used for longer surgeries and procedures that may be more invasive and require patients to be unconscious throughout the procedure.
The Liposuction Procedure
During liposuction, a sterile liquid solution is infused to prevent infection. After that, small incisions are made in the targeted area to allow the surgeon to insert a thin cannula. The cannula is moved back and forth to loosen the excess fat so that it can be suctioned out.
Depending on the number of areas to be treated and the amount of fat in those areas, lipo takes anywhere from two to five hours. As soon as the procedure is complete, a drain is placed in the incisions to prevent any fluid retention, and a compression garment is placed on the patient to be worn for a few days following the surgery to help the contouring and to prevent swelling.
After Liposuction
Most liposuction procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Detailed instructions are provided to help with the initial healing and recovery in the days following lipo. There may be some swelling and bruising immediately following the procedure, which resolves itself within a week.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Mississippi?
The cost of liposuction is different with each patient as it is based on how many areas are treated, the extent of those areas, and whether other procedures are performed in conjunction with lipo. During a consultation, we can go over the costs in detail as well as provide you with our payment options including financing through CareCredit®.
Getting Back to Normal Following Liposuction
Most people return to work within one to two weeks followed by strenuous activities within two to four weeks. Expect a full recovery from swelling and bruising within one to six months. When using the tumescent technique or UAL, there is typically less post-operative bruising and swelling.
Your New Look
The results with liposuction are permanent; however, excess fat can develop in other areas of the body if a regular exercise regimen and healthy diet are not maintained. With liposuction, the new look you gain is a more defined physique and a more positive self-image.
If you live in or around Southern Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, and are interested in finding out more about liposuction, contact Michael Diaz, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon in Biloxi, MS. Contact us today to set up an appointment.