Stubborn pockets of body fat can be difficult to target and eliminate with traditional forms of fat reduction like dieting and exercise. On top of that, everyone loses weight in different ways; what works for some people may yield poor results for others. This is why liposuction in Washington DC is such an excellent option for eliminating stubborn body fat.
Dr. Troy Pittman is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has provided countless individuals in the DC area with outstanding results from their liposuction treatments. He is dedicated to ensuring that all of the patients we care for are as safe as possible and are fully satisfied with the results they receive.
Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Patients with a massive amount of body fat are not ideal candidates for liposuction. It is important to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure and cannot be used to eliminate massive amounts of body fat.
Instead, liposuction is a body-contouring procedure. It is intended to precisely eliminate small quantities of excess body fat as a way to enhance the natural contours of the body and improve muscle definition and tone. Thus, patients with specific trouble areas of excess flab are ideal for this procedure.
Liposuction can be performed all over the body and is effective in both small and large areas, including the following regions:
- Neck
- Upper Arms
- Chest
- Back
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Waist
- Inner Thighs
- Outer Thighs
- Buttocks
Liposuction yields the best results in areas where the skin is still strong, tight, and elastic. If the area of the body you want treated with liposuction is also plagued by the presence of loose excess skin, you may be a candidate for BodyTite which can be combined with power-assisted liposuction. BodyTite is a device that uses radiofrequency energy to melt fat and tighten the overlying skin. For patients with a major excess of skin and/or skin laxity, the skin will need to be surgically removed in a separate surgery.
Can Liposuction be Done without General Anesthesia?
To eliminate small areas of stubborn fat, liposuction can be performed as an in-office procedure without general anesthesia. This is preferable to many patients because the down time is minimized, recovery is quicker and there is no need to go to the operating room. The best way to find out if you are a candidate for in-office liposuction is to schedule a consult with Dr. Pittman.
Are There Any Risks with Liposuction?
Although liposuction is a safe and popular procedure, a few risks can come with it that patients should be aware of. These risks can include:
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles
- Vein thrombosis
- Kidney and heart problems
- Heat injury
- Burning
- Scarring
- Fat embolism
- Infection
- Numbness
Under the care of Dr. Troy Pittman, whose years of experience in plastic surgery prioritizes patient comfort and safety, the chances of these risks are minimal and side effects can be easily managed. Most patients may experience bruising, swelling, and slight pain during recovery. These side effects are common and typically disappear within a week to two weeks after the procedure.
What Is the Recovery Process from Liposuction Like?
Although recovering from liposuction may take up to six months to heal completely, your treated area may be swollen or bruised for the first two weeks following your procedure. Returning to your normal lifestyle can depend on your comfort level and how much pain has subsided since your treatment. Patients who enjoy exercise can return to light workouts within a few days, but it is important to avoid over-strenuous or HIIT workouts during your recovery period.
If any complications arise during your recovery, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Pittman immediately.
Is There Anything I Need to Avoid After Liposuction?
Immediately after your treatment, it is essential to handle and treat your body with care. We recommend not removing your compression garments unless to shower or unless Dr. Pittman advises otherwise. Staying in overall good health can be beneficial to your healing process, and avoiding smoking for the first six weeks of your recovery is recommended.
Maintaining a stable weight is also essential in preserving the results of your liposuction. Avoiding alcohol, processed foods, and foods high in salt, sugar, or saturated fat during your recovery period can help you ease into implementing a more balanced diet once your recovery is over.
How Long Will the Results from My Liposuction Last?
Because fat cells are targeted and specifically suctioned out of your body during this procedure, those fat cells cannot be restored, put back, or regrown. This is why liposuction results last a lifetime. The silhouette and contouring you achieve after your liposuction is permanent as long you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, as well as becoming pregnant, will alter and change the results of your procedure. However, with the proper care, you can enjoy the results of your surgery for the rest of your life! Women interested in liposuction who have had children can discuss getting a mommy makeover, which often includes liposuction along with a tummy tuck, breast lift, or breast augmentation.
About Power-Assisted Liposuction
Power-assisted liposuction (commonly referred to as PAL) is a form of liposuction that uses a special cannula that rapidly vibrates. The rapid vibrations make it easier to loosen the fat from the surrounding tissues, making them easier to remove from the body through the cannula.
Before liposuction is performed, a special solution is injected to numb the surrounding area. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that will help to reduce discomfort and pain during the removal of fat. The epinephrine helps to control bleeding. It also makes the fat in the area swollen and firm so that it is easier to remove.
Read what our patients are saying!
"I met with Dr. Pittman and was immediately impressed. He was extremely thorough in our first consultation. I think it lasted close to an hour. I had never had a doctor take that much time explaining a procedure to me. He answered all of my questions patiently, never making me feel silly or rushed…. Life with expanders is challenging. On each of my visits Dr. Pittman always assured me that I was going to look great. He had confidence, but not arrogance. Dr. Pittman seemed to appreciate my vision for my body and never tried to push me in one way or another…. My second surgery is complete and I am thrilled with the results. Dr. Pittman is excellent at what he does."
Click here to read more reviews.
Are You Interested In Liposuction in Washington DC?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your figure or have been struggling to get rid of the last bit of excess fat, contact us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Pittman will go over your Washington DC liposuction options and recommend the one that can help you achieve your ideal results.
Check out some of our work with these before and after galleries for liposuction.
