Liposuction (Lipoplasty)

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What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is designed to remove localized or regional deposits of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss procedure nor is it used to treat obesity. This procedure is specifically used for body contouring.

There are several different liposuction techniques that Dr. Epstein offers:

Tumescent Liposuction:
Infusion of saline solution with adrenaline and anesthetic added prior to removal of fat.

Liposelection by Vaser:
A new way to precisely and efficiently remove fat, this process uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to reshape your body. Liposuction can be performed on any area of the body that has localized fat deposits including:

• cheeks, chin, neck
• stomach, waist
• upper arms
• hips, buttocks
• chest area
• thighs
• back
• inner knees, calves and ankles

Liposuction can be performed with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation and/or breast lift to reshape body contours and create a balanced and proportionate figure.

How is Liposuction performed?

Liposuction is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at our facility, Northbrook Plastic Surgery. An incision is made near the site to be suctioned for insertion of a device called a cannula, which is a small rod. A tube is then connected to the cannula, which is then connected to a vacuum machine. The cannula tip loosens excess fat under the skin when Dr. Epstein moves the cannula around. The fat is then suctioned using a powered device.

Tumescent liposuction follows the same above technique, however saline solution, anesthesia and adrenaline are infused into the area being treated. This causes swelling and enables Dr. Epstein to go more superficially under the skin providing even better results.

Liposelection by Vaser uses the same basic technique as tumescent liposuction, but incorporates high frequency sound waves to liquefy fat cells and facilitate low-level aspiration. With Liposelection, Dr. Epstein is able to achieve smoother results with less bruising, swelling and downtime.

These procedures take approximately 2-5 hours, depending on the amount of areas to be suctioned and the complexity of the case.

What to expect during the recovery period:

• A compression garment must be worn for 2-4 weeks post-surgery to help the skin conform to its new contours
• Swelling, numbness, soreness, bruising and discomfort are normal, all of which can be controlled by medication and will subside
• Resume light activity within 2-5 days post-surgery
• Full activities may be resumed 4-6 weeks post-surgery
• Continue to monitor your diet for best results
• It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate and reveal your new contour

In private practice since 1992, Dr. Michael A. Epstein has received critical acclaim for his exceptional results and advanced surgical techniques.  An active member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, he has been featured on numerous television programs and quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines nationwide. A trusted resource who is highly respected by both the media and his peers, Dr. Epstein’s training, education and surgical skills have made him one of Chicagoland’s leading and most gifted plastic surgeons. His offices are in Northbrook, Illinois.