If you are not happy with the way you look, if you want to feel more comfortable in a bathing suit, or if you’d like greater freedom in the clothes you wear, you may benefit from liposuction. This surgical technique can give a better body contour, with relatively little scarring. As with any cosmetic surgery, it’s important to have a clear objective and realistic expectations.

    Dr. Taylor uses a "Tumescent" or "Wet" technique of liposuction combined with External Ultrasound. This technique can be done as an outpatient in the office for small areas or under anesthesia in a surgery center.

             At surgery a special "tumescent" solution is injected into the tissues to help to decrease pain and blood loss.Once the special solution has been injected, the external ultrasound is used to help dissolve the fat tissues. The ultrasound is rubbed over the external skin for several minutes in each area, and the ultrasonic waves pass through the skin to dissolve the fat and liquefy it. This external ultrasound technique makes it easier to remove the dissolved fat. Patients also state that they have less problems with pain and healing after the ultrasonic liposuction surgery.
   
                         This ultrasonic liposuction technique is particularly beneficial in areas such as the lateral thighs, hips, "love handles", back, and for reducing excessive tissue in the male breast ("gynecomastia").
      
                         After the ultrasound has been applied to each area, Dr. Taylor makes a small incision in your skin in several areas and inserts a narrow tube deep into the fat layer below. As he manipulates the tube back and forth to loosen the fat,a suction device attached to the tube removes it. The suctioned spaces in the fat layer collapse after surgery, resulting in an improved body contour. In most cases, the tiny scars, usually 1-2 inches in size, can be concealed in natural body creases.

    Liposuction can be done alone or as part of other procedures, such as a facelift or tummy tuck. Because no skin is removed, it leaves no conspicuous scars except where the incisions were made for the insertion of the suction tubes. Liposuction does not cure obesity. It is not a good method for weight loss, but it will reduce excessively fatty areas on your face and body that stubbornly remain, despite dieting, regular exercise, and other attempts at weight loss.

The best candidates for liposuction are those who are:

• In good health and have good skin tone

• Have distinct areas of localized fat bulges that are disproportionate to the rest of their bodies.

• Have tried to eliminate bulges through diet, exercise, and weight loss

• Have realistic expectations about the results

• Understand that liposuction is not a cure for obesity or a substitute for weight loss

• Want to have liposuction for themselves, not to please someone else
  
• Don’t expect liposuction to change their personal or professional lives dramatically
  

                         Dr. Taylor can perform liposuction on small areas, in his office, under a local sedation type of anesthesia. However, most larger procedures are performed in the hospital, on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia.

                        Your recovery time depends on the extent of your surgery. Most of the swelling, discoloration, and uneven skin surface will improve within the first month. During the first 3-4 weeks after surgery it is necessary to wear as much as possible a special compression garment. The garment helps prevent fluid collection and other postoperative problems and helps with the swelling and healing. Most patients are uncomfortable for the first 2-5 days, depending on the size of the area treated, but can resume light activity after that. If large areas are treated, it may take 2-4 weeks before the majority of the tenderness and swelling are gone. The final results develop slowly over a 3-12 month period.

                        The cost of liposuction depends on the number of areas treated. The minimum for a small area treated under local in the office will be approximately $1,800.00.

                        There are many approaches Dr. Taylor may take to your situation. He would be glad to fully discuss with you his liposuction recommendations and answer any questions you may have at a consultation appointment.