Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to sculpt the body, removing unwanted collections of fat. Areas where liposuction may be performed include the neck, arms, tummy, love handles, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. During the past decade liposuction has gone through a revolution so that today it is a much safer procedure and the results are greatly improved with less discomfort, bruising and swelling. More than 450,000 liposuction procedures were performed in 2007, making it the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States.
Liposuction should not be perceived as a method of weight loss. However, it can remove troublesome areas of fat that do not respond to a sensible diet and exercise routine.
Standard liposuction may also be referred to as suction assisted lipoplasty (or SAL). Liposuction may also be performed with the use of ultrasonic energy to assist in breaking down the fat that is to be removed (ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty, UAL, or VASER LipoSelection). You may also hear of power assisted lipoplasty (or PAL) which involves the use of a cannula that rapidly vibrates at the tip. Dr. Onyewu will discuss each of these with you to determine the best approach for your individual situation.
Liposuction is among the plastic surgery procedures with the highest patient satisfaction ratings. Many patients experience an immediate improvement in their self-esteem and discover a greater self-confidence. In addition, many find greater access to different clothing styles and fashions and are less self-conscious at the gym, around the pool, or at the beach.
If you think you might be a good candidate for liposuction, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure and the results you can expect. The cornerstone of Dr. Onyewu’ approach is to individualize treatment to your specific circumstances and goals and to ensure that you have an adequate understanding of the issues involved so that you are able to make a fully informed decision. This will help you achieve the appearance you desire with the least invasive procedure available, thus creating a mutually rewarding experience. Dr. Onyewu invites you to visit his office for a consultation to discuss the procedure in greater detail. You are also invited to email Dr. Onyewu with your questions, or we can mail you more detailed information regarding the procedure.
As you consider plastic surgery, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing your surgeon. Our pledge to you is to provide the latest, state of the art cosmetic plastic surgery in a safe and professional environment. Dr. Onyewu is a recognized specialist in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery and has been performing plastic surgery for over 15 years.
Our goal is to provide you with the “ultimate patient experience.” Our well-trained staff will help you understand your procedure, our financial policies, the scheduling of your surgery, and your post-operative care. We are available to assist you during our regular office hours, Monday through Friday. Dr. Onyewu is also available 24 hours a day to post-surgical patients; he will give you his cell phone number after surgery so that you will always be able to reach him with any questions or concerns you might have during your recovery.
The Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Onyewu will inquire about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal preparations, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. Honesty regarding your use of tobacco and alcohol is also very important, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure.
After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Onyewu will discuss your concerns, priorities and motivations for pursuing plastic surgery, as well as your fears. After examining you, Dr. Onyewu will be able to offer advice and options to help you achieve the appearance you desire. He will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different options you have before you.
At the completion of your consultation, our Patient Coordinator will give you a written estimate of the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. The decision to undergo surgery is a very important one, and the final decision should be given very careful consideration. Dr. Onyewu realizes the importance of this decision, and at no time will you be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.
