What is the goal?

The goal of liposuction is to reduce the volume of fat in a given area to improve the contours of the body.

Who is a good candidate?

Good candidates for liposuction are generally healthy, nonsmokers, with a BMI below 33 and without excess/hanging skin or stretch marks. Liposuction candidates are both men and women who have stubborn fat areas like the "love handles" which have not resolved with diet/exercise. Liposuction can be performed to any area with excess fat including the face, neck/chin, arms, armpits, buffalo hump, bra roll, flanks/"love handles", chest, abdomen, back, pubis, hips, thighs, saddlebags, banana rolls, legs and ankles. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and is not effective for excess skin, stretch marks, or cellulite.

How is the procedure performed?

Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia for a small area or general anesthesia for larger or combined areas. It involves making small 1/2cm incisions and inserting a cannula to suck the fat out. Dr. Kalaria performs power-assisted liposuction and can combine this with moderate skin tightening using a variety of devices. The incisions are closed meticulously and you may have a drain depending on the amount of liposuction done.

What is the recovery time?

You can expect 2-3 weeks of swelling. Lymphatic massages are essential and should begin 1 week after surgery. A compression garment worn for at least 3 months is also mandatory to maximize results.