Mr. Jackson
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Liposuction in Charleston, SC

Do you have stubborn fat pockets which don’t seem to respond to diet and exercise? Are these challenging areas detracting from the results you’ve worked so hard to obtain? Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure which sculpts the buttocks, abdomen, and thighs to remove unwanted fat cells, leaving you with well-defined results. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse offers liposuction for patients who live in Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction can target the unsightly bulges and stubborn fatty deposits that no amount of diet and exercise can overcome. Diet and exercise contribute greatly to your overall health, and they are a great start to achieving the body you desire but are often not enough. Liposuction can help you finally get the better looking, leaner, and shapelier body you desire.

Liposuction Case 1

Before
After

Full Face Laser CO2 Treatment

Full Face Laser CO2 Treatment

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How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Charleston?

The cost of your liposuction procedure will depend on the volume of fat to be removed. Cost will be discussed with you prior to the procedure. For your convenience, Port City Plastic Surgery accepts payment by cash, credit card, and check. We have financing options available to make paying for your procedure more affordable.

What To Expect After Liposuction?

After a liposuction procedure, the length of your recovery and the discomfort you experience depend on the size of the area treated. Compression garments are used to reduce discomfort and help the body heal into the desired shape. These may need to be worn for as long as six weeks to ensure comfort and the best possible results. Discomfort is minor and typically controlled with oral medication.

Ultrasound treatments can be used to reduce bruising and discomfort, speed healing, and reduce residual lumps. Normal activity can be resumed almost immediately. Some people feel well enough to return to work a day or two after treatment, but strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided until healing is complete.

Will I Have Scars After Getting Liposuction?

You will have minimal scarring following liposuction, as incisions are made in strategic locations throughout the body to facilitate the procedure. As the ultimate goal of any cosmetic procedure is to improve body image, Dr. Widenhouse takes great care in placing and suturing these incisions in order to minimize their appearance.

When Will I See The Results?

The results of your liposuction procedure will be a smoother body contour. Final results may take up to six months to achieve.

What Are Possible Complications Of Liposuction?

There are some possible complications which may result from the liposuction procedure, including:

  • Infection
  • Numbness
  • Internal puncture
  • Fat embolism
  • Contour irregularities
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Kidney and heart problems

How Long Will The Results Of Liposuction Last?

The results of liposuction are fairly long lasting. Should you gain weight in the future, fat deposits can still grow but will be unlikely to reach their former size.

Benefits of Liposuction

Liposuction is an effective, flexible, and safe treatment for the removal of fat deposits. Liposuction is a not a weight loss procedure, but it can significantly reduce localized fat deposits to improve your overall body contour. It can be used on nearly every area of the body, including:

  • Neck
  • Chin
  • Upper arms
  • Chest (it is often used for gynecomastia)
  • Back
  • Abdomen
  • Hips
  • Thighs
  • Buttocks
  • Knees
  • Calves
  • Ankles

Dr. Widenhouse might recommend SmartLipo™ for some of these treatment areas, depending on the ability of your skin to retract, the amount of fat to be removed, and your desired results. The results of liposuction are long-lasting. Weight gain can still make your fat deposits grow, but they will be less likely to grow to their former size or shape.

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Liposuction?

The ideal candidate for liposuction is generally in good health and has realistic expectations for the procedure’s capabilities. Ideal patients maintain a healthy weight but do have isolated areas of the body where fat cells persist.

What Do I Need To Do Before Liposuction?

Prior to liposuction, you’ll meet with Dr. Widenhouse to discuss the procedure. He’ll evaluate your physique and health history, letting you know if liposuction is an ideal solution to the challenges you face. In some cases, liposuction may not be appropriate, and an alternative procedure may be proposed.

What Should I Expect On The Day Of My Liposuction?

First, the area to be treated is injected with a solution that loosens the fat and numbs the area. This technique is known as tumescent liposuction. The solution is composed of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine.

Then several small incisions are used to insert a hollow needle, known as a cannula, into the fat deposit. The loosened fat is drawn through the cannula with suction.

Oral or IV sedation can be used to help the patient remain relaxed during the procedure. In cases where large pockets of fat are to be removed from numerous locations, IV sedation may be more appropriate.

How Long Does It Take To Perform Liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction can take up to five hours to complete, depending on the volume of fat which is to be removed.

How painful is liposuction recovery?

The recovery following liposuction is fairly easy. Patients usually feel sore, as if the just had a hard workout. There are usually very few restrictions following liposuction. Most patients return to their full activities within a few days.

Are you put to sleep for liposuction?

At Port City Plastic Surgery, we use IV sedation to put our patients to sleep for liposuction. The sedation is delivered and monitored by a board certified anesthesiologist. After a brief recovery time, the patient goes home.

How do you shower after liposuction?

Patients can shower the day following their liposuction procedure and can return to normal activity as so as they are able. There are very few restrictions following liposuction.

Can visceral fat be removed?

Unfortunately, visceral fat cannot be removed with liposuction or a tummy tuck. The only way to get rid of visceral fat is with diet and exercise.

Can I get liposuction if I am overweight?

You can certainly get liposuction if you are overweight. Keep in mind, however, that most plastic surgeons have certain BMI requirements for their patients. Most plastic surgeons require that their patients have a BMI of under 40 in order to qualify for any cosmetic procedure that requires anesthesia.

How can I avoid weight gain after surgery?

The best way to avoid weight gain after surgery is to eat a healthy diet and participate in form of exercise. The diet can be as easy as portion control and the exercise can be as simple as walking.

What do they do with liposuction fat?

Usually, the fat that is removed during a liposuction procedure is considered a biomedical waste and is disposed of accordingly. However, if the patient is also undergoing a fat transfer procedure at the same time, the removed fat is processed and redistributed to other body parts, usually the buttocks.

Who is good candidate for liposuction?

The best candidate for liposuction is a person who is close to their ideal body weight, but still has some problem areas. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and should not be substituted for diet and exercise. However, patients have used liposuction as a kickstart to a healthier lifestyle!

Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse is passionately committed to reflecting your inner beauty. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, our team offers full body plastic surgery, emphasizing overall health and wellness to the residents of Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina. Contact Port City Plastic Surgery today!

LOCATION:

2683 Lake Park Drive
Charleston, SC 29406

LOCATION:

125 River Landing Drive
Suite 101
Daniel Island, SC 29492