Good candidates for Liposuction include those that are within 10-20 percent of the ideal body weight for their height and frame as well as have good skin tone with healthy elasticity.

Liposuction is used to re-contour specific areas of the body that have localized collections of fat that do not respond to adequate exercise and proper diet. In general, liposuction will not result in a significant weight reduction. The most common areas treated are the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and hips. The knees, calves, ankles, chin, cheeks, and upper arms can also be treated.

Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) uses high-frequency energy from an ultrasound to literally rupture fat cells and dislodge them prior to suctioning. The procedure can be either internal or external.

Operation	Performed typically in one to three hours as an outpatient surgery in our surgical facility in Hinsdale. UAL treatments typically last slightly longer. If the patient has relatively smaller areas to be treated such as the face and neck, a local anesthetic will be administered. Other larger area treatments will require intravenous sedation by our certified anesthetist.
Scarring	Scars are usually less than an one-half inch long and placed in body creases and inconspicuous areas hidden by clothing or bathing suits. Scars will be red or pigmented for six months and gradually fade until they are not noticeable approximately 12 months after surgery. Liposuction scars are rarely troublesome but be aware that all scars are permanent in height and width and that final color cannot be predicted.
Recovery	Patients will wear a support garment immediately following surgery and continue for two to three weeks. This garment is removable for the purpose of showering within the first 24 hours. Treated ankles and calves need support hose for up to six weeks. After the initial few hours, patients usually experience mild pain and receive medication when needed. Patients will typically experience a water blood tinged fluid draining from the incision site. Within the first week treated areas will be swollen and usually no reduction in contour. It is typical that reduction in size will occur over a three-month period, but noticeable changes can be seen within the first 2 weeks. Patients will be seen in 1 week, 3 months and then 6 months after surgery.
Healing Time	Light exercise can be started at one to two weeks. Vigorous sports are prohibited for 3 weeks following surgery.
Time to return to public eye	5-10 days depending on the areas treated and amounts removed.
Actual Results	Final and desired results will be seen within three months following surgery. This procedure is permanent.
Risks	Complications might include asymmetry, rippling infection or bagginess of the skin. Rare excessive losses of fluid could lead to shock.

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