One of the more popular procedures offered at Women’s Institute of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Illinois is liposuction. Some misconceptions about liposuction exist, though. People often assume that the procedure is for those who seek to lose extra weight. Liposuction is intended to remove stubborn fat from the bodies of people have are at a stable, healthy weight.  It’s usually performed after weight loss to put the finishing touches on the body.

How Liposuction Works

Even after weight loss, some people struggle to lose stubborn deposits of fat in certain areas of the body. The amount of fat that a person has might depend more on her genetics than on her health or how much she weighs. Liposuction removes the fat, often permanently, as long as a person maintains her weight. The procedure is most commonly performed in the following areas:

• Thighs
• Hips
• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Cheeks and neck
• Upper arms

Candidates for Liposuction

Liposuction isn’t the right procedure for everyone. Like any surgery, it does have its risks. A good candidate for the surgery is a person who is at a stable weight, has elastic and firm skin, and who is in good health. Certain conditions make the procedure more risky, such as diabetes, heart disease, and weak immunity.

Getting Ready for Liposuction

Most plastic surgeons will meet with the patient first before performing the liposuction procedure. The initial consultation allows a patient to decide if the surgery is the right option for her. It also allows the surgeon to assess the patient’s health and fitness for surgery. There are cases where another procedure might better better suited to a patient and might allow her to reach her goals better.

During the consultation, it’s important that a patient tell the surgeon of any health concerns she has or of any medications she is taking. She might need to stop medication prior to the surgery. For example, some pain relievers, such as aspirin, increase the risk for bleeding. Patients are also advised to stop smoking before liposuction.

The Procedure Itself

There are several different methods of performing liposuction on a patient. In some cases, a patient will only receive  a local anesthetic and will be awake for the procedure. Depending on where the surgery is performed, a patient might also receive general anesthesia, so that she is not awake during it.

Before the fat can be suctioned out of the body, it needs to be broken up. One way to break up the fat is to use a mixture of salt water, ephedrine, and an anesthetic. Another method is to break up the fat using ultrasound or a cannula .

The fat is removed from the body using a cannula. Small incisions are made in various areas and the cannula, or tube, is inserted into the cuts. The cannula is attached to a vacuum and used to suction the fat out.

Recovery and Results

After the surgery, the area is usually wrapped with a compression bandage to aid recovery. Bruising and swelling in the area usually fade after about four weeks. As long as a  patient maintains her weight, the results from liposuction are typically permanent.

The above paragraphs just mention a few of the many questions one should ask before considering liposuction.  A great place to start is with a consult from a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Although it is essential that all individuals remain informed about their health and any medical services they seek out, those that are considering plastic surgery must make sure they are fully aware of the procedures they may want to have. Plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures are incredibly personal to the patient and may reflect additional issues of self-confidence, as well as those regarding personal health. As such, it is important for any woman who is considering plastic surgery for the first time to take a look at the following frequently asked questions.

What is plastic surgery and what do plastic surgeons do?

Like most medical specialties, plastic surgery has roots in the Greek language. Plastic surgery is in reference to the Greek word, “plastikos,” which essentially means “to mold or to take form.” This applies to cosmetic surgery, as many plastic surgeons rely on extensive knowledge and procedures to help reshape and rejuvenate a patient’s body. Although many may interpret cosmetic surgery as a vanity, it is actually a field of medicine that helps patients restore their self-confidence, recover from injuries and correct birth defects. As such, plastic surgeons, although board certified medical professionals, are often regarded as artists who must use their extensive surgical knowledge to carefully shape the image of a patient.

Does plastic surgery only involve one practitioner?

Although there may prove just one plastic surgeon who directs one procedure, many patients will find that many medical professionals are involved with these restorative processes. In many cases, plastic surgery patients will also involve their general physician or even a mental health professional to assert that the procedure is the best option for them. Depending on the case of the procedure, plastic surgeons may also work with other specialized professionals such as oncologists or neurosurgeons. If a procedure requires anesthesia, the presence and services of a qualified anesthesiologist or anesthetist will also become necessary. While it may seem like a lot of medical professionals, this unified team effort can help patients feel more assured that they are getting the best, specialized treatment.

Do patients need to have a consultation?

In some medical situations, a patient is able to walk-in to a doctor’s office without an appointment to receive necessary treatment. However, in the case of plastic surgery, it is necessary that all patients have a solid consultation with the surgeon who is going to provide the procedure. This primary discussion allows the doctor to thoroughly address the needs of the patient and to outline all his or her options. During this time, a patient is encouraged to seek all the information they may require, address concerns and ask as many questions they may have. Following the consultation, patients can spend time with this new knowledge to ensure that the cosmetic procedure is one that is right for them.

Although many patients at the Women’s Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery refer to the facility for surgical options, there are several less-invasive procedures that can help women rejuvenate and restore their appearance. Here are a few of the options available at this trusted facility:

• Botox

Botox is one of the most popular procedures when it comes to refining a woman’s face and decreasing signs of aging. This procedure is delivered subcutaneously through injection under the service of a certified medical professional. It is often a fairly easy procedure that requires minimal time or commitment on an outpatient basis. While some women may require greater restoration via facelift procedures, those who have fine lines or wrinkles around the forehead, mouth or eyes can often benefit from Botox injection.

• Cosmetic Fillers

This leading Chicago-based cosmetic surgery facility offers a wide variety of Restylane products to its patients that wish to have fuller facial features. These products are widely recognized for their ability to refine deep lines, wrinkles and folds found among the face. In addition, this Restylane is desirable to many who wish to have fuller, defined lips, as it is the only FDA-approved dermal filler for lip enhancement in patients over 21 years of age.

Many patients have also benefited from other cosmetic filler procedures, such as those utilizing Juvéderm XC. Juvéderm XC formula utilizes lidocaine to provide better comfort for patients, as well as Hylacross technology to create smoother-looking, seamless results. Other patients may choose to explore Radiesse procedures, which are FDA approved for safe correction of wrinkles found around the mouth and nose. Not only is Radiesse cost-effective, but it is also known to last longer than popular fillers that utilize hyaluronic acid.

• Latisse

While many patients may consider cosmetic fillers to only refer to substances that can smooth and reshape the skin, this facility also offers delivery of Latisse—a product that can help a woman achieve fuller eyelashes. Unlike an injected product, qualifying patients who lack full eyelashes are prescribed Latisse to take on a daily basis. While this prescription is taken at home, it is important to pursue treatment under the care of a trusted cosmetic surgeon or physician who can track the course of eyelash growth and help catch any complications should they arise.

Making the Decision

In addition to these cosmetic fillers, this cosmetic and laser surgery facility offers many other noninvasive, nonsurgical products that can help one enhance their appearance. Many find that these products are a great first option if they are considering plastic surgery for the first time. For example, while a patient may have signs of aging, a facelift or liposuction procedure may prove too drastic; cosmetic fillers such as these can provide an exceptional “in-between” option that can deliver finessed results. While many of these products tackle the same signs of aging, it is important to note that they all have different properties. For this reason, women in the Chicago, Illinois area who are considering cosmetic fillers can seek further consultation at the Women’s Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery.

Making the decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure or plastic surgery is a major choice for any woman. While a prospective patient may experience a great amount of doubt or questions when they are seeking any of these services, trusted surgeons and medical professionals are typically trained to make the process more informative and assuring. Whether one is a first-time patient or is seeking another cosmetic procedure, it is important for all to make sure the facility and its staff is qualified. Here are a few important factors to address when considering where to receive any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure:

• The Difference Between a Physician and a Plastic Surgeon

While a doctor may offer medical credentials that certify them as a general physician, he or she may not have the qualifications that allow them to safely engage in plastic surgery. In the same fashion, while a surgeon may have skill in a specific area of surgery, they may not have the right experience and credentials to practice plastic surgery. Patients must always make sure the doctor they are considering is an actual plastic surgeon who has completed a residency or fellowship in the specific area of cosmetic surgery that applies to the particular procedure.

• Check for Board Certification

When assessing a potential cosmetic surgeon for a specific procedure, it is of utmost importance to make sure he or she is presently Board Certified under a respected certification body like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. As the oldest and largest plastic surgery specialty organization, since 1931, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has served as the organization that oversees best practices in the cosmetic surgery field.

Although the requirements for certification laid out by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are rigorous, these stipulations help ensure that patients receive the best care and that doctors practice ethically. Those who are board certified by this professional organization can offer greater assurance to patients, as approximately 94 percent of all cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons carry this designation in the United States of America.

• Patient Understanding

Although a plastic surgeon may offer the necessary credentials to perform a skilled surgery, it is also important for patients to find a medical professional who is able to connect to them through open dialogue. For women, it is often helpful if they find a doctor that is a woman or has extensively worked with female patients to fully cover the social and medical factors associated with many cosmetic procedures. It is important that patients are able to fully discuss their concerns and options with their doctor so that they can make an informed decision towards pursuing, or not pursuing, a particular procedure.

A Quality Facility

While the credentials and business practices of any cosmetic surgeon are some of the most important factors when deciding on where to receive a procedure, it is also important to assess the facility itself. For instance, prospective patients should fully explore the hospital privileges that a facility may have. Those who wish to have a more private experience may want to locate a facility that offers an accredited operating room suite complete with the latest in advanced technology to allow for better results. In the Chicago, Illinois area, the Women’s Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery offers not only the necessary surgical requirements, but also provides an AAAHC certified and accredited operating room suite that is a recognized and private operating facility.