Dr. Levens' Parkland Life Magazine Articles

Liposuction Remains #1 Cosmetic Surgery
By David J. Levens, MD, PA, FACS

           
While the number of cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. increased in every category last year, liposuction retained its lead as the #1 choice for both men and women under 51 years of age.  (Eyelid surgery was the top choice for patients 51 and older.)

Why does liposuction continue to be so popular? 
           
Well first, it can be used to reduce unwanted fat deposits in specific locations where diet and exercise have failed to get the job done---upper and lower abdomen, love handles, the back,  inner and outer thighs, hips, buttocks, knees, calves, and even beneath the chin.  It can be done alone or, if the patient has excess skin, it can be done in conjunction with other procedures such as tummy tuck or facelift.    
           
Second, liposuction is done as out-patient surgery unless many areas are treated at one time or a very large volume of fat needs to be removed.  Recovery is relatively fast and seldom painful.  For a few days, there is (at worst) mild to moderate discomfort, similar to muscle soreness after intense exercise.  The patient wears an elastic garment for at least 3 weeks post surgery to minimize swelling and help re-contour the skin.  There may be bruising, swelling or numbness which fade in 1 to 3 weeks.  Most patients return to work and social activities within 2 or 3 days.  Aerobic or strenuous activity should be avoided for 3 weeks.
           
Third, the vast majority of liposuction patients are extremely pleased with their results.  Not only are the annoying bulges gone but, because liposuction actually removes the fat cells, fat deposits will not recur in the treated sites.  Liposuction often dramatically improves the patient’s appearance in close-fitting clothing and patients no longer have to buy oversized garments to accommodate bulges in localized areas.
           
Who’s a good candidate for liposuction?  Ideally, the patient is within 15-20 pounds of his/her desired weight. (Liposuction should not be considered a weight-loss program!) Skin elasticity is also a factor. When fat is removed from beneath the skin, skin can become looser. If the patient’s skin is already loose (due to aging, pregnancies, weight loss), it may be necessary to remove the excess skin surgically.
           
Here’s how liposuction works:  The surgeon draws detailed lines on the body, marking areas to be suctioned.  Then tiny incisions are made in concealed areas, where possible, and a small suction tube (called cannula) is inserted to the proper depth of the fat deposit. The cannula is then passed back and forth until an appropriate amount of fat has been removed. The surgeon treats the entire bulging area in this way, carefully removing small amounts of fat at a time, and constantly checking fat thickness and contour. After suctioning on one side of the body, the surgeon suctions the opposite side, constantly comparing to ensure a good “match”.  Incisions are then carefully closed and an elastic garment or dressing is placed to put gentle pressure on the skin and prevent excess fluid accumulation in the area suctioned. 
           
Anyone considering liposuction should remember that it does have limitations.  For example, it will not significantly reduce overall body weight.  It cannot eliminate bulges caused by muscle or bone.  It will not eliminate rippled or "cellulite" appearance of the skin.  In fact, it is possible for liposuction to create small areas of skin rippling or dimpling.  While there is immediate contour change after surgery, it can take 3 months for maximum improvement to be achieved.  And of course, risks common to all surgical procedures can occur (bleeding, infection, scar tissue formation), though they are rare with liposuction.

Interested in seeing past articles? See our archived Parkland Life Articles page.

David Levens, MD, PA, FACS has been practicing cosmetic surgery in Coral Springs since 1989.  In addition to his private practice at 1725 University Drive, Dr. Levens has served as Vice Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at the Coral Springs Medical Center. He is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  Dr. Levens has been cited repeatedly in Miami Metro Magazine’s annual lists of “Best Doctors in South Florida”.  He earned his medical degree at Columbia University, New York, and served residencies in general surgery and plastic surgery at Montefiore Hospital & Medical Center, New York.  He lives in Coral Springs with his wife, Linda, and their two children, Danielle and Ben. He can be reached at 954-752-1020 or www.DrLevens.com