If you’ve been reading our blog for any amount of time, then you already know that liposuction is a great solution for getting rid of stubborn subcutaneous fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise.
What you may not know is that your skin’s elasticity will determine how well it conforms to the new contours after liposuction. The skin in certain areas, such as the upper arms, thighs, and abdomen, is more prone to looseness following fat removal.
In these cases, liposuction with a tightening or lifting procedure is recommended for the best results.
Liposuction Basics
The liposuction procedure is fairly straightforward.
Your board-certified plastic surgeon makes small incisions in the treatment area and inserts a cannula, or thin hollow tube, through the incisions to expand the space where fat is deposited. From there, a surgical vacuum is used to loosen and suction problematic fat out of the body. Reducing that excess fat results in a slimmer body contour and restored confidence. The phenomenal success rate of liposuction procedures has made it one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery.
Yet, while liposuction removes excess subcutaneous fat, it does not tighten skin. And since fat provides some structural stability beneath the skin, removing it can highlight loose skin that comes with aging or sudden weight loss. This is best addressed with a tightening or lifting procedure to supplement your liposuction.
When Liposuction with a Tightening or Lifting Procedure Is Required
There are numerous options for dealing with skin laxity after a liposuction procedure.
For patients with mild looseness or who just want additional firmness, energy-based skin tightening procedures are often the chosen route.
One option is a radio frequency-assisted procedure like microneedling, which uses heat to stimulate collagen production and help the skin contract after liposuction. With microneedling, the skin is pierced to create inflammation. The immune system is then triggered to increase blood flow to the area which, in essence, creates new dermal tissue and a fresh network of blood vessels to repair the area.
Plasma-based systems are also effective in promoting tissue contraction. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, for example, is a regenerative therapy that uses your own blood (which is rich in growth factors) to enhance tissue regeneration, accelerate healing, and improve overall skin tone and texture.
Both radio-frequency-assisted and plasma-based techniques can improve skin firmness and definition following liposuction. For patients with reduced tone, high laxity, and/or excess skin, however, the solution is often a surgical one. A procedure such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or arm lift may be recommended to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying tissue after liposuction. This is going to deliver the smoothest and most refined contours.
Are You Considering Liposuction?
Liposuction is an amazingly effective way to target stubborn fat and create meaningful improvements to your body’s contour. If you’re ready to see if you’re a good candidate, contact us today.
During your consultation, one of our surgeons will assess factors such as your skin tone and thickness, the presence of stretch marks, and changes related to aging or weight loss.
Then he or she will determine if pairing liposuction with a tightening or lifting procedure will ensure you receive the longest-lasting and most natural-looking results.