Dr. Robert Shenker’s experience and technique have contributed to very successful outcomes for his liposuction patients.

The objective of liposuction is to improve the contour of the body. It is important to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure.

Common sites for liposuction include the abdomen, flanks (“love handles”), back, thighs, and inside of the knees. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction is often the only way to eliminate these deposits.

You may undergo liposuction at any age, but when you are younger your skin is more elastic, allowing it to achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. When skin is inelastic, as in some older patients, it may not re-drape well and a skin tightening procedure may be necessary.

How should I prepare for liposuction surgery?

You will first have a thorough consultation with Dr. Shenker to determine your goals and the specific areas to be improved using liposuction. Dr. Shenker’s Patient Coordinator will guide you through all the details of the planning process for your procedure, including financing, scheduling, and paperwork.

Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

You are to have nothing to eat or drink for the twelve hours immediately before your surgery.

How is liposuction surgery performed?

Liposuction uses a hollow stainless steel tube (called a cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum to remove fat. This process is facilitated by first filling the fat deposit area with a solution that helps decrease pain and minimize bleeding. Typically, liposuction requires a two to three millimeter incision. Sometimes, more than one incision is required.

What will the day of surgery be like?

You will arrange for someone to drive you to The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and to pick you up after the procedure. Our staff will assist you with planning for your ride home.

Our surgical staff will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. The procedure may be done under a general or local anesthetic. Typically, liposuction requires half an hour to two hours or more, depending on how many areas are being treated.

Following your surgery, you will be taken into our recovery area where you will be closely monitored. You will be in the comfort of your own home approximately two to three hours after surgery.

How will I look and feel initially?

When you leave the Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and for the following two weeks you will wear a compression garment to help minimize swelling and promote healing.

Starting the day of your surgery, you should walk short distances every few hours to promote blood circulation. At first, this may be a walk from your bedroom to your kitchen. You will feel slightly bruised and swollen, but this can be helped by oral pain medication. Dressings are minimal and can be changed by Clinic staff. Swelling usually begins to subside a week or so following surgery, while bruising can last three weeks or longer.

When can I resume normal activities?

Typically, about three to five days after surgery you may resume most of your normal activities of daily life, such as driving, short walks, and grocery shopping. Depending on the physical requirements of your job, you may be able to return to work four to five days after surgery.

Within five to seven days following your surgery you will have a follow-up appointment at the Clinic. A second follow up appointment will be scheduled for three to six months after your surgery. You will then be invited to return yearly for on-going follow up.

Results of your liposuction

Liposuction surgery reduces areas of fatty deposits that previously created unflattering bulges. Typically there will be a noticeable difference in the treated area within a week after surgery, but the final cosmetic result will be achieved approximately three months after surgery.

How long will the results last?

The results of liposuction are permanent, if you maintain your postoperative weight. If you gain a few pounds, you may find that the weight is distributed more evenly instead of accumulating in the areas that were problematic for you in the past.

What if I have more questions?

You may contact The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic at any time if you have questions or concerns: 519.746.1132