Men Are Getting the Picture Too
Liposuction Can Make the Critical Difference

Liposuction has long been the most popular cosmetic surgical treatment surgeons are asked to perform. And it's easy to understand why. Human beings are genetically programmed to store fat in all kinds of strange places, but our culture tells us there's only one "normal" body type - a well-proportioned body, and preferably a streamlined one.

To look good to our peers, we all exercise and watch what we eat. But often it's not enough. We store fat on our thighs, our midsection, under our chins - each racial type has a different way of hanging on to those last few fat cells.

The only way to get rid of these rogue fat cells is through body contouring surgery. And the lowest-impact type of body contouring is liposuction.

Most Popular Procedure among Men
In the last few years, I've seen more and more men who are interested in liposuction. This reflects a national trend: liposuction is the most popular procedure among men.

When they come in for their consultations, I notice that most of these patients are in rather good shape. They eat well and exercise as much as their busy lives allow. But they find that certain areas of their bodies just don't respond to normal attempts at discipline. The four most common areas men complain about are:

• Midsection ("Love handles")
• Breasts
• Abdomen
• Neckline

They may have a genetic problem, or it could be that early lifestyle choices have left them with intractable problem areas. Either way, they need help bringing their bodies into line with who they really are.

Before	After

We Use Tumescent Liposuction
At the Lawler Centre we use tumescent liposuction to treat both men and women. The tumescent technique uses a liquid composed of anesthetic and epinephrine to condition the fat cells before liposuction is performed. The liquid causes the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm or "tumesced." The expanded fat compartments allow the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as the fat is removed.

The advantage of the tumescent technique is that it reduces post-operative bruising, swelling and pain. Blood loss is also minimized during tumescent liposuction.

Other Advantages of Tumescent Liposuction
This enhanced precision technique can be used on any area of the body, and is done as an outpatient procedure. For comfort and safety our board-certified anesthesiologists can administer mild sedation or general anesthesia. Sometimes the tumescent solution itself is an adequate anesthetic.

It's Not about Weight Loss
Truly successful tumescent liposuction is measured in inches rather than pounds. The weight removed is not as important as the improvement in your body's contour. Most important is our patients' improved self-image and self-acceptance.

How will my skin look after surgery?
The changes following liposuction are similar to what you would expect if you could lose an equal amount of localized fat through diet and exercise. As with diet and exercise, dimples, ripples and stretch marks can't be removed.

Before	After

Is the fat removal permanent?
No. The fat cells in the treated areas are gone. The localized fatty deposits that existed prior to liposuction can no longer balloon up out of proportion to the surrounding areas.

Should you gain weight after liposuction, the fat will enter the fat cells that remain in your body. According to recent research, you will possibly grow new fat cells dependent upon caloric intake, exercise and lifestyle after surgery.

Will tumescent liposuction get rid of cellulite?
Liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite, although many patients do notice an improvement in the appearance of cellulite after the fat cells are removed.

Who are the best candidates for tumescent liposuction?
There are no definite weight or age guidelines or restrictions. The best patients are those with localized fatty deposits who are within thirty pounds of their ideal weight, and whose weight has been stable for years. Other positive indications are candidates who:

• Have realistic expectations of the procedure.
• Have tried diet, exercise and weight loss programs.
• Are only slightly to moderately overweight.
• Understand liposuction is not a weight loss program.
• Have firm, elastic skin and are in good health.

What will my recovery be like?
You will wear a snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking over the treated area for the next several weeks. You will go home after the procedure and rest for at least 24 hours, after which you may gradually increase your activity as tolerated. After 2 or 3 days you may resume non-strenuous activities. Serious exercise will have to be postponed for 30 days.

Before	After

Will I need a second procedure?
Most likely one procedure will be sufficient. However, some patients require a fine tuning procedure at a future date.

What you should know about Florida Law.
Florida law limits the amount of fat that may be suctioned to 4000cc or 8.8 pounds. If liposuction is combined with any other procedure, the limitation is 1000cc or 2.2 pounds.

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