Best Liposuction in Columbus, Ohio
Surgical body sculpting has advanced significantly in recent years. Today, you have several options to choose from for removing unwanted fat. However, conventional liposuction remains an enduring favorite despite the widespread availability of non-surgical body sculpting procedures like CoolSculpting. Its versatility, reasonably short recovery time, and promise of accelerated results keep this procedure a favorite among our patients.
Read on to learn more about Columbus liposuction with Dr. Zochowski, or contact us to schedule a consultation today!
The Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction surgery has unique advantages that make it the best choice for some patients.
As a minimally invasive procedure, liposuction offers precisely targeted excess fat removal. Dr. Zochowski suctions fat through a thin surgical tube called a cannula. This technique permits Dr. Zochowski to remove fat from virtually anywhere on your body, including common problem spots such as the inner thighs and love handles.
Liposuction produces noticeable results relatively quickly once your swelling subsides. In some cases, you may see an improvement in little as one to two weeks if the treatment area is small. Patients attempting to slim down for a big event, like a wedding or vacation, usually prefer liposuction over its non-surgical counterparts.
Dr. Zochowski can also use liposuction to harvest fat for reinjection into your face or body. Processing these fat cells inside a centrifuge purifies them, allowing you to use your natural body fat as a filler instead of relying on synthetic compounds. For example, Dr. Zochowski can inject fat into your face to fill in hollows and wrinkles. If you want to shape your body and treat the signs of facial aging, ask liposuction surgeon Dr. Zochowski about pairing liposuction with a fat transfer procedure.
Liposuction Treatment
Liposuction removes fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Some people are genetically predisposed to carry fat in certain areas, such as around the midsection or under the chin. These fat deposits can create unsightly bulges even if you are slim everywhere else.
Aging and hormonal shifts can also lead to the redistribution of body fat. For example, women often store more fat on their hips, thighs, and lower belly following pregnancy. In addition, older adults struggle with a process known as fat centralization, wherein fat leaves the extremities and builds up around the abdomen, creating a “pot belly.” Liposuction surgery can restore balance to a mature patient’s figure when paired with a fat transfer.
During liposuction, Dr. Zochowski inserts a cannula just below the skin through a small incision. He injects a local anesthetic solution and one or more agents to reduce bleeding and swelling into the targeted fat deposits. This solution irrigates fat cells, loosening them to allow Dr. Zochowski to remove them from your body with minimum force. Suctioning out unwanted fat will create an immediate improvement in your contours.
There are numerous types of liposuction:
- Traditional
- Tumescent
- Laser
- Ultrasound-assisted
- Power-assisted
Dr. Zochowski will work with you to determine the best approach for your unique situation and goals.
Who Makes a Good Liposuction Candidate?
Ideal candidates are men and women with realistic expectations seeking targeted fat removal. Liposuction is not a form of weight loss surgery. Still, it’s an excellent complement to a healthy lifestyle and can further refine your body after weight loss. For patient safety reasons, plastic surgeons cannot remove more than 10 pounds of fat in one operation. Going further than this could send the body into a state of shock. Liposuction candidates must therefore be within about 25 pounds of their ideal weight before having this procedure.
When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Zochowski will review your complete medical history to determine whether liposuction is right for you. He will also help you explore additional procedures that may complement your results.
What to Expect During Liposuction Recovery
For many patients, liposuction is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Additionally, its minimally invasive nature makes liposuction recovery reasonably brief. Most people only need to take one week off from work after having liposuction, and they can resume many of their daily activities after a few days. Dr. Zochowski will also prescribe painkillers to keep soreness at bay.
Some swelling is typical after having liposuction, and this swelling can temporarily obscure your results. If you don’t look as toned as you had hoped immediately after your procedure, don’t worry. You should see the full effects emerge after a few weeks.
This procedure permanently removes fat, and you can enjoy long-term results with ongoing healthy lifestyle choices.
Liposuction Cost in Columbus, OH
Dr. Zochowski will give you an accurate cost estimate during your liposuction consultation after talking with you, learning about your concerns, and recommending the best liposuction technique to help you achieve your desired outcome. For maximum efficacy and safety, only trust a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform this procedure.
Schedule a Consultation for Liposuction in Columbus, Ohio
For most patients, the best part of having liposuction is the sense of freedom it gives them. Removing unwanted fat can improve your physical and mental comfort, allowing you to live more confidently. Surgical body sculpting has also improved patients’ motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you’re struggling with stubborn fat deposits that won’t respond to a healthy diet and exercise, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Zochowski to book a liposuction consultation. We look forward to helping you develop a personalized care plan that meets your needs.
Schedule a Private Consultation
If you’re in the Columbus area and have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Zochowski, please contact our office today.
Ohio Liposuction Post-Operation
Start your diet with clear liquids or a light soup. Most people can resume a normal diet the day after surgery. Advance your diet as tolerated to your regular diet over the next 24 hours.
You may experience some constipation as a result of the pain medication. Over the counter laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia or stool softener is recommended. If this is not sufficient, then dulcolax or suppository may be necessary. These can be purchased over the counter at the pharmacy.
Modest activity is encouraged during the first few post-operative days. Wiggle your toes to keep the blood flowing in your legs while sitting or lying in bed. Walking short distances is acceptable. Mild physical exercise can be resumed in 1-2 weeks as you are able, but refrain from heavy exercise until cleared with your doctor.
Expect considerable drainage from the areas that underwent liposuction. This drainage may seem like a very large volume and mostly consists of the anesthetic fluid infiltrated used during the liposuction. It will look quite bloody the first day and will drain quickly during changes in position, such as sitting or standing up in the bathroom. The actual amount of blood loss is very small even though the fluid looks bloody. We recommend you take precautions to avoid staining your bedding the first couple of nights. The drainage usually decreases by the first post operative day and is done by the second.
Leave the surgical compression garment and any dressings in place until your first post operative appointment.
Swelling, bruising, redness and of the skin is normal and will resolve over time. Numbness of the skin is also normal and will improve in several months.
No showers or baths are to be taken until the first dressings are removed (sponge baths are okay).
Pain medication will be prescribed to manage post –operative pain. When pain is more manageable, it is recommended you switch to Extra Strength Tylenol. Please do not drive until you are no longer taking the narcotic and are free of significant pain.
If there is a problem, please call the office (614) 604-7820. you. Most issues are easily addressed and do not require significant intervention.
The most common emergencies that might need attention are:
- Sudden increase in pain
- Nausea that lasts 4 hours or more and does not respond to medication
- Bleeding that is profuse and uncontrolled
- High fever lasting more than a few hours and not responding to medication
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Leg swelling
- Loss of consciousness
If you feel the situation is urgent, call 911 and/or proceed directly to the closest emergency room. Please call us as well.
Follow-up is typically in about 7 days and should be scheduled by calling the office at (614) 604-7820 if it has not already been arranged.
The cost of liposuction (and any plastic surgery) will depend on the unique factors of your situation and goals. Some patients have liposuction of a small area, others have multiple areas done, and others will add liposuction to another plastic surgery procedure (tummy tuck, mommy makeover, etc.). For these reasons, it’s best to meet with Dr. Zochowski in consultation to get a better idea of what your Columbus liposuction cost would be.
Columbus Liposuction FAQs
All liposuction techniques performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons are exceptionally safe. The process is minimally invasive and only necessitates tiny incisions through which Dr. Zochowski will insert a narrow tube to suction out fat.
It’s a common misconception that liposuction helps people lose weight. Instead, it is a targeted fat reduction procedure. The best candidates for liposuction surgery are already at or near their ideal body weight, but still struggle with excess unwanted fat in specific areas.
Liposuction removes fat from undesirable areas of the body. With liposuction, the surgical incisions are small, and recovery time is minimal. Liposuction alone does not tighten excess skin from massive weight loss or childbirth.
A tummy tuck eliminates excess fat and skin to correct and tighten weakened abdominal wall muscles. A tummy tuck is a more extensive surgery requiring a longer incision. Neither surgery is for weight loss. Dr. Zochowski will examine your abdominal muscles, excess skin, and stretch marks to determine if a tummy tuck is your leading option.
Board certification signifies a surgeon’s commitment to excellence in every facet of their practice. As a leading plastic surgeon in Columbus, Dr. Zochowski has built a practice that revolves around a commitment to total, holistic wellness. We would love to meet you, learn more about your goals, and improve your overall well-being.
You will have mild bruising and swelling of the abdominal skin. There may be a “ruffled”
appearance to the closure. This is normal and will flatten with time. If you had full abdominal
contouring in addition to the panniculectomy, it will be difficult to stand up straight for several
days, and your abdomen will feel tight.
The contour of your abdomen will not take its final shape for several weeks after the surgery.
You may have dark discoloration from dry blood at your incision and this is normal. The belly
button incision may develop some crusting that is dried fluid. This is normal and will be cleaned
at your first post-op visit.
You normally can shower 24 hours after your surgery using a mild fragrance free soap such as
Ivory or Dove.
Avoid using very hot water. Your abdomen will be tender, so wash this area gently and pat dry
with a clean towel. Allow the area to fully dry before putting on your clothes (usually ½ hour).
Do Not take a bath or submerge in water.
Your drains are held in place with stitches to your skin and should always be supported to avoid pulling on the drain.
The easiest method is to safety pin the drain bulb to your abdominal support or clothing. When
you shower, you may temporarily “hang” the drain bulb around a lanyard. The “How to care for
your drain” pamphlet has more detailed information. Drains are generally removed within 7 to
10 days after your surgery
We recommend that you wear an abdominal binder compression garment for 6 weeks following your surgery, removing the garment only for bathing. You must wear the compression garment provided by the facility until Dr Zochowski advises that you may transition to a garment with less compression.
Most patients find that a spandex or Lycra waist and tummy shaping garment is most comfortable to wear when cleared to discard the abdominal binder. Whatever you choose, it should be easy and comfortable for you to put on and remove.
You will gradually be able to stand upright over the first week. Many patients find it easier to sleep in a recliner for a few days after the surgery, especially if you had a hernia repair and/or full abdominal contouring with the panniculectomy. You should walk every day but have someone assist you for the first few days. You should not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds or participate in heavy exercise for six weeks after the surgery.
After six weeks, gradually return to you normal activities and exercise routines. Depending on the type of work you do, you should be able to return to your job as soon as you are comfortable. If your job does not require heavy activity, you should be able to go back in one to two weeks. Hernia repair patients are to check with their hernia surgeon regarding additional
restrictions
You generally should be able to drive about seven days after surgery if you feel up to it. You should never drive if you are still taking any pain medication other than Tylenol.
The most discomfort that you will have lasts three to five days, sometimes a little longer. As you feel more comfortable, your need for medication will be less.
Your surgeon will prescribe a pain medication for you and may also have you take an antibiotic. Follow the directions on the bottle for their use. The pain medication will make you feel drowsy. Have someone assist you in your home and do not attempt to drive while you are taking the pain medication. A few days after surgery most patients will find that Tylenol will take care of
the discomfort. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin) for five days after the surgery.
Do not drink alcohol for seven days after your surgery or while taking narcotic pain medicines.
You will normally be seen in the office within one week of your surgery and then at about two
weeks, six weeks, and six months after surgery to monitor healing. Additional appointments
may be necessary.
Urgent problems after panniculectomy/abdominoplasty do not occur frequently. The following
are potential complications that will require a change in your post-operative care:
Hematoma (blood collecting under your incisions) can occur within a few days of your surgery.
The warning signs are:
• Severe pain that does not respond to medication
• Significant swelling in your abdomen
• Excessive or growing bruising
Infection is rare following panniculectomy/abdominoplasty. It is normal to have a small amount
of drainage from the incisions and around your belly button for a few days. Signs of infection
are:
• Increased temperature
• Increasing drainage from the incisions
• Increasing redness around the incisions
Leg swelling with or without associated pain may indicate a problem with the vein circulation in
your leg(s). Although some swelling is to be expected due to your surgery, intravenous fluids
given to you during the surgery, and your decreased level of activity, this swelling is normally
mild, painless and affects both legs evenly. If you have a large amount of leg swelling (either
one or both legs) or if you experience pain in your legs contact the office immediately.
