Dr. Zemplenyi Discusses Liposuction at the Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove superficial fat deposits from your body. Dr. Zemplenyi uses a cannula (small tube) to vacuum the stubborn fat cells from:

• Abdomen
• Hips
• Thighs
• Arms
• Chin

Both men and women may take advantage of this contouring procedure. Dr. Zemplenyi answers commonly asked questions about liposuction:

1. Can liposuction be used for weight loss?

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or weight loss. The procedure removes stubborn fat cells just below the surface of your skin. Liposuction is specifically designed for fatty deposits that have not responded to exercise or healthy diet. Dr. Zemplenyi will ask that you lose weight loss, if possible, prior to the procedure. The results of liposuction will be more favorable if performed on an individual closer to his or her “ideal” weight. It is important that you eat healthily and regularly while exercising to lose weight.

2. Can Liposuction remove cellulite?

Cellulite is not removed through liposuction. Seattle’s Liposuction Expert at Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Zemplenyi explains that the fat layer is removed below the skin, and thus the dimpling effect within the skin may actually be worse after liposuction. Dr. Zemplenyi can discuss your concerns regarding the expected appearance at your initial consultation.

3. Will the fat cells removed by liposuction return?

Most of the fat cells are removed permanently by liposuction. Should you gain a significant amount of weight following the procedure, however, you body can develop new fat cells. With small weight gain, the remaining fat cells not removed by liposuction will accumulate more fat by change in volume. This accumulation of additional fat will cause the remaining fat cells to grow bigger. Your body will likely retain the post-surgical shape, just proportionately larger. Dr. Zemplenyi advises that a weight gain of more than 10% will cause new fat cells to develop, even in the treated areas.

4. Is Liposuction permanent?

Unless the patient gains excessive weight following liposuction, the results are permanent. Moderate weight gain will result in a larger version of your new body shape. Although the aging process will continue to affect your appearance, the effects of liposuction will remain.

5. How much weight will I lose from Liposuction?

Dr. Zemplenyi points out that although you will lose only the weight of the fat cells removed, the results are very noticeable. Liposuction is not a weight loss treatment – but the cosmetic improvements can give the appearance of weight loss.

6. Where does the fat deposit if I gain weight after Liposuction?

Fat deposits accumulate in areas of the body proportionate to the number of fat cells in each area. Specifically, should you gain in excess of 10 pounds after liposuction of your hips, thighs and stomach, the new fat must deposit elsewhere. The areas with more fat cells will accumulate more fat deposits. Since there are no remaining fat cells in the treated areas, the weight gain will be more evident in your:

• Breasts
• Face
• Back
• Legs
• In the belly cavity

Keeping in mind that significant weight gain can cause production of new fat cells in the treated areas, it is essential that you maintain your post-surgical weight in a healthy manner with proper diet and exercise.

7. How does pregnancy affect Liposuction results?

Should you get pregnant (congratulations!) following liposuction treatment, providing you lose your “baby weight”, your body will return to its new post-liposuction shape.

8. How much fat is removed through liposuction?

Dr. Zemplenyi prefers to keep the maximum amount of fat removal per treatment be limited to no more than 6-pounds to 8-pounds (3 liters to 4 liters of fat) for safety reasons. As the amount of fat removed increases, so does the potential for complications. For patients requiring more than 3 liters to 4 liters of fat removal, it is best to divide the treatment between two liposuction procedures. The subsequent procedures should allow at least three weeks for recovery between sessions.

9. What anesthesia do you prefer for Liposuction (Lipo-sculpture)?

For your maximum comfort Dr. Zemplenyi prefers “twilight” sedation. Pure local anesthesia is adequate for small areas of liposuction. General anesthesia is usually not necessary.

Should you have any other questions, feel free to call Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery.