Liposuction in St. Petersburg, FL

Even though you try to lose weight, you probably still have pockets of fat that are keeping you from being completely confident in yourself. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John J. O'Brien Jr. offers the most advanced techniques to effectively rid fat from certain body parts. Lipo, or liposuction surgery, is a body reshaping procedure that reduces pockets of fat from the flanks, tummy, buttocks, and thighs to create a leaner appearance. This treatment at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery can be combined to treat multiple body parts. When we see you for your consultation, Dr. O'Brien will assess problematic areas so you can attain your personal goals. Our goal is for you to feel and look the best you can be. Call our office in St. Petersburg, FL to learn more.

Fat removal surgery is a good treatment for individuals who are at an ideal weight, but have pesky areas of fat that have been hard to lose with exercise and diet. Men and women contemplating liposuction should have skin that is taut because liposuction is not a treatment for loose or sagging skin. It's also important to realize that liposuction is not an answer for weight loss. Females undergoing liposuction should be past pregnancies as this may compromise the results. At the time of your consult for surgery, Dr. O'Brien will set realistic expectations.

Surgical liposuction is completed in an outpatient setting with the patient under general anesthesia. A punch-hole incision is placed through the skin so a cannula can be inserted. The cannula is a tube that makes it easier to work loose the fatty tissue that is being removed. After the desired amount of fatty tissue has been suctioned out, Dr. O'Brien will seal the small incision. Based on the amount of sections receiving treatment, your procedure may take several hours. In the separate area for recovery, your post-op team will assist you with managing any pain and look after your treated areas until you are discharged.

You may need to recover at home from lipo for several weeks based on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed. It's typical to have bruising and swelling for one or two weeks, and you should have stitches taken out 7 – 10 days after surgery. The most important thing to do following lipo surgery is to give your body time to rest and recover. When you are ready to go back to your job after your surgery, you need to remember to go slow. To increase your strength and stamina, try short walks and light workouts as advised by Dr. O'Brien. Remember, you may notice some improvements soon after your surgery, but it will take around 6 – 10 months until your new body contour and shape is complete.

How much does liposuction cost?
The liposuction varies depending on the technique selected and how many areas are being treated. In your consultation, Dr. O'Brien will create your custom treatment plan to meet your needs and goals. He will also consider your budget. When your plan is ready, the estimated costs will be discussed. To make your surgery easy to afford, St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery takes several payment methods and we will help you find low-interest financing.

What about nonsurgical liposuction?
There are several nonsurgical procedures to reduce body fat. A popular brand is CoolSculpting. Although this nonsurgical procedure can help reduce mild to moderate fat pockets, surgical liposuction is best for most people. Liposuction surgery produces more dramatic and consistent results. Ask Dr. O'Brien about nonsurgical lipo in your consultation. He can explain the benefits of all your options and help you choose which is best for you.

Will I have scars?
Since liposuction is an invasive surgery, incisions will be made and sutured. This will create scars; however, Dr. O'Brien does his best to reduce their appearance. This starts with making small incisions in less visible areas or the natural folds of your body. After your surgery, Dr. O'Brien or a member of his team will explain how to care for your incisions so they heal properly and fade.

Will my results last?
Before liposuction, it is important to be prepared to maintain your results. Although liposuction reduces the amount of fat cells in an area, you can still lose and gain weight. Dr. O'Brien suggests that you be at or close to a healthy weight prior to liposuction. Afterward, it's best to remain within 5 – 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight. Getting pregnant after liposuction will also impact your results; however, another surgery like a mommy makeover may be done to refresh your body.

Fat removal with liposuction at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery offers men and women the chance to have unwanted fat diminished almost instantly. Without the help of liposuction, it can be seemingly impossible to gain the slimming outcomes you desire. We can recommend various choices for liposuction treatment depending on your individual struggles. We welcome you to contact our office in St. Petersburg, FL and schedule your private consultation with Dr. O'Brien.