BEAUTY
Is
LIPOSUCTION
RIGHT
for You? words | ELISSA EINHORN
You’ve tried dieting. You’ve tried exercising. You may have even tried some non-surgical procedures, but nothing seems to work on stubborn fat. Is it time to consider liposuction? UNDERARM LIPOSUCTION
BEFORE
AFTER
MIDSECTION LIPOSUCTION
BEFORE
AFTER
The answer has been “yes” for many patients treated by Richmond plastic surgeon Leslie Cohen, MD, FACS. Liposuction is a surgery that was first described in the 1920s. Modern liposuction was developed in 1974 and became popular in the 1980s due to improved techniques. Since then, liposuction has consistently been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures due to its effectiveness, as well as an increased acceptance of cosmetic surgery by society. “Not too long ago, more women opted for liposuction, but it has become increasingly popular among men,” Dr. Cohen notes. “In today’s world, both men and women want to look their best at every age.” The areas of the body that men and woman prefer to treat can differ, although liposuction is popular for shaping the abdomen, neck, and chin for everyone. For men, the love handles also top the list, while many women choose to treat the thighs and buttocks. Although liposuction is a reliable procedure for permanent fat removal because fat will not return to the treated area, Dr. Cohen warns prospective patients that the surgery is not a substitute for weight loss. Rather, it is best used to contour the body after other weight loss measures have not been sufficient. While medical preparation for the procedure is critical, so is emotional preparedness. Dr. Cohen discusses desires and expectations with her patients before surgery. She appreciates when patients provide visuals or “wish pics” so she can determine if their goals are achievable.
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