Lipo Surgery Performed With an Artistic Touch in Sarasota, FL

Lipo Sarasota FL

Lipo, which is short for liposuction, is a type of cosmetic plastic surgery designed to break up and suction away small pockets of fat in an isolated area of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, back, or upper arms. As explained by Dr. Alissa M. Shulman, founder of Sovereign Plastic Surgery in Sarasota, Florida, lipo is not a weight-loss tool. Rather, it is intended to provide subtle contouring, and therefore is best suited for an individual who maintains a stable body weight and healthy lifestyle. Most lipo candidates are looking to improve the proportions of a specific area of the body that is resistant to the effects of good nutrition and regular exercise.

While lipo can be very effective for meeting the realistic expectations of certain individuals, it is not appropriate for everyone. For instance, it cannot address cellulite, dimpled or sagging skin, or lax muscles. Additionally, a sufficient degree of skin elasticity is necessary to achieve a good outcome. If you’d like to find out if lipo is right for you, Dr. Shulman can help. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, she fully understands her patients’ concerns and as a lifelong artist and sculptor, she has a unique appreciation for the natural beauty of the human form.

Dr. Shulman performs lipo as a multi-step procedure in Sarasota, FL. If you decide to proceed, here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

  • Anesthesia – You will receive medications (through general anesthesia given by your anesthesia team, consisting of an anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist) to help you feel more comfortable during your lipo procedure.
  • Incisions and preparation – Dr. Shulman will create one or more small incisions in the treatment area, and then infuse a sterile liquid to help reduce bleeding and tissue trauma.
  • Suctioning – Dr. Shulman will insert a thin, hollow tube (cannula) and loosen the targeted fat using controlled, back-and-forth motions. She will then suction away the dislodged fat with a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.

After lipo, you will have some residual swelling and fluid retention in the treated area, which will slowly subside to reveal the final outcome of your procedure. In the meantime, you’ll be advised to rest and temporarily wear a special compression garment to help ensure proper healing. Dr. Shulman will provide specific instructions on how to properly care for your surgical site during recovery. As long as your weight remains stable, your final lipo result should be long-lasting.

If you’d like to learn more about lipo, contact Sovereign Plastic Surgery to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Shulman at her office in Sarasota, FL.