Liposuction for Men

One of the more common misconceptions that Drs. Crawford and Bailey hear about cosmetic surgery is that it is just for women. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), men made up almost 10 percent of all surgical and non-surgical procedures performed in 2013 by doctors who are members of the ASPS. Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures for men. It was the fourth most popular procedure for men in 2013, with a total of 199,817 procedures performed. This was a 12 percent increase from the previous year, in which 23,558 procedures were performed. The most popular areas for male liposuction are the waist, abdomen, flanks, breasts, chin, and neck.

Liposuction Procedure

The liposuction procedure is designed to remove fat from targeted areas of the body that have not responded to exercise and diet. Liposuction should not be considered a substitute for proper exercise and diet. The procedure can be performed alone or in conjunction with a body contouring procedure (such as a tummy tuck) to remove excess loose skin and tighten up the underlying muscles following weight loss.

In a liposuction procedure, small incisions are made into the area of the body where the fat is being removed. In some cases, a mixture of local anesthetic and epinephrine is injected, which makes the area swell, aiding in fat removal. Ultrasound or low level lasers may also be used to melt the fat and make it easier to remove.

Recovery, Risks, and Results

Initial recovery time following liposuction is approximately seven to 10 days, depending on the location and the amount of fat removed. Most patients should be able to resume normal activities, such as driving or going to work or school, by the end of the first week after the liposuction procedure.

The most common risks of the liposuction procedure include bruising, swelling, and bleeding at the incision sites. Patients may be given tightly woven, elastic compression garments to wear for the first week after liposuction to reduce the amount of bruising and swelling. Ice, cold compresses, and taking the herb Arnica montana will also help with bruising and swelling.

As with any surgery, infection may be another risk of liposuction. Patients should take all antibiotics as directed until all the medication is gone. Incision sites should be kept as clean and dry as possible until they are fully healed over.

Patients should begin to see their initial results within one to two weeks after the procedure, once the bruising and swelling subside. It is important for patients to resume their normal exercise and diet routines following a liposuction procedure to maintain their new body contour.

Drs. Crawford and Bailey have seen this increase in popularity of liposuction among men within their own practice. Liposuction may boost self-confidence and put the finishing touches on men’s commitment to an active, healthy lifestyle. To find out if you are a good candidate for liposuction, contact Crawford Plastic Surgery. We will schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.