This month’s case deals with liposuction. In 2010, almost 300,000 patients had liposuction in the US, making it the second most common cosmetic procedure performed after breast augmentation. Liposuction is normally used for body contouring. Men and women, who are close to their ideal or realistic weight, can address bothersome areas of fat that will not alter with diet and exercise.
Liposuction, itself, is not a method of weight loss. This month’s patient demonstrates, however, that liposuction can be performed selectively in certain motivated patient’s to jump start a weight loss program and commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
This month’s patient, Nicole, age 32, gained weight and was unable to lose it after developing a thyroid condition. She had been a gymnast when younger and was terribly bothered by her physique. Dr. Parker performed extensive liposuction on Nicole to de-bulk her areas of fullness. In total, Dr. Parker removed 8425 cc of fat from the patient’s abdomen, hips, thighs, back and arms during one procedure. She recovered quickly and painlessly. As Nicole’s new shape unfolded, she was motivated to return to the gym and worked out religiously. That, in addition to a healthier diet, now with her thyroid condition under control, resulted in a 30 pound weight loss within the first several months after her surgery. Nicole’s dress size went from 14 to 8.
This patient represents what is achievable with liposuction and motivation.
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