By: Asher Carey, MD, FACS

Many people work hard at staying in shape but still have resistant areas of fullness caused by excessive fat deposits. Different types of diets and exercise programs may be helpful from a healthy lifestyle point of view, but each has limitations. There are fat deposits that are inherited, as well as those that are accumulated over the years as our bodies and metabolism change. For some people, surgical intervention is the next step toward attaining a slimmer body. The subject of body contouring and methods of treatment have increased greatly over the years, bringing about better results as improvements are made.

Liposuction was developed more than 25 years ago, and has been continually updated through the years. Today, liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures performed. Both men and women of any age can benefit from this technique. The best candidates for liposuction are people in good medical health, with isolated deposits of fat, elastic skin, and of a normal weight. Since only fat is removed, liposuction alone may be insufficient for people with inelastic or excessive skin, or poor muscle tone of the abdominal area. In these instances, other methods of body contouring may need to be considered.

Women love the pleasing silhouette that results after liposuction of the abdominal area, hips and waist. This helps eliminate the bulge over at the waist band of their jeans and shorts that is especially noticeable in summer clothing. They are also amazed at how much slimmer they appear after liposuction of the hips and inner thighs. This improves the hourglass shape of the hips and waist, and narrows the upper thighs that make their legs appear more athletic and longer. And don’t forget the buttock area and how much more sculptured this area can be by selectively removing fat. As strange as it may seem, adding fat back by injections to certain areas can help contour the buttock region, basically by shifting fat from one area to another for a more pleasing shape. The neck, inner knee, arms, and upper back folds of skin are also frequent sites for liposuction.

Men have also discovered the benefits of liposuction of the abdomen and so-called” love handles” for a trimmer, V- shaped torso. Recent techniques can” etch” the vertical and horizontal depressions of the mid stomach that resembles a washboard abdomen. Other popular areas include the neck and chest.

Many people are confused by medical terminology and the number of cosmetic procedures that they read about or see on television. This is why the initial consultation is so important. It provides an opportunity to discuss with your cosmetic surgeon, specific goals, medical conditions and past medical problems. Make sure you discuss how re-contouring the area is done and what results can be expected.

Often liposuction for small areas can be done right in the office using local anesthesia, however, most procedures are performed in an outpatient surgery suite using general anesthesia or sedation. Liposuction begins by injecting a saltwater solution containing an anesthetic and other medications to diminish bruising. Fat is slowly and carefully removed through small incisions until the desired contour has been achieved.

Once the fat has been removed, small dressings are used in combination with an elastic compression garment. Most patients are allowed to bathe the next day but are asked to continue to wear an elastic compression for approximately three weeks. You can return to work within a day or two, and more strenuous activities within a week in most cases. There is very little if any discomfort, recovery rapid, and scars are minimal. Improvement is noted quite early and is even more noticeable at two months.

Winter is a great time to consider body contouring, now that the holidays are over and Spring is still a few months away. Liposuction offers one way toward attaining a slimmer healthier appearance in 2008.

Dr. Asher B. Carey received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his medical degree from Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed a residency in general surgery at Tulane University, a plastic surgery residency at Vanderbilt University, and special training abroad with international leaders in cranial and facial surgery. In his spare time, Dr. Carey is a sculptor. He brings his fine eye for graceful shaping to both his profession and his hobby.

Dr. Carey is a native of southern Delaware and has been serving the cosmetic and plastic surgery needs of patients in Dover and Lewes and surrounding communities for more than 20 years.

Double Boarded in both General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Carey works with you to achieve a natural and healthy look. He is an advocate of minimum scar surgery for most procedures, including forehead and face lifts, tummy tucks, and breast enlargement and reduction.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact the Carey Cosmetic Surgery Center at 302-678-3443. Visit www.ashercareymd.com.