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LIPOSUCTION

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Liposuction

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the United States today. As residents of North Carolina, our patients are especially interested looking good at the beach. Liposuction is a relatively easy way to improve those stubborn fat deposits that don’t seem to change even with exercise. Dr. Ricciardelli uses the tumescent liposuction technique to give you AN improved contour.

If you’re considering liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as “lipoplasty” or “suction lipectomy”, as benefited from several refinements.

Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

The best candidates for liposuction

To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you. Liposuction can enhance your appearance and self confidence. The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.

Liposuction carries greater risk for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, significant heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery near the area to be contoured.

In your initial consultation, Dr. Ricciardelli will explain the body-contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” may more effectively meet your goals; or that a combination of traditional liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction will be your best choice.

Is Liposuction surgery for me?
If you have areas of fat deposits that stay even with relatively healthy diet and exercise, then liposuction is a way for you to improve your body shape. The best candidates for liposuction will be near their normal body weight with good skin tone and elasticity. This procedure is for people who wish to shape and sculpt their body by removing localized areas of fat.  Liposuction treats the subcutaneous fat in a variety of areas, including the hips, thighs, buttocks, knees, abdomen, upper arms, back, neck and flanks. Dr. Ricciardelli will meet with you to discuss your goals and expectations to determine what procedure/s will be right for you.
Can I have another procedure done at the same time?
Yes. Most often this surgery is combined with breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck and other facial cosmetic procedures.  Take advantage lower pricing and time spent away from work by combining procedures. Ask Dr. Ricciardelli about other procedures during your consultation.
What do I need to do before surgery?
At your consultation, Dr. Ricciardelli will discuss your medical history and your realistic goals for any weight reduction if any. Dr. Ricciardelli will examine your areas of concern to determine the distribution of excess fat. If you are currently trying to lose weight, he will discuss your <em>realistic</em> weight loss goals and how that might affect your surgery date. Dr. Ricciardelli will discuss the tumescent technique that minimizes discomfort and bruising, while make fat easier to remove. Dr. Ricciardelli makes every effort to make the smallest incision possible while giving you the result you desire.
What can I expect during and after surgery?
Your privacy and safety are very important to us. On the day of your surgery you will park in a designated, convenience space in back of the Summit building close to the private back door entrance of our office. Your surgery will most likely take one and a half to two hours in our AAAASF (Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) certified operating suite. After the procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite. Our recovery nurse will make sure that you are comfortable and inform your designated driver when you are ready to return to the comfort of your own home that day. You will be given detailed instructions for your specific needs. Most patients do not complain of pain after surgery but a mild discomfort. You will most likely be wearing a compression garment for 2 weeks to reduce any swelling and improve the contour of the surgical area. On average, most patients are able to return to work in 1-5 days and begin light exercising in 1 week. A lot will depend on your level of activity at work. You will be seen back in the office after surgery. Expect to have possible bruising, swelling and tenderness after surgery. Dr. Ricciardelli will call you in the evening to check-in on your progress as well as see you back in the office for your post-operative visits. Our door is always open for any questions.
Why choose Summit Plastic Surgery & Dermatology
It’s about confidence: confidence in your surgeon, confidence that your wishes and individual concerns will be heard, and confidence you will get the results you want. Dr Ricciardelli has the experience and reputation that ensures you are trusting in a surgeon with a known track record in Wilmington and the qualifications and certifications that recognize him on a regional and national level.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation now!

At your consultation you’ll meet with one of our surgeons and we’ll discuss all of your options and answer all of your questions.
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Meet Dr. Edward Ricciardelli

Dr. Edward Ricciardelli is one of the most highly trained plastic surgeons in the country. He is the only plastic surgeon in the area who is board certified in both head, neck, and facial surgery and plastic surgery.  He has been performing facial surgery for over 29 years.  During that time he has taught and trained other plastic and facial surgeons, lectured around the country, given courses on facial surgery, and cared for thousands of surgical patients. Read more…

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