Liposuction

Liposuction model

At his Toledo, Ohio, practice, Dr. Craig Colville performs liposuction to remove stubborn areas of fat that resist diet and exercise. Often, these isolated fat deposits are the product of genetics, hormones, or age, so even very fit people struggle with them. Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure; it is designed to sculpt areas that are out of proportion with the rest of an otherwise healthy, fit physique.

Liposuction
 Before & After Photos

WARNING:

This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

Should You Consider Liposuction?

Each patient is unique, but there are several factors Dr. Colville considers when evaluating someone for the procedure. Ideal candidates are at a stable weight and have a healthy BMI, but are bothered by areas of fat that they are unable to shrink with diet and exercise. You may be a good candidate for liposuction if the following statements apply to you:

  • You understand what liposuction can and can’t do, and have realistic expectations
  • Your skin has good elasticity, enabling it to “bounce back” after fat removal
  • You’re in good overall health and don’t smoke or are willing to quit prior to surgery

A Reputation Built on Results

Dr.Colville and his staff have helped me reach something I have wanted done for many many years! I felt...
Dr. Colville and his team did a great Job on my tuck and lift. I saw a few other surgeons before choosing...
I had breast reduction in October with Dr Colville. The surgery was easy and recovery was easier...
Dr.Craig Coville is the truth as a plastic surgeon, My experience as a patient of Dr Coville was great....

Do I Need Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck?

If you’re primarily concerned with a protruding belly and sagging skin around your abdomen, Dr. Colville may recommend tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty). A tummy tuck repairs separated abdominal muscles and removes loose skin — characteristics that are often the result of pregnancy or weight loss.

Are There Nonsurgical Fat Reduction Treatments?

Some women and men who do not want surgery may opt for a nonsurgical fat reduction procedure called CoolSculpting®. This does not offer the dramatic results that liposuction produces, but patients can lose up to 25% of the fat in most treated areas and even 40% in other areas. You can talk to Dr. Colville at your consultation about the best options for achieving your goals.

Craig W. Colville, MD, FACS

"My ultimate goal is to design a plan accommodating your wishes and desires in the most aesthetically pleasing manner possible."

Meet Dr. Colville

Planning Your Liposuction

Liposuction is a versatile procedure that can be performed on many different parts of the body, from large areas of excess fat to very small, delicate locations. Women often choose to have their hips and thighs (saddlebags) sculpted, or to reduce the roll that squeezes over the waistband, often called a “muffin top.” Men frequently want to reduce the “spare tire” or “love handles” around the midsection. Some of the most commonly treated areas include those highlighted in the following illustrations:

Liposuction areas

Liposuction is frequently used to refine the results of other procedures, such as facelift or breast reduction. It’s also a common part of a mommy makeover procedure.

Can I Have Liposuction Done With Local Anesthetic?

Depending on which areas of your body are affected, Dr. Colville will use either local anesthetic with sedation or general anesthetic. If you’re combining liposuction with another surgical procedure, you will likely receive a general anesthetic.

No matter what your procedure entails, Dr. Colville spends as long as you’d like during your consultation and subsequent pre-op appointments to ensure you know exactly how to prepare and what to expect.

Your Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction is almost always performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you may return home after your surgery and a brief observation period.

Dr. Colville begins your liposuction procedure by making one or more 3-millimeter incisions to access the targeted area. He then infuses the area with a numbing solution that decreases bruising, called tumescent fluid. This fluid causes the fat to swell, making it easier to separate and extract. It also causes the blood vessels to constrict, which reduces bleeding and bruising during and after the procedure.

Dr. Colville uses a long, thin tube called a cannula to loosen the fat and suction it away. The fat is not simply removed, it is sculpted so that the result is a smooth and natural-looking contour. Dr. Colville uses both power-assisted and ultrasound-assisted liposuction to further decrease postoperative swelling and bruising.

It’s important to have a trusted friend or loved one drive you home and care for you for at least a few hours after your procedure – preferably overnight.

How Painful Is Liposuction Recovery?

It’s common to feel some discomfort or soreness for a few days after liposuction. Most patients compare it to the feeling of soreness that comes after a hard workout. Dr. Colville prescribes pain medicine to help keep you comfortable during this time. It’s also routine for him to prescribe antibiotics after surgery to minimize your risk of infection. It’s important to take this medicine exactly as directed.

Swelling and bruising are also typical, but temporary. You’ll go home in a stretchy compression garment that provides support, helps reduce swelling, and promotes optimal healing. After a few weeks, most people can transition to wearing the garment part-time.

When Can I Exercise After Liposuction Surgery?

Restrictions on your activity level are highly dependent on the areas treated and the extent of your surgery. Dr. Colville advises against vigorous exercise and other strenuous activities that could raise your blood pressure or cause bleeding.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Liposuction?

Some people feel comfortable returning to work after only a couple of days, while those who underwent more significant procedures may need to rest at home for a week or two. During a follow-up appointment, he evaluates your healing and gives you detailed instructions for gradually resuming your routine activities. During your consultation, Dr. Colville gives you a clear understanding of your expected recuperation.

How Soon After Liposuction Will I See Results?

Although you’ll begin to see your results developing as your swelling dissipates, it can take several months before you notice a significant difference in the way your clothes fit. In the long term, your results can last indefinitely, provided you maintain your weight and stay fit.

People considering liposuction travel from Findlay and Sandusky, OH, in addition to Ann Arbor, MI, and other surrounding communities to our practice in Toledo. If you’re interested in learning more about liposuction, request a consultation online, or call Dr. Colville’s office at (419) 534-6551.

Contact