Body Contouring and Liposuction

Liposuction for Men

In a recent nationwide survey on the importance of appearance and job success, 84% of men believed physical attractiveness was important for power and success on the job, and 32% of men agreed that if they had a more youthful appearance, it would positively impact their job success. The myth that cosmetic surgery may not be the “masculine” thing to do has faded away as men explore their many options for having a more attractive body. 

Liposuction and body contouring are procedures that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, back, chin, cheeks, and neck. At Male Medical of Chicago, we perform all these life-changing procedures.

During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as “lipoplasty,” has benefited from several new refinements that yield more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of aesthetic surgery is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight loss methods. 

The best candidates for liposuction and body contouring 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.

To learn more about liposuction and body contouring at Male Medical of Chicago, please fill out our online form or call any of our four locations.

How Is Lipo for Men Performed?

Liposuction is a procedure in which localized deposits of fat are removed to recontour one or more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. 

The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump. If many sites are being treated, our surgeon will move on to the next area, working to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible. The scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed to be hidden from view.

How Is Body Contouring (Tumescent Technique) Performed?

Large volumes of fluid, sometimes as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed, are injected in the tumescent technique. Tumescent liposuction, typically performed on patients who need only a local anesthetic, usually takes significantly longer than traditional liposuction (sometimes as long as 4 to 5 hours).

However, because the injected fluid contains an adequate amount of anesthetic, additional anesthesia may not be necessary. The name of this technique refers to the swollen and firm or “tumesced” state of the fatty tissues when they are filled with solution.

The times required to perform liposuction and body contouring may vary considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, and the type of anesthesia.

What Can I Expect After Lipo for Men Surgery?

After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you may be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Our doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

Don’t expect to look or feel great right after surgery. Even though the newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, swelling, bleeding, and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by our surgeon, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.

Healing is a gradual process. Our surgeon will probably tell you to start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after about a week, and you should be back at work within a few days following your surgery. The stitches are removed or dissolve on their own within the first week.

Activities that are more strenuous should be avoided for about a month as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappear within three weeks, some swelling may remain for several months. You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body quite soon after surgery. However, improvement will become even more apparent after about four to six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling usually disappears, and the final contour will be visible.

You will probably be very pleased with the results of your surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more at ease with your body. And, by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you can help to maintain your new shape.

To begin your journey into body contouring, request an appointment and free consultation with Male Medical of Chicago.