Unwanted Fat, Meet Suction

As the average American becomes larger, it quickly becomes evident that it was far easier to put the weight on than to take it off. While it comes down to simple arithmetic — more calories burned than consumed = weight loss — it’s just not that simple for most people. Hence the growing demand for liposuction, where unwanted pockets of fat are reduced by basically vacuuming the fat out.

Dr. Hetzler performs tumescent liposuction for his patients in Little Silver and the surrounding areas because everyone, no matter what shape they’re in, wants to get rid of a little bit of fat.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a fairly well known cosmetic procedure, but there are some misperceptions. It came to the U.S. for the first time in the late 1980s after originating in France. The procedure that first debuted in the U.S. was quite violent, as the cannula (the tube with suction that is moved about under the skin to suction away the fat cells) was much larger than current models and it had to be moved back and forth aggressively to break loose the fat cells that were then suctioned out. These movements caused extensive tissue trauma and bleeding. This then resulted in extensive bruising that could linger for weeks before fully clearing.

Things have really changed today. Now, prior to inserting the cannula (which is very thin compared to the original models), Dr. Hetzler injects the area to be treated with tumescent solution. This consists of saline solution, lidocaine, and epinephrine. The saline solution helps with fluid loss. The lidocaine anesthetizes the area. And the epinephrine constricts both the blood vessels in the area for far less bleeding, and it constricts the fat cells, making them easier to break loose. That means Dr. Hetzler doesn’t need to be overly aggressive with the movement of the cannula. This allows him to finely contour the fat removed for a smooth, natural result. Plus, it results in far less tissue trauma. The bruising and recovery today are minimal when compared to those procedures done 30 years ago.

Where can I have liposuction done?

The question is really where can’t you have liposuction? Basically anywhere you have unwanted pockets of fat they can be removed with this procedure. Common targeted areas are the abdomen, flanks, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, and neck. Areas such as the chin benefit from today’s very thin cannulas.

Not for weight loss

It is important to remember that liposuction with Dr. Hetzler is not a weight-loss procedure. In fact, removing too much fat can be dangerous for a person. Liposuction is meant to remove stubborn pockets of fat that are almost impossible to get rid of through changes in diet or exercise. The lower abdomen is such an area. No matter how many crunches you do, once fat has accumulated there, it is very difficult to get rid of…without liposuction.

Dr. Hetzler wants his liposuction patients to usually be within 10 percent of their ideal weight to have this procedure at his practice.

Interested in losing those fat pockets? Call Dr. Hetzler at (732) 219-0447 and schedule a liposuction consultation.

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