WHAT IT DOES: Used to remove fat from hard-to-sculpt areas of the abdomen, chin, legs and arms.

BEST CANDIDATES: Anyone who has a problem with impacted fat, deposited in areas of the body and face.

LENGTH OF SURGERY: 1 to 4 hours

RECOVERY: Bruising and swelling generally exists longer than other procedures due to the lack of large venous circulation. Some swelling and bruising can last for several weeks, and this procedure requires that the patient wear a binding garment/bandage, to compress the surgical area and aid in healing.

BACK TO WORK: Two to four days

COST: $1,500 - $6,000 (plus $500 fee for Anesthesia)

Liposuction can help sculpt the body and give better definition to the facial region, specifically in the neck and chin. It can also be used to reduce gynecomastia conditions, or male breasts caused by fatty deposits. Many areas can often be treated while the patient is under anesthesia. Liposuction IS NOT considered a method to treat obese patients, or for those who seek to lose weight.

Dr. Giunta will, in a preoperative session, mark those areas of the body and face, which need attention. Once he’s marked the fatty deposit sites, he will make a few small incisions, usually no larger than 1/8th inch (3mm) and will inject tumescent fluid. This fluid is a solution made up of saline, epinephrine and other medications to reduce bleeding and enabling easier fatty tissue removal. Into the same opening, he will insert a hollow tube-like instrument, called a cannula (attached to a vacuum pump), and make a back and fourth motion under the dermis—aspirating the fat and tumescent fluid from the surgical sites.

Dr. Giunta will then wrap the surgery areas with elastic compression dressings/bandages to help reduce postoperative swelling and bruising. For a number of days after surgery, you’ll feel sore and the areas will feel tight. Even though you’ll be able to return to work within a few days, you’ll be required to wear this post surgical garment for several weeks after the liposuction procedure. Discomfort from pain will be controlled with medications he will prescribe. You’ll see the final result from your surgery approximately eight weeks later, when most of the swelling and bruising is gone.