Dr. Cohen’s Liposuction Article in Our Health Magazine

You can read Dr. Cohen’s article on how to decide if liposuction may be right for you featured in Richmond’s Our Health magazine on page 61. Click here and scroll to page 61 for full article and photos!

You’ve tried dieting. You’ve tried exercising. You may have even tried some non-surgical procedures, but nothing seems to work on stubborn fat. Is it time to consider liposuction?

The answer has been “yes” for many patients treated by Richmond plastic surgeon Leslie Cohen, MD, FACS.

Liposuction is a surgery that was first described in the 1920s. Modern liposuction was developed in 1974 and became popular in the 1980s due to improved techniques. Since then, liposuction has consistently been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures due to its effectiveness, as well as an increased acceptance of cosmetic surgery by society.

“Not too long ago, more women opted for liposuction, but it has become increasingly popular among men,” Dr. Cohen notes. “In today’s world, both men and women want to look their best at every age.” The areas of the body that men and woman prefer to treat can differ, although liposuction is popular for shaping the abdomen, neck, and chin for everyone. For men, the love handles also top the list, while many women choose to treat the thighs and buttocks.

Although liposuction is a reliable procedure for permanent fat removal because fat will not return to the treated area, Dr. Cohen warns prospective patients that the surgery is not a substitute for weight loss. Rather, it is best used to contour the body after other weight loss measures have not been sufficient.

While medical preparation for the procedure is critical, so is emotional preparedness. Dr. Cohen discusses desires and expectations with her patients before surgery. She appreciates when patients provide visuals or “wish pics” so she can determine if their goals are achievable.

Considering liposuction? Dr. Cohen offers the following guidance to individuals contemplating the procedure:

• Be close to your ideal body weight and generally healthy.
• Practice good nutrition.
• At least two weeks prior to the procedure, do not take medications that are blood thinners or that promote bleeding.
• After surgery, be prepared to wear a compression garment for several weeks.

Dr. Cohen describes these garments as “a little more assertive than Spanks. “Imagine that the fatty area is like a block of cheddar cheese. When we suction out the fat in ribbons, it becomes like Swiss cheese or a sponge,” she explains. “You want to compress the areas where fat was removed so that it will heal smoothly.”

Dr. Cohen advises that patients who follow these guidelines and discuss their expectations with their doctor can look forward to a positive result allowing them to achieve the body contouring that exercise and proper nutrition alone are sometimes unable to provide.