Premier Liposuction Surgery Services

Liposuction has cosmetic as well as some medical applications. Whatever the reason for your visit, when you come to our office for treatment, you will be welcomed by a doctor and staff who know that all bodies are beautiful. We also understand that cosmetic improvements can have marked and even life changing psychological effects, allowing you to experience increased confidence and enjoyment of your body. Nips and tucks are not the focus of what we do—letting you embrace life more fully is what our practice is about.

From the minute you come through our doors, you will be treated with the utmost respect. Your comfort and peace of mind is our number one concern. The best way for us to serve you is for you to feel completely at ease about this process. Don’t feel timid about asking us questions! Dr. Gerstle has handled tens of thousands of procedures over the course of his career—big and small—and trust us: he’s seen it all! You simply cannot ask a question or raise a concern that he has not heard before.

To find out more about Liposuction in Lexington KY at Lexington Plastic Surgery, PLLC, request a consultation or call our office at (859) 279-2111.

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The New You—Working with Dr. Gerstle

First, you and Dr. Gerstle will have a detailed consultation that involves your medical history, a physical exam, and a review of your cosmetic goals. Dr. Gerstle wants to understand what you are hoping to achieve and will discuss how he can use his skills and expertise to help you reach your new and improved appearance.

We offer an in-office, state-of-the art digital imaging system called “mirror imaging.” We are able to digitally enhance your own photographs to create the look you hope to achieve. Then, Dr. Gerstle will explain how he can best help you achieve that look. We often say that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and this technique is a great way to ensure that the two of you have similar expectations and that the plan you agree on matches your desired outcome.

Dr. Gerstle operates at Lexington Plastic Surgery, a AAAASF accredited ambulatory surgery center. Small areas, such as the area underneath the chin, can be treated in the office surgical suite under local anesthetic or sedation. Larger areas, such as buttocks, arms, thighs, hips, and abdomen will require a general anesthetic also performed in office..

Following the surgery, you will see Dr. Gerstle the following day at our office to check your progress. Of course, Dr. Gerstle is always available by cell phone or email in between office visits. We want to make sure you are comfortable with every step in the process.

Liposuction Safety

Liposuction is generally a very safe procedure that is done hundreds of thousands of times annually in the United States. Side effects such as scarring, numbness, or dents in the skin occasionally occur. To limit this risk, Dr. Gerstle limits the amount of fat removed to four liters at a time and only combines liposuction with other procedures that do not compound the small risks associated with liposuction.

Before deciding on a liposuction procedure, Dr. Gerstle will take a full medical history and pinpoint any pre-existing conditions that could carry added risk. Because any surgery has some inherent risk associated with it, we may order certain lab tests to ensure that you are in good health and are physically able to handle a surgical procedure. We exercise caution when considering doing work on anyone with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or a compromised immune system.

The Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction surgery is fairly straightforward and easy to explain. Depending on the area or areas to be treated, either local or general anesthesia may be called for. There are several different procedures to choose from, but broadly speaking, Dr. Gerstle will create small incisions in the skin and use a thin, tube-like instrument called a cannula to loosen and dislodge excess fat and then suck it out of the body into a vacuum-type instrument that is attached to the cannula. The procedure takes only a few hours, again, depending on the size and range of areas to be treated.

Liposuction Post-op

Following your surgery, this is the perfect time to focus on self-care. After all, in just a few months , you will be seeing the end result of a process that can have far-reaching consequences for your confidence and self-esteem! While you are recovering, take the opportunity for some well-deserved downtime. Take time to see friends, read or do journaling, walk or hike (as long as Dr. Gerstle gives you the OK). Take things slowly and let your body heal.

If you’re feeling sore or experience some bruising or swelling post op, know that this is all part of the process. Feeling tired or achy after your procedure is normal, and the good news is, it doesn’t last. So focus on your emotional and psychological health. Give yourself time.

As you recover, ABD pads and a compression garment are placed on the surgical sites in order to decrease swelling and absorb any fluid discharge. It is perfectly normal for fluid to drain from the surgical incisions.

You should avoid strenuous activity for two to four weeks to allow your body to heal properly. By that time, most of the swelling should be gone, but it is not abnormal for some people to experience swelling for several months post op. Most patients can expect to judge their final result at around 3-6 months after the liposuction procedure, once all swelling has resolved.