Liposuction

Liposuction surgery removes areas of unwanted fat with a tube and a vacuum device. Liposuction techniques, including tumescent or super-wet, typically are performed after targeted fat cells are infused with a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and adrenalin to decrease blood loss. Benefits of this liposuction technique include increased safety, easier fat removal, as well as diminished postoperative discomfort. This also reduces post-operative bruising and swelling.

The most common locations for liposuction are the chin, cheeks, neck, and upper arms, the area above the breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.

There are several techniques the most commonly used the “Traditional Technique”,  utilizes a hollow tube to remove the fat.

• Length

One to two hours or more.

• Anesthesia

General anesthesia can be used or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia are used.

• Inpatient/Outpatient

Either is possible and depends on the patient’s health and the doctor’s preference.

• Possible Side Effects

Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness or burning sensations.

• Risks

Infection, asymmetry, rippling of the skin, pigmentation changes (hypo/hyper), injury to the skin, fluid retention and/or excessive loss of blood and fluids.

• Recovery

The patient usually returns to work after five to fourteen days. More strenuous activity may be resumed after two to four weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising may take one to six months depending upon the amount of fat that is removed and the areas that were treated.

• Results

The effect is permanent and must be augmented with a sensible diet and consistent exercise.