Suction assisted lipectomy (liposuction) is an outpatient procedure designed to remove isolated areas of fat. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia in the office setting, or for larger amounts, the patient can be taken to an outpatient surgery center or hospital, and have the procedure done under general anesthesia (asleep).
When dieting you empty stored fat from microscopic fat cells, but you cannot determine which areas of the body will be affected by the weight loss. Liposuction targets the area you want revised, and removes the fat and the storage unit (fat cell), to limit the body’s ability to put fat back into this location.
In the past liposuction was limited to small amounts, and complications and deaths were few and far between. With the tumescent technique, more fat can be removed, and as a result, people have begun to use this as a way to remove large volumes of fat, and thus more complications occur, and there has been an alarming increase in the number of deaths. Another innovation has been the introduction of ultrasonic liposuction. This allows the surgeon to liquefy the fat making it easier to remove. This is beneficial in some areas, but for most areas it is unnecessary and just adds cost to the procedure.
The procedure consists of making 2-3 small incisions in each area to be suctioned, and then introducing a small metal cannula (tube), and then pumping saline solution into the fat to be suctioned. After this is completed, the suctioning is performed through the same small incisions.
After the procedure the patient is placed into a special garment like a girdle for about 4 weeks. Activities like jogging, tennis, etc., are limited for the next 4-6 weeks. There will be bruising for 7-14 days and moderate soreness for 3-5 days. Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetries, and ripples or ridges (poor results).
LIPOSUCTION IS NOW BEING PERFORMED BY MANY PHYSICIANS NOT TRAINED IN THE PROCEDURE DURING THEIR TRAINING YEARS, THEREFORE ONE MUST KNOW ABOUT THE DOCTOR BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR THIS PROCEDURE. IF YOU WANT A PLASTIC SURGEON, BE SURE YOU GET ONE. BE CAREFUL.
Liposuction (or lipoplasty) is a body-sculpting procedure to remove fat that is unresponsive to dieting and exercising. This procedure can be applied to nearly any area of the body and is commonly used on multiple areas during an operation. Liposuction results in a slimmer and better proportioned figure. Liposuction is used effectively to reduce love handles, saddlebags, a double-chin, a bulge around the waistline, or other unsightly fatty deposits in order to develop a better shape and create a more beautiful body.
Reasons for Considering Liposuction:
Liposuction is not a replacement for proper exercise and diet. Instead, liposuction is a reduction procedure for stubborn areas where fat accumulates. Used in combination with several areas of the body, liposuction can provide a well proportioned body appearance. Ideal surgical candidates are those already in good physical condition but having stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.
General Procedure
Liposuction can be done under general anesthesia with the patient asleep or under local anesthesia where the area is numbed and the patient remains awake. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or “cannula” is inserted and used to vacuum out the fatty tissue beneath the skin. The surgeon determines the amount of fat to be removed by massaging the skin and squeezing the tissue. After eliminating the excess fat, the incisions are closed by applying a compression dressing or bandage to the area in order to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area.
There are several different types of liposuction procedures, such as tumescent or ultrasound liposuction, that have developed as a result of recent advancements in new technologies. Together the patient and the surgeon can discuss which method(s) are best during the initial consultation visit. Liposuction can last from thirty minutes to several hours depending upon the amount of fat to be removed. Liposuction surgery is an excellent procedure that can benefit those who want to remove unattractive fatty deposits.
Recovery Process
New techniques allow for faster recovery from liposuction procedures. The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive of an operation the patient undergoes. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. A support garment may need to be worn for several weeks after the surgery, depending upon which area(s) are selected to utilize the liposuction procedure. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the directions given after surgery.