Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction is the removal of fat from unwanted areas of the face and body. It is not meant to be a method of major weight loss, but rather for those that want more defined contours. Liposuction can reshape the contours of the body and face by removing stubborn localized areas of fat. Generally, accumulations of fatty tissue that result from age or genetics often do not respond to traditional weight loss methods such as a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction Surgery?

Men and women of all ages and are in good health and have localized stubborn deposits of fat are good candidates for liposuction.

Possible Liposuction Risks and Complications

Liposuction complications when performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon are rare. Nevertheless, such complications should be taken into account when considering any procedure. Depending on the individual and his/her adherence to the surgeon’s instructions there may be risk of excessive bleeding, infection, and/or reaction to anesthesia. Skin laxity is always a problem. The more lax your skin, the more difficult it is for shrinkage. Most surgeons use superficial liposuction in these areas in order to remove fat close to the underside of the skin. This enables better skin contraction. Also, postoperative care with specialized massages helps skin shrinkage and smooth irregularities.

Scarring will result, but the incisions are small and made where they will appear as inconspicuous as possible. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. If you do not work to maintain your weight after liposuction, there is a risk of regaining fat in other parts of the body.

Preparing for Surgery

If you are a smoker, you are strongly encouraged to refrain from smoking for at least one week prior to the procedure and continue to refrain from smoking until your incisions have healed (about two weeks after the procedure). This will promote faster healing and reduce the risk of infection. At your preoperative visit, your surgeon will discuss your expectations as well as the liposuction cost. Also they will most likely provide homeopathic remedies to help with the healing time. Vitamin K can be used before surgery and Arnica is used after surgery. These help to reduce the effects of bruising and swelling.

Liposuction Procedure

The liposuction procedure time varies depending on the number of areas to be liposuctioned. During the procedure your surgeon injects the areas with a saline-epinephrine solution and then waits about twenty minutes before doing the liposuction. This lessens the blood loss and bruising. Some doctors use PAL (power assisted liposuction) cannula which aids in more aggressive removal of fat cells. Through tiny incisions, the surgeon suctions out excess fat cells. The incisions are closed with sutures and compression garments are applied to the treated areas.

After Liposuction Surgery

It’s not uncommon to experience some numbness, swelling and/or discomfort at the incision sight as well as light fluid drainage during the liposuction recovery. This is normal and will pass with time. Any discomfort experienced after the procedure is controlled with oral pain medications. Swelling is treated by a postoperative compression garment which must be worn 24 hours a day for the first week and during the day for eight additional weeks. Specialized postoperative massages are essential to enhance your results.

After liposuction surgery you may be up and about in a day or two; however it’s recommended that you take it easy for at least one week. You will most likely see your surgeon the second day after surgery at which time he/she will change your garment. After the garment is changed you are able to shower. Most individuals are able to return to work and social activities in a few days. Vigorous physical activity should be limited for about two weeks as your body heals; however, you should walk around as soon as possible to increase blood circulation and reduce swelling. Although much of the swelling and bruising disappear in the first few weeks, it may take several months to see your final results.