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Liposuction is a very common, popular procedure that achieves permanent removal of fatty tissue. It is an elective procedure that can contour undesirable, subcutaneous fat in isolated areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. These areas include the hips, thighs, abdomen, arms, knees, ankles, face and neck. Body contours made irregular by fat can be improved by this procedure; however it cannot correct contours that are irregular for other reasons, such as muscle weakness, hernias, and excess bunched skin. To maintain the safety of the procedure, there is a limit on how much can be done at one time. It is not a treatment for obesity. Large liposuctions are done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis in a surgical center, whereas small area can be performed with local anesthesia in the office.
Liposuction is most effective in people with good firm elastic skin that is capable of shrinking without drooping or wrinkling. If weight gain occurs following liposuction, the added fat will be deposited in areas that have not been treated whereas the area of previously treated liposuction minimally enlarges. The procedure can be repeated, if necessary in the same or new areas. Liposuction can be achieved with classical vacuum liposuction alone or with ultrasonic preparation that melts the fat prior to vacuum liposuction.
- Ultrasonic compared to standard liposuction
- Ultrasonic is best used in tough fibrous fat of the back or men’s flanks
- Ultrasonic requires less effort for the surgeon and therefore is of some advantage for very extreme volumes
- Ultrasonic may have less bruising (unproven)
- Ultrasonic has a higher incidence of post-surgical seromas (fluid collections)
- Ultrasonic can cause skin blisters and burns
- Ultrasonic or Vaser may cause the skin to shrink more than standard liposuction
The Procedure
A small (1/4 inch), incisions is made in discreet or hidden areas adjacent to the areas to be treated.
A process of pre-injection that is called tumescence reduces blood loss and obviates the need for blood transfusion. The area to be treated is infused with a salt water solution containing adrenalin and/or xylocaine anesthetic. This is done with a long blunt needle attached to a syringe or a pump device. Several quarts of this solution may be infused into each area to be treated. The purpose of this infusion is to cause the blood vessels to constrict and thus minimizes bleeding during liposuction.
In some areas, the fat is pulsed with an ultrasonic probe or a Vaser probe to melt the fat before it is removed. Liposuction of the fat can be achieved with or without ultrasonic assistance.
A cannula (a hollow tube with openings at the tip) is inserted in a small incision and connected to plastic tubing that is attached to a suction machine.
The procedure may take an hour or more for each area to be treated. Several quarts of fat may be removed. Each quart weighs about 2 lbs.
The incisions are closed and an occlusive plastic dressing is applied over the incision.
Finally, an elastic garment pulled over the area.
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Before & After
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What to expect after surgery
- Recovery from liposuction is relatively easy but there is moderate soreness that is treated with pain medication.
- Expect a some swelling and bruising in the following two weeks.
- You will wear special garments provided to apply pressure, minimize swelling and provide support while healing.
- These garments also assist in retraction of the skin.
- Stitches will be removed after one week
- The day after surgery you should be walking. Increase your activity daily until full activity is resumed at 2-4 weeks
- Results are recognizable almost immediately and will continue to improve as swelling subsides.
- You will be ready to return to office work in 3-5 days and more active employment at 10-14 days.
- Avoid the sun until all bruising has subsided. A sunscreen should be used routinely; it is easy to get sunburned during recovery because of decreased sensation.
- The results of liposuction are permanent.
- If you were to gain a large amount of weight after liposuction, you will mainly notice fat accumulation in areas other than those treated. Minimal return of fat is noted in the treated areas.
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Before & After
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Possible Complications
- As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur.
- Contour irregularities
- Skin discoloration
- Asymmetry
- Collection of blood or serum under the skin
- Loss of sensation
- Embolism
- Serious infection or shock
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