Liposuction
Liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or
"suction lipectomy," is a procedure used to sculpt
the body by removing unwanted fat from localized areas. By using
a high vacuum device, the surgeon can suction fat from the legs,
buttocks, hips, abdomen, back, arms, face, and neck. Liposuction
has become the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United
States due to the fact that is leaves minimal scarring, many
less than one-half an inch. Although no type of liposuction
is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove
stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss
methods. To get the most from liposuction, you should be average
weight with extra fat localized in specific areas, have stable
weight for 6 months or more, and have good skin tone and elasticity.
before the liposuction surgery
During your liposuction consultation, you should make sure
to share your expectations with your surgeon. Point out the
areas of your body where you would like unwanted pockets of
fast removed. Your surgeon will need to examine these areas
and determine if your expectations are realistic.
It is also important that you fully understand the liposuction
procedure and get all of your questions answered. A number
of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty
(UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique,
are helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients
with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Any
of these techniques as well as other variations of conventional
liposuction may be recommended by your surgeon, depending
on your specific needs and the surgeon’s preferred methods
of treatment. Make sure to discuss the different options with
your surgeon and understand the pros and cons of each method.
Prior to the liposuction surgery, the physician should provide
a list of guidelines for preparation for your surgery.
the liposuction surgery
The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably,
depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being
removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique used.
Two of the procedures, ultrasound-assisted liposuction and
tumescent liposuction, are the most commonly used techniques
for liposuction. During liposuction, localized deposits of
fat are removed to recontour one or more areas of the body.
Tumescent liposuction has been performed in the United States
since 1982 and is generally referred to as standard liposuction.
Through the incision, your surgeon will fit the localized
fat section with a tumescent fluid to make the fat stiff for
easy extraction. A narrow tube or cannula is than inserted
through a small incision and subsequently vacuums the fat
layer that lies beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then
pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and
suctioning them out.
Ultrasonic liposuction (UAL), similar to tumescent liposuction,
begins with the insertion of a tumescent fluid to stiffen
the extraction area. UAL requires the use of a tumescent fluid
and uses either a metal probe or metal paddle to deliver ultrasonic
energy and heat into fat cells.
During the liposuction operation, fluid will be lost along
with the fat, and it's crucial that this fluid be replaced
during the procedure to prevent shock. For this reason, patients
need to be carefully monitored and receive intravenous fluids
during and immediately after surgery.
after the liposuction surgery
Make sure to closely follow your surgeon’s advice on
your post operation care. This will allow your recovery time
to be significantly less. Your surgeon will probably tell
you to start walking around as soon as possible to reduce
swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your
legs.
Check-up visits to the doctor after the liposuction surgery
will be necessary to monitor progress after the surgery. Also,
more extensive liposuction procedures require attentive after-care.
Find out how your surgeon plans to monitor your condition
after the procedure If you have any discomfort or concerns
following the surgery, call your doctor to discuss the problems
immediately.
As with any surgery, liposuction does carry some uncertainty
but is normally safe as long as it is performed by a Board-Certified
plastic surgeon and the operating room is adequately equipped
It is important to keep in mind that although a well-trained
surgeon and a state-of-the art facility can improve your chance
of having a good result, there are no guarantees. Make sure
to understand the risks and complications associated with
each technique of a liposuction procedure from your doctor.
The information presented on this site is intended
to be used for informational use only, it is not intended
to be a substitute for professional advice. If you are planning
on having a procedure performed or if there is anything you
don't understand about your procedure, please consult one
of our physicians.
If you have question about any procedure, schedule a consultation
with Dr. Rosenthal by clicking here
or by calling (800)505-3627.
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