LIPOSUCTION
LIPOSCULPTURE

What is liposuction?

Liposuction or suction assisted lipectomy (SAL) is a procedure to remove unwanted excessive fat from specific regions of the body. It is an effective procedure and the most common cosmetic procedure performed. Liposuction may be done alone or in combination with another cosmetic procedure. Areas treated include the abdomen, the flanks, the middle and outer thighs and the legs. Other regions treated by liposuction are: the chin and neck, the arms, the back, the buttocks and the male breasts.
 

Will it work for me?
While liposuction improves body contour by removing fatty deposits, it is not a substitute for weight loss. As such, patients who are grossly overweight are not candidates for this procedure. Patients with good skin elasticity may expect a pleasing result. If loose or hanging skin exists in areas being treated, other techniques may be helpful such as a tummy tuck or a thigh lift.
 

What complications may occur?

While the risks of liposuction are few and the recovery is rapid compared to other techniques of body contouring, there are complications. Over-resection can lead to depressions or irregularities in the contour of the hips, thighs, or other areas treated. Under-resection, or less than ideal fat removal, can also occur. This might result in the need for a second liposuction procedure. Generally patients undergoing liposuction are healthy patients with few medical problems. Therefore, the incidence of major complications, such as phlebitis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolus, or myocardial infarction is extremely infrequent.
 

What can I expect before, during and after these procedures?

As with any surgery, a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation done by your doctor is crucial to the success of your operation. Any previous surgeries or will be investigated. Any concomitant medical condition, allergies, bleeding problems will be addressed and all medications being taken will be reviewed and recorded. Occasionally, you may need to consult with your cardiologist or anesthesiologist.

Small liposuction procedures may be performed under a local anesthetic as an outpatient. More extensive procedures (removal larger volumes or treatment of many regions) may require general anesthesia. You may also be admitted into the hospital for at least one night after the procedure for monitoring and correction of any fluid losses. Your surgeon will work through small punctures hidden in skin folds or skin lines. Before removal of fat, a “wetting fluid” or “tumescent fluid” is instilled. This is designed to minimize blood loss and reduce postoperative discomfort. Fat and fluid is then removed by various small ‘cannulas’ or hollow tubes of decreasing caliber.

Postoperatively, a support garment is typically prescribed by your doctor to limit swelling and bruising. Discomfort is controlled by medication and you may return to work in 1 to 2 weeks. While bruising resolves in 2 to 3 weeks, swelling may persist for 6 weeks or longer.

Once the liposuction is performed and fat is removed it will not recur disproportionately in the treated area. However, weight gain can still occur, undoing some of the results of the liposuction, if a diet and exercise regimen are not followed.