Liposuction Information
Photographic Examples of Liposuction
No Drain Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Introduction
Description of Procedure
Patient Satisfaction
Introduction
Probably the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States today is
Liposuction. There are many references to Liposuction instead of dieting.
However, while related, exercise, diet, and surgery all
have different effects.
To understand Liposuction, all you need to know is that it is the surgical removal
of localized fat, performed through tiny incisions, and therefore leaving tiny scars.
The removal is permanent; the areas treated will always be smaller than if they had
not been treated. If only one side is treated, that side will
always be smaller. However, all of the fat is not removed; the surgeon must
take great care to leave a smooth, even layer of fat under the skin, in order
to get a smooth result. If you do subsequently gain fat, you will gain fat
everywhere, including in the areas treated with Liposuction. However, where the extra fat
associated with weight gain used to collect predominantly in certain areas, after
Liposuction it will be distributed more evenly.
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Description of Procedure
Modern Liposuction is almost always performed using a "tumescent" technique. "Tumescent"
means "filled with fluid", so tumescent Liposuction involves first putting a
large amount of fluid into the tissue. This fluid contains a dilute anesthetic,
to nearly eliminate post-operative discomfort, and epinephrine ("Adrenaline")
to nearly eliminate bleeding. For Ultrasonic Liposuction, the fluid also
cools the tissue, to prevent internal burns.
Before scheduling surgery, I will carefully review the areas to be suctioned,
and the amount of improvement that is realistic. On the morning of surgery, the
areas to be suctioned are carefully marked. Once my patient is asleep, tiny
incisions are made to inject the fluid into the tissue. After the fluid is injected,
I use specially-designed cannulae, or suction tubes, to remove the fat, carefully
sculpting the remaining fat into a smooth, but thinner, layer. After the surgery is
complete, a special surgical compression garment (an advanced girdle) is put on
my patient. This garment must be worn 24 hours a day (except for showers) for
three weeks, and helps produce a smoother result. Patients almost
always go home the same day. Pain following surgery is very limited, typically
requiring only a single pain pill on the evening of surgery. Patients typically
return to work within two days.
You may have heard about Ultrasonic Liposuction. Ultrasonic Liposuction uses
a special cannula that transmits sound energy, which breaks up the fat and then
removes the remaining fluid. It is especially useful when the fat is trapped in scar
or fibrous tissue. The main disadvantage is that it requires a larger
incision, and so a larger scar (about 1/2 inch long) results.
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Patient Satisfaction
The most important factor is a realistic expectation. If the patient expects a
result that is beyond what current technology allows, disappointment is certain.
For example, loose skin and "cellulite" dimpling is not improved by Liposuction;
if severe, they can be improved by tissue lifting, such as thigh lifts.
Abdominal bulging may be improved by Liposuction, but will still be present after
surgery unless Abdominoplasty is done. But for those stubborn areas that nothing
else will budge, Liposuction is an excellent solution.
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This information is provided for general information only.
Please consult with your local Plastic Surgeon for specific information
about your own situation. I recommend that you see a Plastic Surgeon
certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In the United States
and Canada, call 800/635-0635 or 888/4PLASTIC for the names of board-certified Plastic
Surgeons in your area.