The popularity of plastic surgery continues to increase as more minimally invasive lower downtime procedures are being developed. One procedure that has remained very popular is liposuction.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction, sometimes known as liposculpture, is a surgical procedure that carefully removes unwanted subcutaneous fat (the layer between the skin and underlying muscle) in parts of the body that are generally resistant to diet and exercise. Although not a weight-loss procedure, it can help motivate individuals who are attempting to lose weight. There are a variety of different techniques. Liposuction can be combined with other procedures such as tummy tuck.
What areas can be treated?
Typical treatment areas include:
- Neck
- Arms
- Bra roll area and back
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Thighs
What happens before and during the surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will consult with you with a thorough examination to determine a plan for your needs. A preop medical evaluation with routine testing is indicated to assure a safe procedure. You will need to stop certain medications such as aspirin and blood thinners. Detailed markings on your skin will demonstrate where to remove fat and where to preserve to achieve the optimal contour. Whether under local, regional block, twilight or general anesthesia, once in the operating room, your surgeon will make small incisions in the skin to insert a dilute tumescent solution with a local anesthetic to minimize pain and adrenaline to minimize bleeding into the fat removal areas. Then a thin tube or cannula, attached to a suction device in inserted to carefully remove the predetermined areas of fat excess and “sculpt” the area based on the preop planning, visually and by palpation. Liposuction is generally an outpatient procedure with rapid recovery and returns to activities in the comfort of your home.
What do liposuction results look like?
With small incisions come small scars that fade. Results are generally dramatic if you are a good candidate with relatively minimal skin looseness, at a good weight and motivated to maintain a good weight. As well, you should have a good understanding from your consultation to help visualize your expected realistic results. You will experience moderate discomfort for a few days, swelling that can persist for weeks and it can take 3 months to see your final result. Drinking lots
of fluids, being as active as possible along with an elastic compression garment and lymphatic massage can all help to recover well. It is best to maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan following the surgery for optimal long term results.
If you are considering a liposuction procedure, seek out an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon to help sort out all of your options and guide you through the entire process for your best results.
