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Liposuction
Liposuction is likely the most commonly performed Plastic Surgery
procedure worldwide and involves the removal of fat from beneath the skin through small incisions. It is a very effective
procedure for contouring the body in thinner individuals and removing areas of excess or bulging fat in heavier individuals.
Other terms such as liposculpture, microliposuction and body sculpting are variations on the theme and may invole lioposuction
as well as reinjection of the fat into other areas often called fat transfer.
Most commonly liposuction is performed on the abdomen, thighs,
arms sides, and back. Other areas of the body such as the chin, buttock and legs can be treated as well. Liposuction is also
used to refine and contour in tummy tuck procedures and to treat gynecomastia or enlarged breasts in men.
During your consultation for liposuction, your doctor will evaluate
the areas of concern, usually by pinching, to assess the thickness of the subcutaneous fat. The condition of your skin, tightness,
elasticity presence of stretch marks and overall quality will also be evaluated. This latter evaluation is important
because following liposuction the quality of the result is influenced by the ability of your skin to tighten up after fat
is removed. Areas of skin the show that stretch marks indicate damage to the skin's dermal layer and loss of elasticity. These
areas do not contract or tighten much after liposuction and though flatter, may show more wrinkling and hanging after the
procedure. Age and family history also influence skin elasticity.
During liposuction, fluid is injected into the areas of fat. This
is called the tumescent technique and is done to decrease bleeding and discomfort, allow for the safe removal of larger amounts of fat, and improve the result.
After the procedure you may experience drainage, which is somewhat bloody, from the small incision sites. We advise that you
use dark sheets and towels or waterproof covering on your bed for the first 24 hours following surgery. After that time
the drainage generally stops.
You are usually placed in a compression garment and advised to
wear this for six weeks to provide support to the treated areas, decrease swelling and assist in contouring the treated areas.
After liposuction you will develop swelling as well as significant
bruising. Much of this swelling resolves over the first two weeks but the remainder resolves gradually over the
next four to six months. This swelling may feel like firm lumpy areas and responds to massage. The lower areas of the body
are the last to resolve. Be patient!
It is important to remember that
the results from liposuction can be excellent and long lasting but you can gain weight again in those and the surrounding
areas if you are not careful to control your calorie intake and exercise. Liposuction is not intended as treatment for being
overweight. It is best indicated for treating areas of the body that are resistant to weight loss and exercise. You
will therefore , not lose much weight in pounds but you will note a loss of inches and better contour of your body.
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