body procedures::liposuction
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 would like to schedule a consultation with one of our board
certified plastic surgeons click here
or call (206) 438-4730.
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