What is Liposuction, Types of Liposuction, How it is Performed and What to Expect

Many of our patients ask us about Liposuction. Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or simply lipo ("suction-assisted fat removal") is a cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from many different sites on the human body. It is a plastic surgery procedure that also usually improves contours. Treated areas can range from the abdomen, thighs and buttocks, to the neck and backs of the arms.

How Liposuction Surgery is Performed and different types of Liposuction:

• The basic technique of liposuction involves the removal of fat via a hollow metal tube (cannula) that is passed through the fatty tissue. Mostly it's performed using  tumescent technique or under local anesthesia which is much safer for the patient.

• One of the most common types of liposuction involves the aspiration of fat by attaching a pump that generates a vacuum. This is known as suction assisted liposuction (SAL).

• In addition, a motor may be used on the cannula that causes the cannula to rapidly move back and forth thus performing much of the “work” of liposuction known as power assisted liposuction (PAL).

• The Vaser method of liposuction uses a specially designed probe that conveys ultrasound waves into the fatty area of the patient. The other body tissues such as blood vessels and nerves are left untouched. The fat tissues are then liquefied and removed with a specially designed cannula that removes the liquefied fat.

• The Smartlipo uses laser-assisted thermal energy that burns the unwanted fat cells and cauterizes the surrounding vessels. The burned tissue is removed with a traditional suction cannula.

Very often, the above techniques may be combined to yield optimal results. The decisions concerning the appropriate technique or combination of the techniques will be discussed with you at your consultation with the doctor.

The Liposuction Procedure and What to Expect:

• The candidate and the surgeon will agree ahead of time on exactly which areas will be treated and both will discuss what outcome to expect 

• A consent form is signed on the day of surgery 

• An antibiotic will be given about an hour beforehand, or afterwards 

• The targeted areas are marked on the body while the candidate is in a standing position 

• Photos of the area to be treated will be taken, so the patient will have before and after photos 

• In the operating room, a sterilizing solution such as Betadine, is applied to the relevant areas 

• Local anesthetic is injected and the patient may be given a sedative 

• Incisions are small, about a quarter to a third of an inch, Dr. Hanna reffers the to its size as a crochet needle hole 

• Several times during the procedure vital signs are being checked: blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen level 

• The patient will feel only a slight scraping sensation from the cannula movement. Usually, we ask our patients to evaluate their level of pain. All the patients replied that their level of pain was between 0 and 1 on a scale from 0 to 10. 

• Usually the patient can get up, walk around, and go home the same day, although they would need someone else to drive them.

Recovery:

Depending on the extent of the liposuction, patients are generally able to return to work within a few days. A compression garment which can easily be removed by the patient is worn for two to four weeks. Patients come back for a re-check appointment in two days and in two weeks.

The final result will be evident after about one month after surgery, although the patients will see noticeable difference within days or weeks, as swelling subsides.

Any pain is controlled by a prescription or over-the-counter medication, and usually lasts a day or two. Sometimes, patients feel worse on the third day and then feel great relief. Some rare times, it can take up to two weeks, depending on the procedure being performed and the amount of fat being taken.

Bruising, if any occurs, will fade after a few days or last up to two weeks.

Normal activity can be resumed after several days, active sports - after several weeks after the liposuction procedure.

The suctioned fat cells are permanently gone. However, if the patient does not maintain a proper diet and exercise regimen, the remaining fat cell neighbors could still enlarge, creating irregularities.

For more information about Liposuction and Various Liposuction Techniques, visit www.lanouvellespa.com