Procedures

Liposuction

Who is a Candidate?

• Works best for people who are of normal weight for their size, but have several areas of "resistant" fat that has not responded to diet and exercise
• People who wish to change the contour of their body
• People who have good skin tone

Goal of Surgery:

• To remove fat cells and improve the contour and appearance of the treated area. It does not treat cellulite, or improve skin laxity or looseness
• Frequent areas include the hips, buttocks, knees, outer thighs (saddle bags), inner thighs, lower abdomen, waist and flank area (love handles), and breasts
• Liposuction is not intended for weight loss

Procedure Description:

• The procedure is done as an outpatient, usually under general anesthesia
• A fluid mixture of saline, local anesthetic, and epinephrine is infused into the fat. This is called Tumescent fluid and it controls blood loss and fluid absorption, making the procedure very safe and well controlled
• A small incision is made over the treatment area, and a long thin metal tube called a cannula is inserted. A vacuum then extracts the fat
• Ultrasonic liposuction or Power assisted liposuction are newer techniques which are commonly used

Postoperative Course:

• You will go home with a compression garment placed over the treated areas. This will be worn for about a month to reduce swelling and improve the results
• Oral pain medication is prescribed for discomfort
• Bruising and swelling will subside within 7-10 days, and final results will become evident over the next several months
• Most patients get back to work in days

Other Options:

• Other procedures that may enhance liposuction include tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or breast reduction

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