LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery techniques in the country. It reduces fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise measures. Liposuction is not used as a weight loss method. People who have the best results from this procedure are near or at their ideal weight. It is commonly done for people who have been unable to reach their desired appearance. Liposuction may be performed in nearly any area of the body.

Liposuction can remove exercise and diet-resistant fat to provide a more pleasing overall shape. There are a few things to consider before deciding to have the procedure. If skin dimpling exists before the procedure, it will likely exist after as well. There is a chance the skin will look rippled. The skin may sag permanently if it is unable to shrink to the new shape.

The majority of liposuction surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. Some extensive liposuction procedures may require a brief hospital stay and general anesthesia. Newer liposuction techniques involve injecting the area to be suctioned with a special fluid/anesthesia combination prior to liposuction. This is called tumescent liposuction. The fluid minimizes the amount of blood and pain.

Ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) is a two-step technique that uses the energy from sound waves to liquefy fat deposits before they are suctioned. A small heated probe is inserted. This causes the fat cells to rupture, releasing their oily contents. The oily contents are then suctioned out. Advantages to this method include the ability to remove fat in difficult areas such as the upper abdomen, the back, and the male chest. Disadvantages include the possibility of more pain, swelling, skin burns, and other complications.

Recovery from liposuction can be uncomfortable. Most people are back to work within 72 hours to 10 days depending on the extent of the surgery. Pain medications and special compression garments can provide relief. Some swelling may remain for several months. Your new body contour usually begins to emerge in the first couple of weeks and the final evaluation of your body contour will be made 6 months after your surgery.

Liposuction surgery options and techniques should be discussed with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine the best procedure for you. It is important that you have realistic expectations and clearly understand what the procedure can do for you. Health insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery such as liposuction. Call your health plan to find out about your benefits.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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