The Facts About Liposuction:

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Since the introduction of liposuction at the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in 1983, the concept and execution of liposuction has advanced dramatically. Today, we may utilize laser incisions that are small enough that they heal without scar formation, probes that utilize ultrasound (sonic energy) to dissolve fat, and microcannula to improve the texture of the skin and cellulite.

Liposuction today utilizes the principle of tumescent infiltration, that is, the injection of relatively large amounts of fluid in the area to be liposuctioned. This fluid contains a local anesthetic and epinephrine (a relative of adrenaline). The result of this fluid infiltration is a temporary hardening of the tissue which allows the surgeon to better sculpt the area that is being liposuctioned, and the prevention of any bleeding. In fact, for the last 21 years, we have not utilized blood of any kind on any patient undergoing liposuction including the largest removals (two gallons of fat).

The ideal patient for liposuction surgery is one that has bulges that cannot be corrected through weight control and exercise, or patients who are poorly proportioned in their body parts. This indeed happens because of genetic accumulation of fat cells in certain areas. Liposculpture is a technique that utilizes high vacuum attached to special probes that are passed through tiny incisions, most in inconspicuous places about the body. Fat cells are literally sucked out or melted away by an ultrasonic probe, allowing the surgeon to shape and contour various parts of the body. Liposuction surgery can be used nearly anyplace in the body. It has proven particularly effective in the hips and thighs, in the so-called “saddle-bag” area. It is also widely utilized in the hip area, in the so-called “love-handle” region, the abdomen and waist areas, knees, arm and buttocks. These are the areas that are most frequently contoured by liposuction surgery in females; however, in males liposuction can be used to correct gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) and most frequently used to reduce “love-handles” and fat from the abdomen.

Liposuction surgery is suitable for both men and women and age itself is not a determining factor. While the procedure removes fat only and does not remove the overlying skin, excess skin or skin redundancy is usually not a problem since it usually “shrinks” by the use of ultrasound probes that allow the fat to be melted away and the skin to be contracted over it. Cellulite in many cases can be improved by the use of special microprobes that separate the skin from the underlying scar tissue that creates the dimples in the skin. Cellulite is also improved in some instances by the use of ultrasound lipoprobes that produce significant skin contraction after the fatty tissue is melted down by sonic energy.

After Surgery:
Surprisingly, the recovery period is very short. In most instances, our patients are able to return to work within four days. A special garment (girdle) must be used in the area treated for three weeks following surgery to assist in the final shaping of the tissue following liposuction. It is not infrequent too have large areas look bruised; however, this bruising will always disappear within a few weeks. During the recovery period, you are encouraged to be as active as possible regarding routine activities and walking. After the first week, most exercise is permitted, except for jogging and high-impact aerobics. Swimming also can be started one week following liposuction.