What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure that sculpts the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.
How does the procedure work?
There are several different methods of performing liposuction, but the basic procedure works by making a tiny incision, inserting a narrow tube (cannula) and sculpting the fat that lies deep beneath the skin.
- Traditional liposuction: Traditional liposuction is a procedure designed to contour the body by removing excess fat. A cannula is inserted beneath the skin surface that sucks away the fat in the treatment area. This procedure is often times done in the operating room under general anesthesia and requires about a week to recover. Types of traditional lipo include tumescent, suction-assisted lipo (SAL) and ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL).
- Laser assisted liposuction: Commonly called Smart Lipo or Laser Lipo. This newer technology melts away your unwanted fat and tightens your skin. Using a small fiber the thickness of angel hair pasta the laser permanently destroys and liquefies the fat in the treated area. A small cannula is then inserted to remove the oils released by the fat cells. Simultaneously the laser instantaneously contracts your skin from the inside and activates your skin cells to produce collagen which further tightens your skin over the next weeks and months.
Is liposuction safe?
Liposuction is safe, but rare complications may occur. The more areas treated at the same time and the larger the area, the greater the risk of complications. There is a chance of infection, delays in healing or the formation of blood clots (DVT). There is also a small risk of excessive fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration and shock, and a risk of fluid gain which can lead to respiratory and cardiac problems. However, these problems are rare. Fat clots can also cause respiratory difficulty, but this is a rare phenomenon. Seromas, the accumulation of pockets of fluid, do tend to occur in certain areas and with greater volumes of suction. These are usually easily treated by simple aspiration with a small needle and syringe in the office.
Are there any possible side effects?
There are a few side effects that may occur in some instances with liposuction, including skin depressions, hyperpigmentation, scarring and swelling.
Will there be any downtime?
Downtime varies according to the extent of surgery and areas suctioned. A typical patient should expect a few days of downtime, and some bruising should be expected for one to three weeks.
What are they results?
The results vary for different procedure; however, there will always be less fat in the treated areas. If fat is regained after surgery, it is more commonly spread evenly across the body as opposed to collecting in the former problem zones.
What can I expect after the treatment?
Healing is a gradual process. Walking around as soon as possible is important because it helps prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. After a couple of days it should be possible to return to work. Some patients will require suture removal at about a week. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about a month to allow the body to fully heal. Your doctor will schedule follow-up visits to monitor recovery.
Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
Candidates for liposuction are anyone within a normal range who have firm, elastic skin with pockets of excess fat the wish removed. Patients who are overweight may also be good candidates as long as they are in good general health, are at a stable weight and have realistic expectations.
Who should avoid liposuction?
Individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, heart and lung disease, poor blood circulation or those who have recently had surgery near the area to be contoured may want to reconsider liposuction. These issues increase the risk factors of liposuction.
Is additional treatment necessary?
Additional treatment may be necessary to improve asymmetry or to fine tune the result. With a healthy diet and exercise patients can keep the weight off.
Where does the treatment take place?
Treatments are provided in a surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. Most liposuction can be done as an outpatient procedure. Patients undergoing large volume liposuction of more that five litres require a hospital stay for monitoring.
Instructions for before treatment
The patient’s doctor will provide specific instructions prior to surgery. There will be guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and medications to take and avoid. Patients should make arrangements for someone to drive them home after the surgery.
Instructions for after treatment
Depending on the extent of your surgery you may require a day or two of rest. It is recommended that you engage in light activity once you feel able. Expect some bruising, swelling and pain. Wear your compression garments all day and all night for two weeks. Follow your physician’s instructions with regard to compression garments thereafter.