Liposuction

Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery that deals with fat removal. This process is especially designed for body and facial contouring to improve the appearance and to smooth irregular or distorted areas.

A special surgical gadget, known as a liposuction wand, is used to remove the excess body fat. A licensed plastic surgeon usually does the liposuction procedure in a hospital setting or a fully-equipped clinic.

Liposuction is a major surgical procedure that usually requires anesthesia. It also involves painful recovery, possible complications during and after surgery and other side-effects.

What parts of the body can liposuction contour?

• For facial liposuction:
• Under the chin
• Neck
• Cheeks
• For body contouring:
• Upper arms
• Breasts
• Buttocks
• Abdomen
• Hips
• Thighs
• Knees
• Calves
• Ankle areas

Advice before undergoing Liposuction

If you are serious about getting a liposuction, it is imperative to have an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon. You will need to discuss and undergo medical history check, physical examination and psychological evaluation for assessment.

A second consultation may be required after you are given some time to think about the procedure and the possible effects during and after surgery.

On your first and succeeding consultations, you must take the time to think and ask questions. It is important to be informed prior to the liposuction procedure to ensure that you understand all the possibilities- may it be positive effects, risks and complications.

Liposuction can only enhance your physical appearance and give that boost of self-esteem. But remember that there are limitations and a liposuction won't perfect your body.

Types of Liposuction procedures

1. Tumescent Liposuction - The most common type of liposuction which uses fluid injection is the tumescent liposuction procedure. The fluid used is a solution of lidocaine (local anesthetic), epinephrine (drug that contracts blood) and an IV (intravenous salt solution).
   This procedure requires 3 times more fluid than the fat to be removed and it also requires more time compared to the other types.
• Lidocaine numbs the target area during and after the procedure
• Epinephrine helps reduce blood loss, bruising and swelling
• IV helps remove the fat easily as it is suctioned out with the unwanted fat
2. Super-wet technique - This type is similar to tumescent liposuction. The difference is on the amount of fluid used during the procedure. The required fluid solution is equal to the amount of fat to be removed. This procedure requires less time, but may need general anesthesia or sedation with IV.
3. UAL or ultrasound-assisted liposuction - A technique used in the United States since 1996. The ultrasonic waves are used to melt or liquefy the fat cells before they are suctioned out.
   UAL can be used with the tumescent technique as a secondary procedure or for precision contouring.
   UAL takes longer that the super-wet technique.
   There are 2 types of UAL:
• External UAL - is done above the skin's surface with the use of a special emitter
• Internal UAL - is done below the skin's surface with the use of a cannula

Common reasons why people want to undergo liposuction

• For cosmetic/aesthetic reasons such as removal of love handles, fat bulges or abnormal chin line
• To improve sexual function by contouring the thighs
• Body contouring particularly for fat deposits that cannot be removed by exercise and/or diet

Things to remember

• Liposuction is not an alternative for weight loss or to cure obesity. However, it can be used to remove fat on certain areas on different occasions.
• Liposuction is not a treatment for cellulites.
• Liposuction may not be used to remove fatty deposits on the sides of the breasts.

Pre-existing health conditions that need to be checked prior Liposuction

• History of heart disease
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Allergic reactions to anesthesia and other surgical medications
• Pulmonary disease
• Allergies
• Smoking, drug or alcohol abuse

Possible risks

• Shock due to lack of fluid during and/or after surgery
• Fluid overload
• Strep, staph (infections)
• Bleeding
• Hematoma
• Fat embolism (fat in the bloodstream)
• Skin, nerve, organ or tissue damage due to the high temperature required by the instrument
• Asymmetry
• Drug reactions, overdose
• Scarring and bagginess of the skin

Recovery from Liposuction

During recovery, a patient may experience the following:

• Swelling at the liposuctioned area - it is advisable to wear a girdle or tight stocking for 2-3 weeks to reduce the bleeding and to help the contouring process
• Bruising, pain, tingling and numbness may also be experienced - prescription medicines can help alleviate these problems
• Sutures can be removed within 5- 10 days after the surgery
• Antibiotics may be prescribed to avoid infection
• It is advisable to walk soon after the surgery to prevent blood clots in the legs. However, you should avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy loads within a month after your liposuction.
• Around 1-2 weeks after liposuction you will feel much better. It is up to you if you can go back to work as soon as a week. But you must consult your surgeon first before trying.
• Swelling may last for up to several months after the procedure

Post-surgery visits are required to ensure that your body is reacting positively to the procedure. It takes 4 to 6 weeks after liposuction to see the improvement.

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Liposuction Recommended Resources:

University of Virginia Health System

Cornell University