Liposuction

Procedure

Liposuction is a procedure in which localized deposits of fat are removed to re-contour one or more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out.

The suction action is provided via a vacuum pump or a large syringe, depending on the surgeon's preference. Carefully sculpting contour of the body is the key of success because the fat under skin must be removed and the remaining fat tissue has to be kept smooth
and in thinner layer. After the surgery is complete, pressure dressing must be worn to the suction site to keep body contour in desired shape.

The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique used. Fluid is lost along with the fat, and it's crucial that this fluid be replaced during the procedure to prevent shock. For this reason, patients need to be carefully monitored and receive intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery.

Technique Variations

There are several liposuction techniques that can be used to improve the ease of the procedure and to enhance outcome.

• Fluid Injection, a technique in which a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed, is commonly used by plastic surgeons today. The fluid, a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels), helps the fat be removed more easily, reduces blood loss and provides anesthesia during and after surgery. Fluid injection also helps to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery.

• Tumescent Liposuction, is typically performed on patients who need only a local anesthetic and usually takes significantly longer than traditional liposuction (sometimes as long as 4 to 5hours). Large volumes of fluid (as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed) are injected in this technique. Because the injected fluid contains an adequate amount of anesthetic, additional anesthesia may not be necessary.

Hospital Admission

2 nights

Potential Risks & Complications

Our team and our plastic surgeons take every precaution possible to prevent and minimize the risks of surgery. However, much of the responsibility for risk avoidance rests with the patient as well.

Risks of General Anesthesia

The risks of general anesthesia include human error, unsuspected inherited hypersensitivity to anesthetic drugs, accidental overdose of anesthesia, any undetected airway disconnection or airway blockage. General anesthesia, which increases the risk of vomiting and impairs protective airway reflexes, can cause aspiration of stomach contents.

Some of the problem areas which can be treated with liposuction.