Liposuction is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure to treat areas of excess fat and is meant to improve body contours. Plastic surgeons say the best liposuction candidates have fat deposits that don't go away with diet and exercise, and for patients with good skin elasticity and no excess skin. Liposuction is not a weight loss method. The total amount of fat removed is typically under 10 pounds.
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How Liposuction is performed
- The basic technique of liposuction involves the removal of fat via a hollow metal tube (cannula) that is passed through the fatty tissue.
- One of the most common types of liposuction involves the aspiration of fat by attaching a pump that generates a vacuum. This is known as suction assisted liposuction (SAL).
- In addition, a motor may be used on the cannula that causes the cannula to vacillate back and forth thus performing much of the “work” of liposuction know as power assisted liposuction (PAL).
- An ultrasonic generator may produce sound waves above audible frequency that “breaks” the fat cells and the broken down fat is removed by SAL.
- A laser can also be employed to break down the fat cells. Each of the methods has advantages and disadvantages.
These methods will be discussed with you at the time of the consultation. Additionally, the above techniques may be combined to yield optimal results.
Who should consider Liposuction?
When considering Liposuction surgery as an option, the best candidates typically have one or both of the following conditions:
- Areas of fat deposits that are out of proportion with the rest of your body and do not go away with diet and exercise – so called “diet resistant fat”
- Areas with minimal amounts of excess skin (Liposuction removes fat not skin) and good skin elasticity
- Liposuction surgery is equally effective for both men and women.
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Stomach
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Buttocks
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Hips
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Love Handles
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Saddlebags
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Thighs
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Calves
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Ankles
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Breasts
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Back
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Arms
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Neck
Liposuction prices
Like any plastic surgery procedure, liposuction prices are determined by many factors:
- How many areas are treated
- How long the liposuction takes
- Where the liposuction surgery is performed (hospital, office surgery center, outpatient surgery center)
- Surgeon experience
- Location (reflects salaries for staff, rent, cost of doing business)
Cheaper is not necessarily better, as there is strong competition and some practitioners may have learned their liposuction skills in a weekend course. Experience counts. See the community postings of Liposuction prices paid
Liposuction consultation: what to ask the plastic surgeon
In addition to your surgeon conducting a medical history and physical examination, your doctor consultation is the time to ask questions. See 15 questions you must ask during your Liposuction consultation.
- You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history including previous surgeries, past and present medical conditions, allergies and current medications. It is important for you to provide complete information. High blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, etc. should be reviewed as these medical conditions may increase some risks associated with surgery.
- During the initial consultation, you may be asked to look in a mirror and point out exactly what you would like to see improved.
- Photos may be taken of you, especially if the areas that will be treated are on your posterior aspect (back, buttock, etc.). This will help your plastic surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they can realistically be achieved.
- A determination of the elasticity of the skin will also occur.
- A discussion concerning your ideal weight and realistic weight will most likely occur. Plans such as future pregnancies, etc. may be discussed.
Preparing for liposuction
- If you are a smoker, it is recommended to stop smoking well in advance of liposuction surgery since smoking can impair the healing process.
- Certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding such as Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and some vitamins/homeopathic regimens should be discontinued before undergoing liposuction surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
During liposuction surgery
Your liposuction surgery may be performed in an accredited hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite. Medications will be administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Frequently, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are used for patients undergoing liposuction surgery, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. For your safety during the operation, various monitors are used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
After liposuction surgery
When the liposuction surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. You will most likely be wearing a compression garment (see recommended brands), usually used to help “shrink” the skin. After surgery many patients say that the area feels sore, as if they underwent a vigorous work out. You probably will be permitted to go home after a short period of observation, although some patients may stay overnight in the hospital or surgical facility.
Liposuction recovery
First few days: You should rest quietly and if you can elevate the body part, it is usually suggested that you do so. Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications. You most likely will wear a garment. If it is too tight you should promptly notify your surgeon. During the first 48 hours following surgery, patients experience varying degrees of swelling and bruising. The swelling persists longer. Straining, bending over and lifting should be avoided during the early postoperative period.
7 - 10 days after surgery: Bruising typically disappears within seven to ten days. Stitches are usually removed within a week of surgery. In many instances, you will be able to resume most of your normal activities within ten days or less.
Swelling after liposuction can last up to 6 months since Liposuction is a very traumatic procedure for the tissues.
Results: what to expect from liposuction
Liposuction surgery usually improves contours. In some instances it may be used in a circumferential fashion, thinning an area.
Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait at least several months to get an accurate picture of the results of your surgery.
The small incisions used for access of the instrument known as a cannula, will fade over a number of months usually becoming barely visible.
The results of liposuction surgery are usually long-lasting, but they may be affected by weight gain, aging, pregnancy and lifestyle factors.
Potential liposuction risks and side effects
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, significant complications from liposuction surgery are infrequent.
Liposuction surgery is one of the two most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Most often this surgery is performed without experiencing any major problem.
The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon, or with a staff member in your surgeon's office. The risks in most surgeries are similar.
Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include:
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Changes in sensation
- Scarring
- Allergic reactions
- Damage to underlying structures
- Need for revisions
- Unsatisfactory results, possibly necessitating additional procedures and medical risks
Other risks more specific to Liposuction may include indentations and irregularities.You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after your Liposuction surgery.
Liposuction content furnished by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and plastic surgeons active in the RealSelf.com community
Last modified 2 days ago