Liposuction - technically known as lipoplasty- one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for the last 30 years is a proven technique which extracts the stubborn fat cells from certain areas of the body in order to give overall body a more beautiful shape.
Liposuction works best for areas of the face and body with stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to overall weight loss.
Treatable Areas of the Face and Body
Here are some of the areas that respond well to liposuction:
- Thighs
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Flanks
- Hips
- Upper Arms
- Chin
- Jowels
- Neck
Men and women may also choose liposuction to reduce their breast size, a procedure that results in less scarring than other types of plastic surgery. Liposuction for different areas can be performed back to back.
The Liposuction Procedure
Before starting the liposuction procedure, the surgeon identifies and marks the specific areas where the fat deposits are expected to be removed. In most cases, it is not vital to use general anesthesia. Instead of this, a sedative - that allows the patient to remain awake - is used along with local anesthesia that numbs the treatment area.
To start, the cosmetic surgeon makes small incisions about half the size of a dime.
Then the surgeon injects a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and other medicals. This solution makes fat deposits to break up easier and remove fast. The injection of the fluids also helps minimize trauma to the tissue in the treatment area by helping reduce swelling and pain after the operation. In addition to this, the solutions help decrease bleeding.
After these procedures, the surgeon inserts a thin suction tube - technically known as a cannula - into the fatty area, loosens the fat deposits, and sculpts the body figure into the desired proportions. Fatty tissue is removed at the same time with a powerful vacuum that is attached to the cannula.
Ten Questions Every Liposuction Patient Should Ask The Surgeon
In an effort to educate the patient about liposuction and to assist them in formulating realistic expectations, it is recommended that the patient see numerous before and after photographs, speak with liposuction patients and ask the questions below:
1. Are the desired results I described to you realistic?
2. Where is the liposuction procedure performed and how long will it take?
3. In my case, what liposuction technique is most appropriate?
4. What kind of anesthesia will the surgeon use during the surgery?
5. How much does liposuction cost and what elements factor into that cost (i.e., hospital fee, anesthesia,etc)?
6. What is the surgeon's level of experience in performing liposuction?
7. What percentage of patients experience complications with liposuction?
8. What is the surgeon's policy in regards to correcting or repeating the procedure if the liposuction does not meet agreed upon goals?
9. What should I expect, post-operatively, in terms of soreness, scaring, activity level, etc?
10. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, or suspended?
Results
Though all of the results won't be fully evident until after a few months post-operation, there will be some dramatic results immediately afterwards. Up to ten pounds of fat can be removed during the operation, that can provide a difference if the treated areas have been chosen wisely by the surgeon and patient. Swelling and bruising will delay the full expected results until the body has recovered and gotten used to the new loss of fat, taking up to six months before a patient may feel fully back to normal.
