Liposuction
Liposuction is a contouring procedure that removes bulges to blend body outlines more aesthetically. Age, heredity and hormonal factors sometimes counteract our best efforts to attain the type of physical appearance we desire. Surgery, when indicated, can be combined with a program of fitness and nutrition to achieve and maintain long lasting results. Liposuction removes excess localized fat deposits through tiny incisions using small tubes called cannulae. The overlying skin shrinks or contracts to fit your new contour.
The tumescent technique is used in which large volumes of fluid containing anesthetic and a blood vessel constrictor are placed directly into the fat compartment to be treated. This enables a more even removal of fat and decreases any blood loss as well as providing extended pain relief. Incisions less than a half inch long are made in concealed areas and small suction tubes are inserted to reach the target fat deposit. The tube or cannula is then passed back and forth until an appropriate amount of fat has been removed. The entire bulging area is treated in this fashion, carefully removing small amounts at a time, and constantly checking fat thickness and contour as suctioning proceeds.
You will have some swelling, bruising, and numbness over the
areas that have been suctioned although you will see an
immediate contour change. Most patients experience minimal
discomfort, but there may be a few days of soreness,
tightness, or fullness. An elastic compression garment is
worn for 2-4 weeks following the procedure. The swelling and
bruising usually resolve in 2-3 weeks or sooner coinciding
with a gradual return of sensation. Patients are able to
return to work in 3-4 days and resume exercise in 2 weeks or
less. Contour definition and skin contraction will continue
to occur over 4 months, at which point the final result is
evident. The results of liposuction are permanent as long as
you keep your weight stable.
