Liposuction Procedure Details

LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE

Typically performed on an outpatient basis, liposuction can last between 30 minutes to four hours depending on the amount of fat removed, the number of areas treated, and the technique performed. The most common techniques include tumescent and ultrasound assisted liposuction.

Tumescent Liposuction

Using a mixture of local anesthetic and adrenaline, a special solution called tumescent fluid is created. This fluid is inserted into the treated area through tiny access points. It helps numb the treated areas, control bleeding, and reacts with your fat, making it easier to remove. The fat is then suctioned out through a blunt tubular instrument called a cannula.

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (or UAL)

The UAL technique uses ultrasound energy to literally melt your fat. Tumescent fluid is first injected, and then special probes that emit ultrasound energy react with the fat to liquefy it. The liquefied fat is then suctioned through tiny incisions using a cannula

LIPOSUCTION PREPARATION

During your consultation, you should be very open: provide all your medical history and list all of the medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking (even if you don't think they're important).

Here are some tips that may help you reduce scarring, shorten your recovery time, and decrease your changes of complications:

• Discontinue using Aspirin or Ibuprofen (these medications act as blood thinners and could cause problems with blood clotting).
• Stop smoking for at least two weeks before your surgery as nicotine can impair circulation and healing.
• Don't drink alcohol in excess for at least two weeks before your surgery, and one week after surgery.
• Drink lots of water in the days leading up to your procedure.

To make your recovery easier and more comfortable, be sure to:

• Arrange for someone to take you home and take care of you for at least the first day.
• Fill your prescriptions and have them within easy reach of where you will be resting.

LIPOSUCTION POST-PROCEDURE

You should expect some bruising, swelling, and pain after your procedure. If you feel you've lost sensation in the areas treated, don't be alarmed. As your nerves begin to regenerate, feeling and sensation should return to normal. Swelling may linger for as long as several months. Pain medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort, however, if you begin to have severe pain, contact us immediately.

The recovery process is different for everyone, but within a day after your liposuction, you should be up walking around. Excess tumescent fluid will most likely drain from the access points for the first day or two and you may even experience a little bleeding. You may shower on the second or third day following your surgery. Depending on the number of areas treated, you may need to be out of work and away from your usual activities for the first week. Over the next two or three weeks you treated areas may remain very sensitive and strenuous physical activities should be limited. You will also need to wear a special compression garment for up to a month to help ensure a good contour to your treated areas. Following this period you may gradually return to activities such as lifting, exercise, and sex. Avoid any high impact activities for about a month. In particular, you should avoid jogging and bouncing activities for up to six weeks. These precautions will help you avoid stress to your treated areas and allow time for your tissue to heal and recover. All liposuction procedures are performed using small incisions, about the width of your smallest finger, so any scarring will be minimal.

The results of your liposuction are usually best seen after several weeks. Your treated areas should look great and retain their sculpted appearance for as long as you remain the same weight. If you gain weight, you will generally gain it in areas other than those that were liposuctioned.