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Common locations for liposuction include chin, cheeks, neck, upper
arms, above breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles.
For larger volumes of fat or for fibrous body areas, ultrasound-assisted
lipoplasty (UAL) may be used. UAL is a new technique in which a ultrasound
probe is inserted beneath the skin to "liquify" the fat before it is suctioned.
Length: 1 to 2 hours or more. UAL: 20-40 percent longer than traditional
liposuction.
Anesthesia: Local, epidural, or general.
In / Outpatient: Usually outpatient. Extensive procedures may require short
inpatient stay.
Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning
sensation. Tumescent: Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. UAL: Larger
incisions for cannula.
Risks: Asymmetry. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Pigmentation changes. Skin
injury. Fluid retention. Excessive fluid loss leading to shock. Infection. UAL:
thermal burn injury caused by the heat from the ultrasound device.
Recovery: Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks.
Full recovery from swelling and bruising: 1 to 6 months or more. Use of
tumescent technique or UAL may decrease post-operative bruising and swelling.
Duration Of Results: Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY:
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, determine
where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Your surgeon
will explain the body-contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you.
For example, if you believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, you may
learn that an abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" may more effectively meet your
goals; or that a combination of traditional liposuction and UAL would be the
best choice for you. Be frank in discussing your expectations with your
surgeon. He or she should be equally frank with you, describing the procedure
in detail and explaining its risks and limitations.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY:
After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the
incisions. Occasionally, a small drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin
for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up. To control swelling and to help
your skin better fit its new contours, you may be fitted with a snug elastic
garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Your doctor may also
prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Don't expect to look or feel great
right after surgery. Even though the newer techniques are believed to reduce
some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning,
swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with
medications prescribed by your surgeon, though you may still feel stiff and
sore for a few days. It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the
days or weeks following surgery. However, this feeling will subside as you
begin to look and feel better.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL:
Healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will probably tell you to start
walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood
clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after about a
week or two and you should be back at work within a few days following your
surgery. The stitches are removed or dissolve on their own within the first
week to 10 days. Activity that is more strenuous should be avoided for about a
month as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and
swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some swelling may remain for
six months or more. Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your
progress and to see if any additional procedures are needed. If you have any
unusual symptoms between visits -- for example, heavy bleeding or a sudden
increase in pain -- or any questions about what you can and can't do, call your
doctor.
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