| Q #1: |
What is Liposuction Surgery? |
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Liposuction is the removal of unwanted bulges created by excess localized fat deposits. These form due to hereditary factors (family traits) and gender (male versus female). A cannula is inserted through a tiny skin incision, placed in an inconspicuous location, and attached to a vacuum pump. |
| Q #2: |
What is Liposuction by the Tumescent Technique? |
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The Tumescent Technique uses large volumes of a dilute solution of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, in combination with the drug epinephrine, which temporarily shrinks the capillaries. The Tumescent Liposuction is so effective that patients no longer need narcotic analgesics or general anesthesia. Postoperative discomfort is minimized since the local anesthesia remains in the treated areas for approximately 18-24 hours after surgery. Patients usually require nothing more than Tylenol for post-operative discomfort. The Tumescent Technique dramatically reduces both bleeding during surgery, and the postoperative bruising and swelling as compared to liposuction by general anesthesia. In fact, there is so little blood loss that the patient usually loses more blood for pre-operative laboratory tests than during the actual liposuction surgery. Minimal bleeding reduces the post-operative recovery time. Most patients can return to work and resume exercising within a day or 2 after surgery. An elastic support garment is usually recommended for 24 hours/day for the first 4 days, then daily or nightly for 2-3 weeks after. |
| Q #3: |
Which areas are treated? |
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The most common area treated is the outer thigh in women, commonly referred to as “saddle bags” or “riding breeches.” The second most common area is the abdomen followed by the flanks (love handles) in men. Other areas treated are double chins and jowls, hips, buttocks, thighs and ankles. For men this procedure can be used to correct gynecomastia (enlarged breasts). |
| Q #4: |
Who is a good candidate for Liposuction? |
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Athletic individuals who are already on an exercise program and of normal body weight are considered ideal for this treatment. Usually they have done just about everything possible to lose the unwanted localized fat accumulation. Patients can be moderately over-weight and still be candidates for this surgery. In general, the most important thing is that they have realistic expectations of what can be achieved. Age by itself is not a significant factor. Many patients who are in there 70's have been delighted with the outcome. The patients should be in good health without significant medical problems. This technique is not a substitute for weight loss; however, many overweight patients can be happy with an improvement in contour. There is a limit as to how much fat can be removed safely at one time. |
| Q #5: |
Is this a dangerous procedure? |
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As with any surgical procedure, liposuction is associated with certain expected side effects such as bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness. Although irregularities of the skin are possible following liposuction, this side effect is minimized by the tumescent technique. As judged by current worldwide experience, liposuction is amazingly safe. Serious complications such as blood clots, infection and allergic reactions are extremely rare.
Most of the dangers associated with surgery are related to the type of anesthesia that is used. Surgery of the skin and subcutaneous fat is safest using local anesthesia with the patient awake. IV sedation with an anesthesiologist is a good choice for the patient who wishes to be detached from the procedure. General anesthesia is rarely indicated. |
Q #6: |
Where is Tumescent liposuction surgery performed? |
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This is usually an in-office procedure. Oral medication may be used to decrease nervousness (anxiety) before the procedure for patients who wish to be sedated. The surgicenter located in our building offers options of heavier medication or IV sedation with an anesthesiologist. |
Q #7: |
What is the recovery time? |
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The recovery time varies with how many areas are treated and the type of activity the patient intends to resume. Most patients are performing routine duties after two days, but in some cases five or six days of “recovery time” may be necessary. Soreness is minimal for the first 24 hours and peaks between 3 and 5 days after surgery. Extra-strength Tylenol is usually sufficient to control the discomfort. A few patients may request stronger pain medications. |
Q #8: |
Will there be bandages? |
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Special compressing garments are worn under clothing usually 24 hours daily for four days, then 12 hours daily for an additional 2 weeks. Gauze, sanitary napkins, or diapers are used for the first several days to absorb the drainage of anesthetic fluid. In some areas, a special tape may be applied to the skin. Patients who have the neck done will wear a chinstrap for one to several days. |
| Q #9: |
Will the fat regrow? |
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Once puberty is reached, no new fat cells develop. The fat cells either swell or shrink in size depending on weight gain or loss. When fat cells are removed from a treated area they do not return. Liposuction surgery is, indeed, the only true spot reducer. The patient's new, more pleasing silhouette is permanent. If weight is later gained or lost, the change tends to be distributed proportionately over the entire body. |
| Q #10: |
What will happen to the excess skin? |
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Skin is a dynamic organ, which has elasticity and in most cases is able to shrink and re-accommodate to the new body contour. Those who are poor candidates for Liposuction surgery because of decreased skin elasticity can have the excess skin removed if they so desire at a later date. In our experience this is almost never necessary. |
| Q #11: |
Can the procedure be repeated |
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Yes. There is a maximum limit to the amount of fat that can be extracted during any one operation. You may want to have more removed at another time. |
| Q #12: |
When will I notice the results? |
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About 90% of patients can actually see at least some improvement in their silhouette by one week after surgery. However, because of the slow resolution of post-surgical swelling, the ultimate results following liposuction usually require 3 to 6 months to be achieved. |
| Q #13: |
Will I lose weight? |
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Weight loss may be minimal because fat weighs very little. The difference will be seen primarily in the way your clothes fit you. You will probably lose inches and look slimmer. The appearance of cellulite is occasionally improved. In general, body weight may remain the same if diet and exercise levels remain unchanged. This is not an answer to weight problems. |
| Q #14: |
What are the alternatives? |
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Although diet and exercise help with weight reduction, the body's shape may stay relatively the same without liposuction. Direct surgical removal such as a tummy tuck is possible, but may result in large scars. The last alternative is to elect no treatment - leave “well enough” alone. |
| Q #15: |
What are the limitations of liposuction? |
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Areas of cellulite may be changed little by liposuction. Everyone is asymmetrical- symmetry may not result from this procedure. Although the results of liposuction are often quite impressive, it is not realistic to expect perfection. Most patients achieve 60 to 80 percent improvement; however, a patient should be willing to accept 50 percent improvement in order to be considered a candidate for liposuction. |
