What is liposuction?
Table of Contents
Introduction
Liposuction, also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, is the surgical removal of localized or regional excess fatty tissue. There are three common variations to the procedure:
- Traditional liposuction, simply defined as surgical suctioning of excess fat deposits.
- The tumescent or super-wet technique that requires an infusion of saline solution, with added adrenaline and possibly anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat.
- Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty or UAL, where ultrasonic energy is used to liquefy excess fat prior to surgical suctioning.
These techniques may be used to reduce localized fat deposits of the:
- cheeks, chin and neck
- upper arms
- breast or chest area
- back
- abdomen and waist
- hips and buttocks
- thighs
- inner knee
- calves and ankles
In some cases, liposuction is performed alone; in other cases it is used with plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift, male or female breast reduction, or a tummy tuck. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite, the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks.
Liposuction can, however, permanently reshape body contours where excess fatty deposits create areas that are disproportionately large in an otherwise balanced figure. Ideal candidates for liposuction are adults of any age within 30% of their ideal weight and with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone. Good candidates are defined as:
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring
Special considerations may be necessary for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or previous surgery to the treatment area.
Where to begin
A consultation with Dr. Haas is the first step to learn how liposuction can improve body contours by removing excess localized fat deposits. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about liposuction in a non-pressured environment and will include a discussion of:
- Your goals and an evaluation of your individual case
- The options available in surgical liposuction
- The likely outcomes of liposuction and any risks or potential complications
- The course of treatment recommended
- Honestly share your expectations
- Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Commit to precisely following all of Dr. Haas’ instructions
- Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
- Day of surgery instructions and medications
- Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
- Postoperative care and follow-up
- How to care for the surgical site
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
- Specific changes at the surgical site or in overall health
- When to follow-up with our office
Dr. Haas and our experienced staff will answer your questions.
Evaluation
Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of body contouring with liposuction. These will be carefully evaluated during the consultation. The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction require that you:
Safety
By making the decision to consult with Dr. Haas and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.
Dr. Haas is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery®. This certification designates surgeons who are specifically trained in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.
Your liposuction
Liposuction is a highly individualized procedure that requires careful consideration of your specific concerns and the areas in which you desire improvement. An evaluation of skin tone and elasticity, as well as fat density and distribution will determine appropriate techniques for your specific case.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure. All liposuction techniques require incisions in or near the area to be suctioned for insertion of a slim hollow tube called a cannula. In some cases, incisions may be so small that no stitches are required for closure. Once the cannula tip has loosened excess fat, the fat is removed using a surgical vacuum or powered suction device. An alternative method uses a syringe attached to the cannula to manually suction away fat.
Manual suctioning with a syringe is more commonly used when areas of fat removal are small and very isolated, or when it is planned that fat will be processed and reinjected in other areas of the body. The procedure is called fat grafting and may be used to fill in wrinkles or hollow areas of the face or depressions appearing anywhere on the face or body.
Where large amounts are suctioned from one area, compression garments may assist during the healing process to help skin conform to the reduced body contours. Secondary procedures may sometimes be recommended to reduce excess skin. Special considerations are needed.
Characteristics that can be addressed with liposuction include a double chin, fatty upper arms, enlarged male or female breasts, love handles and excess fat in the abdomen.
In addition, liposuction can recontour the lower body: hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles, creating a slimmer and better-proportioned figure.
Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions that are hidden within the natural creases and contours of the body. A thin hollow tube, a cannula is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.
Your improved body contour will be apparent once the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subside. With continued practices of healthy diet and fitness, the loss of excess fatty tissue should be permanently maintained. However, substantial weight gain can alter an otherwise permanent result.
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Liposuction
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Characteristics that can be addressed with liposuction include a double chin, fatty upper arms, enlarged male or female breasts, love handles and excess fat in the abdomen. In addition, liposuction can recontour the lower body: hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles, creating a slimmer and better-proportioned figure. |
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Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions that are hidden within the natural creases and contours of the body. A thin hollow tube, a cannula is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula. |
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Your improved body contour will be apparent once the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subside. With continued practices of healthy diet and fitness, the loss of excess fatty tissue should be permanently maintained. However, substantial weight gain can alter an otherwise permanent result. |
Preparing for surgery
Dr. Haas and our experienced team will carefully explain the liposuction procedure you will undergo. Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:
In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure us that you fully understand the procedure and any potential risks or complications.
Possible risks of liposuction include uneven contours, rippling or loose skin, skin or nerve damage, irregular pigmentation, infection at the surgical site, fat clots, blood clots, excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation. In addition there is risk of thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the UAL technique. All surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. These and other risks will be fully discussed prior to your procedure and consent.
It is natural to feel some anxiety, excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. Please share any concerns or questions with us.
What to expect
Liposuction may be performed in our JCAHO-accredited, office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure. Dr. Haas and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.
Following surgery
Once your procedure is completed, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas. These assist to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours. In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess fluid. Before you are released following surgery, you and an accompanying family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:
Progress and healing
Initial healing will include swelling, numbness, soreness, bruising and discomfort that can be controlled with medication. These are common conditions.
Dr. Haas will provide specific postoperative instructions based on the technique and extent of your procedure. These will include instructions on the use of any compression garments, expected return to activity and appropriate care of incisions. Follow all instructions carefully; this is essential for a successful outcome. In general, a return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready and is encouraged to prevent blood clots and other complications.
Initial wound healing may take from five to ten days, at which time any sutures will be removed, if necessary. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling continues to dissipate. Incision lines will improve over time. Continue to follow Dr. Haas’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled. You will be encouraged to control your weight, as significant weight gain can reverse your results.
Results and outlook
It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.
The fulfillment you feel from the initial results of liposuction should continue so long as you maintain your weight and practice a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well and regular physical activity. Following liposuction, your slimmer and better-proportioned body should more accurately reflect the healthy, active life you lead.
