Liposuction Information
Background on liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States today. Many of us fight with unsightly fatty deposits that no manner of diet or exercise will reduce, leaving us frustrated and upset about our appearance. Surgically sculpting the fat around the waist, hips, thighs, arms, and chin can remove stubborn fat and enhance the natural curves and contours of the body. Imagine the look and feel of being able to wear your old wardrobe, or the thrill of shopping for clothes in a size you never dreamt of wearing. Liposuction can make these dreams a reality.Best candidates for lipoplasty
The best candidates for liposuction or lipoplasty procedures are people of normal weight with firm skin but have pockets of extra fat in some areas of their bodies. It is important for candidates for liposuction or any form of plastic surgery to have realistic expectations about the benefits of the procedure. Additionally, potential patients should be physically healthy and psychologically stable. The age of the patient is not a major consideration, as the procedure is commonly performed on people of all ages.Uncertainty and risk of liposuction
Any surgical procedure carries certain risks and uncertainty. Your plastic surgeon will fully explain any concerns with you during your consultation.Planning for liposuction
During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will begin planning your treatment. Your health and needs will be evaluated and the different body sculpting methods will be explained by your doctor. It is important to be open and honest with your doctor so that an appropriate course of action can be planned that will realize your expectations of what the surgery will provide.Preparing for liposuction
Prior to surgery, your doctor will provide you with specific instructions and guidelines regarding eating, drinking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. It is imperative to follow these guidelines, as deviating from them may result in complications or a postponement in the operation. Additionally, it is important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure as it is dangerous to operate a motor vehicle after being under anesthesia.Where the liposuction surgery is performed
Liposuction/lipoplasty may be performed in an outpatient surgery center, a hospital, or a surgeon's office facility. An overnight stay in a hospital may be required for more complicated procedures, but smaller-volume liposuction is typically done on an outpatient basis.Types of anesthesia
There are a variety of different anesthesia options for liposuction procedures. Under some circumstances, the operation can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but many patients prefer general anesthesia so they are completely asleep during the procedure. You will work with your plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate form of anesthesia for you and your needs.How the liposuction surgery is performed
Liposuction is a procedure where specific fat deposits are removed to reshape an area of one's body. There are several different methods of accomplishing this, but the basic goal is the same. It is important to educate yourself on the different forms of liposuction so that you can have a conversation with your plastic surgeon about the various options available and choose one that suits you best.Post-op/Recovery
After liposuction, some fluid drainage occurs from the incisions made during the operation. To control swelling and help skin fit its new shape, some patients are fitted with an elastic garment to wear over the affected area for several weeks. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery, allowing most patients to return to work less than one week after the operation. Healing is a gradual process, and over time swelling decreases. After four to six weeks you will look and feel like a brand new person. Your changes can be permanent, provided you maintain a healthy diet and get regular exercise.Liposuction Methods
Liposuction ProceduresLiposuction or lipoplasty is the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure today. It involves removing excess fat from specific areas of the body and can help patients achieve the figure they have always wanted. Technology has advanced to make this form of plastic surgery safer and more effective than ever before, with several different liposuction approaches currently in practice. To determine the best approach for you it is important to discuss your goals and expectations with your plastic surgeon. Together, you will be able to evaluate the different options and plan a treatment that is appropriate for your needs.
Tumescent Lipoplasty
/Superwet Liposuction
One of the most innovative techniques many surgeons are embracing is called tumescent or superwet liposuction. In this procedure, anesthetic liquid is injected before surgery which numbs the area and inhibits blood flow to the tissues. As the fluid enters the fat, it causes it to swell and become firm or "tumesced," which allows the suction tube to enter the skin easier and remove the fat more safely. This technique virutually eliminates blood loss and may be used anywhere in the body.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty
(UAL)
New technology has revolutionized many common cosmetic surgery procedures. One of the most innovative technologies is called Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty, or UAL. In traditional liposuction, fat is simply sucked out of the body through a tube inserted through a small incision. UAL modifies the procedure somewhat by using a tube, called a probe, which produces ultrasonic energy that causes the fat cells to gently liquefy. The liquid fat is much easier to manage, and makes removing fat in fibrous areas much less difficult. UAL is useful in places with more fibrous or denser tissue, such as the back, upper abdomen, or male breast region.
LySonix® UltraSculpt™
UltraSculpt™ is a new device that uses recent and safe technology to delicately reform areas of the body with a decreased level of trauma. UltraSculpt™ utilizes LySonix® technology to gently liquefy and remove fat from the most sensitive and delicate areas of the body. UltraSculpt™ is exceptionally accurate and gentle, and is quickly gaining popularity among plastic surgery patients and doctors. When you discuss liposuction/lipoplasty with your doctor, ask him or her about the UltraSculpt™ device and the potential benefits it could have for you.
VASER® LipoSelection
LipoSelection by VASER® is a plastic surgery process that results in less bruising, more accurate sculpting, and faster recovery than traditional methods of liposuction. LipoSelection distributes ultrasonic energy to break up fat and transform it into a liquid. VASER® 's system is extremely gentle, so unwanted fat can be removed from anywhere on the body including sensitive areas like the thighs, neck and chin. The benefits of VASER® 's LipoSelection system can be very impressive. Ask your plastic surgeon about LipoSelection when you discuss liposuction/lipoplasty with him or her.
Power-Assisted Liposuction
(PAL)
Power-assisted liposuction employs special equipment to provide power to the cannula, which lessens the amount of physical work the plastic surgeon must do during surgery. With this procedure, the tip of the cannula vibrates at a rapid speed, loosening fat cells so they can be gently suctioned away. Power-assisted liposuction has the benefits of increased safety, decreased anesthesia time, quicker recovery, less bruising, and greater accuracy. This form of liposuction has adapted recent technological advances for you to benefit from. Talk to your plastic surgeon about power-assisted liposuction today.
Non-Surgical
Recent Technological developments have lead to the push for non-surgical alternatives to traditional liposuction. These procedures promise to be less invasive than current practices with fewer side effects and a quicker recovery time. There are several key products that have been created and tested, but none are widely utilized yet. However, each of these alternatives holds promise for patients contemplating the most common plastic surgery procedure-the removal of excess fat.
Laser Lipolisis
Laser Lipolisis is a procedure that has recently been developed in Italy. In Laser Lipolisis, a fiber optic laser that targets fat is inserted through very small incisions in the body. After struck by the laser, fat is absorbed and excreted as waste by the body. During the procedure a popping sound can be heard, but Laser Lipolisis seems to be effective at removing excess fat and in some cases cellulite. However, because the procedure is still new and hasn't gained much popularity it may be difficult to find a surgeon who offers this technique in the United Sates.
LipoSonix: SonoSculpt
LipoSonix is a company that has developed SonoSculpt, a product that uses high-intensity ultrasound technology to remove fat. The procedure is non-invasive and selective when targeting fat deposits. This new technology is exciting for patients who are reluctant to undergo a surgical operation like liposuction to remove excess fat. However, approval and widespread use for LipoSonix's SonoSculpt has yet to been realized.
UltraShape™
UltraShape™ is a machine that melts fat using high frequency ultrasound paddles. These paddles are external to the body, so it is a non-surgical option for removing fat. The excess liquefied fat is absorbed by the body and removed naturally. The procedure reports no pain, no bruising, no bleeding, and no risk of infection or burn. However, only small amounts of fat can be removed in each UltraShape™ session and the procedure is not yet widely available.
Liposuction/Lipoplasty Statistics
- Liposuction is the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure.
- There are over 800,000 procedures worldwide every year.
- The majority of patients who undergo liposuction later report increases in levels of self-esteem, confidence, and comfort in clothes.
- In 2004, 51% of total liposuction procedures were performed on patients aged 35-50.
- 28% of procedures were performed on patients aged 19-34
- 18% of procedures were performed on patients aged 51-64
- 2% of procedures were performed on patients aged 65 and over
- 1% of procedures were performed on patients aged 18 and younger.
- 90% of all liposuction patients in 2004 were women.
- 10% of all liposuction patients in 2004 were men.
- 10% of all liposuction patients in 2004 were men.
Liposuction Questions and Answers
Who is a good candidate for liposuction/lipoplasty?
The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have areas of excess fat in certain parts of their bodies. Potential patients for this type of plastic surgery should be in good physical and psychological health with realistic expectations.
How does my plastic surgeon evaluate me?
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with an initial consultation to evaluate your health and determine the steps to take in your liposuction/lipoplasty procedure. There are different treatment approaches that can be used to fit the needs of different patients. Therefore, during your evaluation it is important for you to be open with your doctor about your expectations and concerns regarding plastic surgery.
What should I do to prepare for liposuction surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding how to prepare for your liposuction. Before undergoing any surgery you should alert your doctor to any medications you are taking or any health conditions you may be afflicted with. With your doctor's help, you will be prepared both physically and mentally for the liposuction procedure.
What will happen on the day of the lipoplasty surgery?
Liposuction may take place in a surgeon's office facility, in an outpatient surgery center, or in a hospital. The amount of time required to perform liposuction can vary significantly depending on the patient's needs (typically 1-6 hours), and there are several techniques commonly practiced to ensure a successful operation. Depending on the extent of the operation, your doctor may choose to use a local anesthetic, sedation, or general anesthesia to make you as comfortable as possible. Have a conversation with your plastic surgeon to determine exactly what will take place on the day of your liposuction.
What types of techniques are used?
The basic liposuction technique removes localized fat deposits to recontour an area of the body. Fat is removed from the body through a tiny well-hidden incision in the skin in all techniques, but there are several different methods used to perform this process. These methods are named tumescence (also known as the "wet" technique), ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), and power-assisted liposuction (PAL). Your plastic surgeon will work with you to determine which method fits your needs and goals.
What are the initial results of the liposuction surgery?
Immediately following the liposuction procedure, it is not uncommon for patients to experience some fluid drainage from the incisions made to remove excess fat. Additionally, some patients are fitted with an elastic garment to wear of treated areas to control swelling and allow the skin to readjust to its new shape. New techniques have been developed to reduce some post-operative inconveniences, but some patients may still experience some soreness and discomfort.
When can I pursue my normal activities again?
Most people begin to feel better within a week or two after the liposuction operation and are able to work within a few days following the surgery. It is essential to be up and walking immediately following the procedure, as constant circulation is essential to promote good healing. However, healing from any form of plastic surgery is a gradual process and you should avoid strenuous activity for about a month as your body adjusts to its new form.
What are the risks of liposuction/lipoplasty?
Liposuction today is safer and more effective than ever before. Your plastic surgeon will discuss any potential risks with you during your consultation.
How long will the benefits of liposuction/lipoplasty last?
The benefits of liposuction are permanent as long as your weight remains consistent. You will observe a noticeable difference in your body contour and shape soon after the surgery, and the final contour will be visible after a few months. With realistic expectations and proper body maintenance, you can be satisfied with the results of your plastic surgery for many years to come.
If fat is removed, will it grow back or accumulate elsewhere?
Once the fat is removed, a healthy lifestyle is important to retain the results of the procedure. If a patient gains weight, it will be equally distributed throughout the body.