What is liposuction?
Liposuction is the process of removing excess fat deposits in specific areas of the body where patients do not need or want them to be. In many cases, patients benefit the most from liposuction if they are just a few pounds shy of their target weight loss after undergoing rigorous diet and exercise. And, although this process is a great option for patients who want to shed the last few evidences of excess weight, it is not a substitute for conventional weight-loss procedures and should not be used as a substitute in any case.
Who can undergo liposuction?
If patients have a significant and noticeable amount of excess fat that is accumulated in specific parts of their bodies, liposuction may be a good option to get rid of these unwanted deposits. Ideally, patients undergoing this type of procedure must be in good physical health and have no serious illness or other underlying conditions that could complicate the surgery and healing processes. Patients must also have obtained their ideal weight, or at least have a stable weight, prior to the consideration of liposuction. Good skin elasticity and good muscle tone may also contribute to the success of the surgery.
What happens during liposuction?
The type and extent of the perception that is used in each patient will vary from case to case. Often, if there are larger amounts of fat to be removed from the body, patients will be advised to stay in the hospital at least overnight. Smaller amounts of fat removal could be administered as an outpatient procedure and will not require patients to stay in the hospital or clinic.
- The doctor will first administer general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the patient’s preference and on his recommendation.
- When the numbing agent is applied, small incisions will be made on strategic sections of the body, usually along its natural folds and creases to help conceal the scarring later on.
- Depending on the patient’s requirement, doctors may begin the liposuction procedure in one of two ways:
- Tumescent liposuction is the method where in a sterile saline solution infused with an anesthetic agent is injected directly into the indicated area to help loosen the fat and contract the blood vessels to help minimize bleeding during the procedure.
- Ultrasound assisted liposuction is performed by directing waves of ultrasound energy into the indicated areas to facilitate the breakdown of the fat deposits.
- A thin, hollow tube called the cannula will be inserted through the incisions and will be used to suction fat cells out of the trouble areas using a gentle suction action.
- When the required amount of fat has been removed, the incisions will be sutured closed.
What happens during recovery?
The patient may be required to wear compression garments around the treated areas for several days following the liposuction procedure. This will help to reduce the swelling in those areas and provide additional support for the patient during recovery, which may take between two weeks to two months. After this, patients will delight in a slimmer profile with relatively permanent results.
For more details and to find out if you are a candidate for liposuction, please contact our office at 925-820-3633 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Lavey.
