Liposuction

The technical term for this procedure is suction lipectomy or suction assisted lipectomy. This procedure permanently removes fat deposits by sucking them out. It is used to reduce fullness in any area of the body.

Good skin elasticity permits the skin to shrink easily to the reduced contour ("tightening effect"). It is an excellent method of spot reduction but is not an effective method of weight loss.

Liposuction is permanently effective because the fat cells removed will never come back ( "this is a permanent body sculpting" ). Your existing fat cells will enlarge everywhere, but your body will stay sculpted. If you are in good health and have one or more pockets of fat that are larger than the surrounding areas and that are resistant to diet and exercise, then you are a good candidate for this procedure.

I use the tumescent technique. It involves the injection beneath the skin of large volumes of saline solution, containing lidocaine (local anesthetic) and small amounts of adrenaline, which shrinks blood vessels. By injecting this solution to the fat prior to performing Liposuction, the surgeon numbs the area and shrinks the blood vessels thereby eliminating pain and reducing bleeding, bruising and swelling.

This operation is usually done on an outpatient basis in a private hospital operating room. Local anesthesia with sedation is used when small areas are suctioned. General anesthesia is required for most Liposuction of the hips, buttocks, and thighs.

Very small puncture type incisions are made, often hidden in the bikini line. The fluid and fat are then sculpted out using small micro cannulas. No stitches are used in this operation. After the procedure, an elastic garment is put on, and you are taken by stretcher to the recovery room.

After Liposuction, you may loose a pound or two that you don't regain. However, if you regain more weight, it has to go somewhere. Your body will store it in new areas. Liposuction is very safe and effective. It is a surgical procedure and can cause complications such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.

The suctioned area will tend to ooze fluid into the suctioned space. You may develop a fluid collection (seroma) or a blood clot (hematoma) where you were suctioned. These can usually be treated by drawing the blood or fluid off in the office with a needle and syringe.

Fortunately, complications are uncommon and most patients are satisfied with their results.

Liposuction is not the answer to weight control, rather it is a surgical method of contouring the body. It is always best to be at a stable and realistic weight when you undergo this procedure.

Before	After

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