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Procedure: Liposuction

Useful information for patients on Liposuction procedures - improving facial and body contours by removing unwanted fat deposits.

Liposuction surgery removes areas of unwanted fat with a tube and a vacuum device. Liposuction techniques, including tumescent or super-wet, typically are performed after targeted fat cells are infused with a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and adrenalin to decrease blood loss. Benefits of this liposuction technique include increased safety, easier fat removal, as well as diminished postoperative discomfort. This also reduces post-operative bruising and swelling.

The most common locations for liposuction are the chin, cheeks, neck, and upper arms, the area above the breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.

There are several techniques commonly used including the “Traditional Technique”, “Laser Technique,” and the “Ultrasonic Technique (UA).” The Traditional Technique utilizes a hollow tube to remove the fat and the Laser and Ultrasonic Technique utilizes laser or ultrasonic energy to dissolve that fat before it is removed. See your physician regarding which technique would be best for you.

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Useful Information

Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.

Length

One to two hours or more.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia can be used or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia are used.

Inpatient/Outpatient

This is an outpatient procedure.

Additional Information

Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness or burning sensations.

Infection, asymmetry, rippling of the skin, pigmentation changes (hypo/hyper), injury to the skin, fluid retention and/or excessive loss of blood and fluids.

The patient usually returns to work after five to fourteen days. More strenuous activity may be resumed after two to four weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising may take one to six months depending upon the amount of fat that is removed and the areas that were treated.

The effect is permanent and must be augmented with a sensible diet and consistent exercise.