Liposuction
Description
Removes
stubborn fat deposits from the body that
are resistant to diet and exercise with
a tube and vacuum device. Liposuction
can be performed either using the
tumescent technique or through
ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL).
Common locations for liposuction include
the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms,
above breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips,
thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.
Length
1 to 2
hours, or more. The UAL type liposuction
(see below in Technology) can take 40
percent longer than regular liposuction
procedures.
Recovery
Back to
work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous
activity: 2 to 4 weeks. May take 6
months or more to fully recover from
swelling and bruising. The use of
tumescent technique or UAL may decrease
post-operative swelling and bruising.
Results
Permanent,
sensitive to diet and exercise.
Technology
The surgeon
makes small incisions in the skin near
fatty areas and inserts a long, hollow
tube (known as a cannula) which vacuums
out fatty tissues. Using the tumescent
technique, targeted fat cells are
infused with saline containing solution
with a local anesthetic before the
procedure to reduce post-operative
bruising and swelling. Using UAL, an
ultrasound probe is inserted under the
skin to liquify the fat before it is
suctioned out.
Patient Status
Outpatient -
Usually outpatient in the surgeons
office. However, liposuction of several
areas may require a short hospital stay.
Anesthesia
Local
General
Epidural
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