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"Liposuction:
A Popular Surgery"
Mark L. Mathers, D.O., FACOS
Spare tire. Love handles. Saddlebag
thighs. Almost everyone has at least one area that seems to be a
magnet for unwanted fat. These areas persist no matter how much
dieting or exercise is done. But, there’s hope and help for the
person who is of average weight and has this problem. It’s called
suction-assisted lipectomy or liposuction. This procedure is one of
the most popular cosmetic surgeries done in the United States. The
areas most frequently treated are the abdomen, thighs, knees, and
under the chin.
Who can be helped?
Liposuction is not for weight reduction. It is not
a substitute for exercise and diet, nor is it a cure for obesity. To
achieve the best results, the patient should be close to his ideal
body weight, with only pockets of excess fat collection in localized
areas. Other variables that influence the results of the surgery
include the location and amount of fat present, the patient’s age
and his or her general skin tone. This technique works well for
carefully selected men and women who are in good physical condition
and have good skin elasticity. Since liposuction removes only fat, it
cannot correct dimpling of the skin, commonly referred to as
cellulite.
Pre-surgical considerations
The first step if you are considering liposuction is a consultation
with your plastic surgeon. At that time he will discuss your
suitability for the procedure, the potential risks, and what you can
expect in the way of results. You should also be candid as to what
your expectations are regarding looking and feeling better about
yourself. As with any cosmetic surgery, this procedure can enhance
your appearance, but it cannot reshape your life. You will have an
improved look and increased self-confidence, but the rest is up to
you. Be sure that your expectations are realistic. It is also
important to realize that the final results may not be apparent for
a number of weeks after complete healing has taken place.
Is its safe?
Liposuction has a minimum of potential complications when done by an
experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, however, no surgery is
risk-free, There is a small risk of bleeding or infection.
Occasionally there may be some unevenness or rippling of the skin
surface. Localized numbness and discoloration usually subside after
a period of time. Scars are not often a problem as they are less
than a half-inch long and usually well-hidden in a natural body
crease whenever possible. Patients can help to minimize any
potential problems by carefully following their physician’s
instructions after the surgery.
The surgical procedure
The procedure is done in an outpatient setting so that the patient
may go home the same day. Photographs are often taken before and
after the surgery in order to evaluate the final results. A special
marking pen is used to mark out the areas to be suctioned while the
patient is still awake. Medications are given to relax the patient,
and then general anesthesia is used or a local anesthetic may be
injected to numb the area to be treated. Small incisions are made
near the area to be contoured and a blunt tubular instrument with an
opening near the end is inserted in the fatty layer. The instrument
is attached to tubing, which connects to a pressure vacuum suction.
The fat is loosened by moving the instrument back and forth,
separating the amount to be removed. The procedure can last from 30
minutes to two hours, depending on the amount of fat to be removed.
After the surgery
Post-operative pain usually is well relieved with oral pain
medication. There may be some temporary numbness and discomfort in
the area operated on with some bruising and swelling. Much of the
swelling and discoloration can be controlled by wearing an elastic
garment for a specified period after the surgery, which also
promotes shrinkage of the skin. The patient should take it easy for
a few days, but most people can return to work in five to seven
days, depending on their degree of swelling and discomfort.
Strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks.
Procedures |
Procedures Chart
| Liposuction | Tummy
Tuck | Eyes
| BotoxÒ
|