Center For Plastic Surgery

"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.