Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction is a procedure in which localized fat deposits are removed to sculpt or recontour areas of the body. In spite of being normal weight or just moderately overweight, certain fatty areas are often resistant to change, even with regular exercise and dieting. Women usually find difficulties with the outer thigh area and abdomen and men are most troubled by the abdomen and flanks , or "love handles." Hereditary tendencies are also a strong factor. The most successful and commonly treated areas are the thighs, abdomen, hips, buttocks, flanks, upper arms, knees, under the chin, and neck. Other areas that can be treated are the back, breasts, calves, ankles and cheeks.
The Procedure
The procedure is performed most commonly under anesthesia. After marking the fat areas and cleansing the skin thoroughly, tiny incisions are made. Fluid containing salt water, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine ( a drug that contracts blood vessels) is injected. This allows fat to be removed more easily and reduces blood loss. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted and the fat is suctioned out moving the tube back and forth in an even pattern to break up and remove the fat as evenly as possible. The small incisions are closed with a stitch and a compressive garment is placed to minimize swelling and help the skin shrink down to the underlying muscle. The surgery usually takes about 1-2 hours and is done as an outpatient. If larger volumes are removed, then an overnight stay at the hospital may be recommended.
Before Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, it is important to be in optimal health, avoid smoking, and avoid taking any medications which might thin the blood (i.e. aspirin, Motrin, gingko biloba, etc.) Your doctor can give you a list of medications that must not be taken 7-14 days prior to surgery.
After Surgery
You may experience some soreness and some fluid drainage from the incisions. Pain medication and an antibiotic will be prescribed. You will need to wear the girdle compression garment continuously at first, then most of the time for about 6 weeks to reduce swelling and optimize your results. You may return to work in a few days and will begin to feel better after about a week or two. However, you should avoid strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks. The stitches will be removed in 5-7 days. The bruising usually disappears by about three weeks, but the swelling will take longer. Most will have resolved in about 6 weeks, but do not expect to have your final results until approximately six months after surgery.
Risks
Liposuction is a very safe procedure providing patients are good candidates, small to moderate volumes are removed (less than 5 liters or 5,000cc), the operating facility is well equipped and the surgeon has had proper training. Possible risks include, but are not limited to contour irregularity or waviness, numbness, need for revision, and very rarely bleeding, infection, excess fluid loss or accumulation, wound healing problems, shock , perforation, pulmonary embolus which may cause death, nerve injury, and unfavorable drug reactions.
Dr. Marialyn Sardo, MD, FACS
Tel: 858-452-6226
Toll Free: 866 DR SARDO
(866-377-2736)
Fax: 858-452-6235
9850 Genesee Avenue,
Suite 380
La Jolla, CA 92037
Email Dr. Sardo
Visit our other sites!
