Part
1
of 2
Liposuction
or suction assisted lipectomy is a technique to remove deposits of
excess fat from specific areas of the body. Many areas can be treated,
most commonly the chin, neck, abdomen, hips and thighs. The goal of
liposuction is to improve body contour, and not to reduce weight.
There are several terms that are often used when discussing liposuction
operations, which need to be clearly defined:
Tumescent Technique
The surgeon may use a "dry" technique, a "tumescent"
technique or a variation of these. In the tumescent technique, a dilute
solution containing lidocaine, epinephrine and intravenous fluid is
injected into the areas of excess fat before liposuction is performed.
This solution reduces the anesthesia requirements and minimizes blood
loss. As a result, the tumescent technique can reduce bruising, swelling
and pain. The long acting effects of the anesthetic solution can also
help to provide pain relief after the procedure and decrease the need
for additional pain medication. Despite these benefits, however, patients
undergoing the procedure still face the risks and cosmetic complications
associated with traditional liposuction procedures.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty
Ultrasound assisted lipoplasty uses sound waves transmitted to the
tip of the liposuction cannula. This helps to liquefy the fat before
it's removed through liposuction. This technique is gaining popularity,
but the best indications for use of the technique are still evolving.
Rather than assuming that the latest technology must be the best,
people considering liposuction should discuss this option with their
surgeon in order to better understand the benefits and risks of the
procedure.
Liposculpture
The term "liposculpture" refers to the use of fat from one
part of the body to fill in the creases and depressed areas in other
areas of the body. Such procedures can be done in conjunction with
liposuction. One example is the injection of fat into the deep creases
of the face such as the nasolabial folds.
The local anesthetic given during liposuction usually helps reduce
postoperative pain for several hours. Medication is also prescribed
for pain, which is generally mild. Most patients are asked to wear
a specialized garment over the treated area to control the swelling
and bleeding. Many surgeons also feel that the garment helps establish
the new body contour. This garment is usually worn for the first few
weeks, but can be removed during a shower. For the first few days
after surgery, patients experience swelling in the treated areas,
as well as some drainage from the incision sites. If any sutures are
used then they are removed during the first postoperative week. The
scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed to be hidden
from view. Patients are generally asked to start walking as soon as
possible but instructed to avoid more strenuous activity for two to
four weeks. Many patients usually go back to work in two to three
days and almost all within two weeks. Return to full activity depends
on the extent of the procedure and the amount of pain experienced.
Patients can often see a noticeable difference shortly after surgery.
However, more improvement can be seen after the first few weeks, when
most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent
mild swelling will disappear and the final contour will be visible.
Liposuction is a highly effective technique for improving body contour
with very little scarring. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly
will help to maintain the new contour. Additional weight gain will
usually be distributed more evenly throughout the body, rather than
just in the former "bulges."
Most patients are very satisfied with the results of their liposuction
and they feel more comfortable in a wider variety of clothes and more
at ease with their bodies.
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