iposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, especially as people get ready for the summer months. It is a body contouring technique which removes fatty deposits through small incisions. Liposuction is not intended for weight-reduction.
The best patients are within 10-15% of their ideal body weight with good skin tone and good diet and exercise habits. Most patients are active and exercise regularly, but cannot improve the shape of areas such as their arms, flanks, abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks by diet and exercise alone. Liposuction can help by removing these stubborn fatty deposits surgically. Liposuction can be performed in combination with other body contouring procedures such as breast augmentation, abdominoplasty or others.
Two techniques are available for liposuction: Tumescent, Suction Assisted Liposuction and Ultrasonic Liposuction. The surgeon will choose the appropriate surgical technique for each patient's individual needs. Both techniques start with small, easily hidden incisions which provide access to the fatty deposits. A combination of saline solution and local anesthetic is first injected to decrease bruising and blood loss as well as reduce pain. In standard Suction Assisted Liposuction surgical instruments are used to directly remove the fatty deposits. This is commonly used in softer areas such as the lower abdomen and inner thigh and where gentle liposculpture is required. With newer, Ultrasonic Liposuction a rapidly oscillating cannula is used to create a microscopic shock wave which selectively ruptures the fat cells. Final contouring is then done using the standard technique. Ultrasonic Liposuction is commonly used in tougher areas such as the lateral thighs. The procedure usually lasts 1-4 hours depending on how much treatment is necessary. In most cases liposuction can be done in our office based facility, the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery. When very large volume liposuction is done, overnight hospital monitoring is necessary to carefully monitor postoperative fluid shifts and electrolyte changes.
Side effects are few and may include bruising, numbness, minor rippling or depressions or fluid collections. Other risks include bleeding, scarring, blood clots and skin loss.
Postoperative patients are required to wear a compression garment for about 3-4 weeks. Recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery, but most patients are back to usual activities in 1-2 weeks and can full exercise in about 4 weeks. Maximum improvement usually occurs within 12 weeks.