Liposuction

Description

Removes stubborn fat deposits from the body that are resistant to diet and exercise with a tube and vacuum device. Liposuction can be performed either using the tumescent technique or through ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL).

Common locations for liposuction include the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, above breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.

Length

1 to 2 hours, or more. The UAL type liposuction (see below in Technology) can take 40 percent longer than regular liposuction procedures.

Recovery

Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. May take 6 months or more to fully recover from swelling and bruising. The use of tumescent technique or UAL may decrease post-operative swelling and bruising.

Results

Permanent, sensitive to diet and exercise.

Technology

The surgeon makes small incisions in the skin near fatty areas and inserts a long, hollow tube (known as a cannula) which vacuums out fatty tissues. Using the tumescent technique, targeted fat cells are infused with saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before the procedure to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Using UAL, an ultrasound probe is inserted under the skin to liquify the fat before it is suctioned out.

Patient Status

Outpatient – Usually outpatient in the surgeons office. However, liposuction of several areas may require a short hospital stay.

Anesthesia

Local

General

Epidural