Liposuction
Considering Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure that is designed to sculpt a body by removing areas of unwanted fat accumulation from specific body areas including the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttock, upper arms, neck, cheeks, upper back, lower back, and buttock. The technique of liposuction, otherwise known as suction lipectomy or lipoplasty, has gained multiple improvements including ultrasound assisted liposuction, laser lipolysis, power assisted lipolysis, tumescent anesthesia, and super-wet technique. These refinements to traditional liposuction have helped surgeons shorten the recovery time, improve the results, and add to the safety of the procedure. Liposuction has become one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures performed.
Who is a candidate for liposuction?
Although liposuction is not a substitute for dieting, exercise or a healthy lifestyle, the sculpting achieved through this procedure can benefit people with certain stubborn areas. Although liposuction can enhance an individuals appearance and self-confidence, an understanding of what can be achieved through this procedure is important. Discuss with Dr. Stiller, your expectations and goals to ensure these match with what this procedure can achieve. A patient with excellent quality skin, normal weight, with small areas of fat accumulation are the best candidates for liposuction. Patients with co-morbidities such as diabetes, sleep apnea, heart or lung disease, poor circulation, will have a higher risk with this surgery.
What happens at the consultation?
This is the time you get to become comfortable with Dr. Stiller. You should express your desires and expectations from the surgical procedures. Dr. Stiller will evaluate your medical health and explain the surgical techniques available to you. Your questions will be answered as thoroughly as possible. An examination of your trouble area will be performed. Dr. Stiller will go over the risks and potential complications of the procedure, as well as, the pre-operative and post-operative process.
Risks?
All surgeries carry some risks. Listed below are a few of the risks or potential complications.
- Bleeding- as with any surgery there is a risk of bleeding. This may form a collection called a hematoma and may require drainage. It is important to discuss any history of excessive bleeding or family history of bleeding.
- Infection- infection is relatively uncommon. Antibiotics will be given to you during the surgery and usually will be taken after the surgery
- Scars- the scars from liposuction are typically small and in inconspicuous areas.
- Asymmetry- there may be some asymmetry in areas.
- Pigmentation change of skin
- Irregular contour
- Loose, baggy skin
- Numbness or sensation changes of the skin
- Some patients will require additional surgery
What do I need to do before my surgery?
During your consultation an explanation of the pre-operative and post-operative plan will be reviewed. A list of medications and herbal supplements that should be stopped two weeks before the operation will be provided to you. A few days before surgery, one of our staff will notify you what time you are expected to arrive for your surgery and will go over last minute details. At that time, you will be given an opportuinity to ask any further questions.
What do I do on the day of the operation?
No eating or drinking for 8 hours before your surgery. You should wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers. Do not wear sandals or slippers. You will meet with our nurse to prepare you for surgery. Dr. Stiller will discuss the procedure with you again and do pre-operative planning. You will meet with our anesthesia provider to discuss anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
What kind of anesthesia will be provided?
Liposuction can be performed under local, sedation, or general anesthesia.
The Surgery.
There are various types of liposuction that can be performed in this day and age. The development of tumescent anesthesia has provided a safer environment with a significantly lower risk of bleeding. Tumescent anesthesia is an injection of fluid with lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a medication that contracts blood cells) into the fat before removing it. This allows the procedure to be performed with sedation or just under local.
The removal of fat is performed with cannulas, hollow tubes that suck the fat out. They can be various sizes. Some physician may use a power assist device to help remove the fat. This is considered a traditional liposuction technique.
Ultrasound assisted liposuction. This technique uses ultrasound energy to disrupt the fat cells. Then the fat is removed with traditional liposuction.
Laser Lipolysis. This technique uses laser energy to disrupt the fat cells. The fat can then be removed with traditional liposuction as well.
What should I expect post-operatively? After surgery, you will most likely have some drainage from your incisions for 1-2 days. Discomfort should be controlled with oral pain medications prescribed by Dr. Stiller. You will likely feel tired and sore for a few days following the liposuction. Bruising and swelling may take a few weeks to resolve.
When can I get back to normal?
We will want you to get up and walk immediately after the surgery and continue this for the next few weeks. You will begin to feel better in a couple of weeks. You will need to be in compression garments for one month after the procedure. Healing is a gradual process that needs time. You should refrain from strenuous activity for one month. Depending on your job, you can go back to work as soon as you feel comfortable.
Your Results.
You will immediately see results. The swelling can take a number of months to completely resolve. If your expectations are realistic, you should be very pleased with your surgery. You may find you fit into clothes differently and be more at ease with your shape. Liposuction does not substitute for diet and exercise. If you maintain your weight and continue to exercise, your results should be longer lasting.
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Patient Testimonials
Dear Dr. Stiller,
Thank you so much for your beautiful work and care. You and your personnel did such a good job through the process, making me feel so comfortable with my decision.
-TW-