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Liposuction
Liposuction is particularly well-suited for women and men who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction is often the only way to eliminate them.
While it is possible to undergo liposuction at almost any age, you will obtain the best results if your skin still has enough elasticity to achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. When skin is inelastic, as in some older patients, it may not redrape well and a skin tightening procedure may be necessary.
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Am I a good candidate for a liposuction?
You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you have localized excess fat or if you desire contouring in any of the following areas:
- Abdomen
- Love handles
- Inner and outer thighs
- Knees
- Hips and buttocks
- Upper arms
- Cheeks, jowls and neck
Liposuction may sometimes be used to treat a condition called gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, which occurs in about 8 percent of both teenage and adult males.
Liposuction should not be considered a substitute for overall weight loss, nor is it an effective treatment for cellulite (a condition that gives the skin an uneven, dimpled appearance). Alternative treatments for this problem may be considered in some instances.
Liposuction can be performed on several areas of the body at the same time, and it can also be done in conjunction with other aesthetic plastic surgery.
Your Personal Consultation
Because of individual physical factors, not everyone will achieve the same results from liposuction. Dr. Robinson will take into consideration your unique characteristics in determining the most effective treatment. During the consultation, you will be asked to point out the exact areas which you would like to see improved. This will help us to understand your expectations and determine whether they can realistically be achieved.
How will “Dr. Chili” evaluate me for liposuction?
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medial history, including previous surgeries, past and present medical conditions, current medications, including diet pills, vitamin E, and dietary supplements, especially ginseng, ginkgo, and garlic. These all can affect your surgery, even to the point of stopping your heart. Also important is smoking history, drug abuse, and heart and lung disease. It is important you provide complete information. High blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes are among the medical conditions that may increase the risks. Family histories of blood clots, trouble with anesthesia, and heart disease should also be revealed.
How much you currently weigh and whether you plan to lose or gain weight in the future will be factors in evaluating you for liposuction. “Dr. Chili” may ask you about the effects of prior weight loss on the appearance of those areas which you have indicated for contouring. He will assess the elasticity of your skin and estimate the amount of fat to be removed for optimal results.
How Liposuction is Performed
Fat is removed by first inserting a small, hollow tube, called a cannula, through one or more tiny inconspicuous incisions. The cannula is connected by tubing to a vacuum pressure unit. Guided by the surgeon, the suction device literally vacuums away the unwanted fat.
What are some variations to the liposuction technique?
Prior to performing liposuction, fluid is instilled into the areas to be suctioned. Plastic surgeons used to use a "dry" technique; now, most use a "tumescent" technique that introduces saline with a blood vessel constrictor. Dr. Robinson will discuss with you the particular method that he recommends for treating specific areas of your body.
Other options may involve the type of instrument used, or whether suctioning is performed on the deep or more superficial layers of fat. These considerations are based in large part upon your anatomy, tissue elasticity, and the goals that you and “Dr. Chili” have set for your body contouring surgery.
Liposuction is popular among men, particularly for eliminating bulging fat around the waist. The abdominal area responds well to treatment with liposuction, resulting in a flatter abdominal profile and better-defined waist. In some patients, liposuction of the upper arms may also be effective. Liposuction can remove fatty deposits in the cheeks, jowls and neck also.
How should I prepare for surgery?
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin, blood thinners, and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for one to two weeks before surgery. Vitamin E, herbs, and diet pills can affect your bleeding, heartbeat, or the effects of medications; discuss these with Dr. Robinson, We will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
Depending on the extent of your surgery and the type of anesthesia used, you must have someone drive you home afterward and stay with you at least for the first night.
What will the day of surgery be like?
The night before surgery you can take your medications (except those cancelled as above) and eat until midnight. This will ensure an empty stomach in the morning. An hour before surgery you will take your pre-operative medications with a sip of water, but NO FOOD. Wear something warm, like jogging pants and a shirt or jacket that can be buttoned or zipped, so your arms do not have to be raised after surgery.
The medications are administered for your comfort during the procedure. Frequently, general anesthesia is used for patients undergoing liposuction, although epidural anesthesia and IV sedation may be desirable in some instances. You will go home after a few hours; you will be drunk but able to walk. That is why you need a friend to take care of you for at least the first night.
When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. You will be wrapped in a compression garment to reduce swelling; fluid will leak out the little holes for a couple of days. You must wear the compression garment for three weeks. You can shower immediately, keeping the garment in place. You can take off the garment only, when you are sure that it will not be too painful to put it back on.
How will I look initially?
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. The day after surgery, you will need to move around a bit to promote blood circulation. You need to limit yourself to brief periods of gentle activity for the first few days. Remember, you must not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, and you should not smoke following surgery.
Your garment might be temporarily removed within several days so that your surgeon can examine the treated areas. You will notice swelling and bruising, which is to be expected. Swelling of the scrotum or vulva is normal for abdominal liposuction, so do not worry about it. Swelling usually begins to subside a week or so following surgery, while bruising can last three weeks or longer. There may also be numbness in some areas, and it may take several weeks before feeling returns. Stitches are typically absorbable.
When can I resume my normal activities?
You may be able to return to work in just a few days. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities within a week and begin some form of exercise soon after. The timing of your recovery depends on the extent of your surgery, your motivation, and your body's ability to mobilize the swelling and bruising.
Results of Your Liposuction
Liposuction surgery will reduce those areas of fatty deposits that previously created unflattering bulges or caused self-consciousness, and perhaps made it difficult to feel comfortable in your clothing. Factors such as fluid retention following surgery and prolonged swelling may delay the appearance of your new, slimmer contour. The healing process is gradual, so you should expect to wait a while before fully enjoying the results of your liposuction.
Occasionally, a touchup may be desired to further improve an area that has been suctioned. The additional treatment can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia in the office. More extensive revisions may require a return to the operating room.
I understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how can I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?
Fortunately, significant complications from liposuction are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of people undergo liposuction, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks.
The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Robinson, or with a staff member in his office.
Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection, blood clots in the legs or lungs, and complications related to anesthesia. Blood accumulations under the skin are possible, but these normally resolve themselves and rarely require removal. While numbness of the skin following liposuction is almost always temporary, it is possible for some lack of sensation to persist or for skin discoloration to appear in treated areas. Contour irregularities including depressions or wrinkling of the skin can occur in some patients, but treatments are usually available to help minimize these problems if they occur.
How long will the results last?
The results of liposuction will be permanent, as long as you maintain your postoperative weight. Even if you gain a few extra pounds, you may find that the weight is distributed more evenly instead of accumulating in the areas that were problematic for you in the past. The most common problem is continuing to gain weight.
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Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon
Please remember that your relationship with us does not end when you leave the operating room. After surgery, maintenance of a healthy lifestyle is helpful for a variety of reasons. “Dr. Chili” will help to guide you along this path.
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