Liposuction Surgery
For generations, people have used various techniques to improve
their physical appearance. Although diet, exercise and flattering
clothing styles help many look better, others remain dissatisfied
because of stubborn, unsightly bulges. In women, those fat deposits
occur most frequently from the waist down, on hips, buttocks,
and outer thighs (saddlebags). Fat deposits on men tend to accumulate
above the waist, on the abdomen and sides of the waist (love handles).
Now with a procedure called liposuction surgery, both men and
women can improve the contours of their bodies through a relatively
simple and safe technique. Liposuction surgery involves the removal
of fat cells from the body and may be used alone or in conjunction
with other procedures, such as facelift or "tummy tuck."
It is designed for those who have specific areas of localized
fat deposits and who have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate them
through diet, exercise and weight loss.
While liposuction is not designed to correct general obesity,
any area where excess fat deposits have accumulated can be treated
by liposuction. These include the chin, neck, jowls, cheeks, arms,
inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees, hips and abdomen. Men
with enlarged breasts called gynecomastia can also benefit from
liposuction.
Men and women in good physical condition with good skin elasticity
are the best candidates for liposuction. When liposuction was
first introduced, only younger people were considered to be good
candidates: however, recent improvements in liposuction have made
it possible to treat patients of all ages. Each person seeking
liposuction, regardless of age must be personally assessed by
the physician to determine if he or she is a suitable candidate
for liposuction surgery.
Before Surgery
Prior to liposuction a complete medical history is taken in order
to evaluate the general health of the patient. A thorough examination
is also conducted. The physician describes the type of anesthesia
to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be
expected, and possible risks and complications.
Preoperative directions may include the elimination of certain
drugs which contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility
of excess bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to liposuction
to prevent infection. Photographs are often taken before and after
surgery in order to evaluate the final results. The areas to be
contoured are marked with a special marking pen.
Liposuction Surgery, The Procedure
Liposuction surgery can be performed in the physicians office,
an outpatient surgical facility or a hospital, depending on the
physician's and patient's preference. Liposuction can be done
under general anesthesia with the patient asleep or under local
anesthesia in which the area is numbed and the patient remains
awake. Premedication is administered to help the patient relax.
When performing what is known as the "lumescent" procedure,
the physician injects a large amount of diluted local anesthetic
solution into the area. This procedure has the advantage of reducing
pain and bruising in the area.
The physician then makes a small incision in the skin and inserts
a tube (cannula) either attached to a high pressure vacuum suction
or to a syringe system. The fat is loosened from surrounding tissue
by moving the tube back and forth and is then removed or vacuumed
from the body with the suction device. The physician determines
the amount of fat to remove by feeling the skin and pinching the
tissue.
Some physicians are now using ultrasound assisted lipoplasty
(UAL), which significantly differs from traditional liposuction.
In UAL, mechanical sound waves are transmitted via a generator
to the tip of a suction cannula. When the cannula comes in contact
with fat cells, it causes them to emulsify or to become fluid.
The liquefied fat is then removed from the body by suction. UAL
has the additional risk of causing burns to the area and it's
long term effects are unknown at this time.
After the incisions are closed, a compression dressing or bandage
is applied to the area to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and
support the affected area. Liposuction can last from thirty minutes
to several hours depending upon the amount of fat removed.
Following Liposuction
Following liposuction, the dressing remains in place for seven
to ten days depending upon the extent of the liposuction and the
individual's healing process. A surgical compression garment may
also be worn. Because liposuction surgery does not involve large
incisions and extensive cutting, pain is minimal to moderate and
is controlled with oral medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed
to prevent infection.
Most patients are completely ambulatory immediately following
liposuction surgery, but rest is recommended for the initial postoperative
period. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities
within a week although vigorous physical activity is discouraged
for several weeks.
Some swelling and discoloration after liposuction can occur but
usually disappear within a month. Scars from liposuction, which
fade significantly with time, are, for the most part, inconspicuous
because they are made within the natural creases of the body whenever
possible.
Complications connected with liposuction are rare; however, an
uneven skin surface, bleeding, infection, numbness and discoloration
can occur. Some of these conditions correct themselves in time:
others respond to medications. There are certain inherent risks
connected with every surgical procedure which should be discussed
with the physician. Patients can minimize complications by carefully
following directions given by the physician.
It is important to remember that liposuction surgery, while not
a cure for generalized obesity, is an excellent procedure that
can benefit those who want to remove unsightly fat from localized
areas. Patients who choose liposuction surgery, however, must
have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that
final results may not be apparent for up to one year.
To see other Cosmetic Surgery or Skin
Treatments Click Here.
|
