Procedure: Improvement in body contour lines by removal of excess fat using hollow cannulas through small porthole incisions. Areas that can be treated include the neck, upper arm, armpits, abdomen, back, flanks, lateral thighs, medial thighs, and knees.

Length: Approximately one to one and a half hours per area.

Anesthesia: Depending on the number of areas, this surgery may be performed with twilight, epidural, or general anesthesia.

Place of Treatment: Outpatient office, surgical suite, or surgical center.

Side Effects:            

a) Minor contour irregularities are not uncommon and have several causes. Patients who posses skin looseness or already demonstrate cellulite have a higher likelihood of developing contour irregularities.

b) Prolonged swelling is infrequent in liposuction clients and may result from inadvertent disruption of a lymphatic vessel during surgery. Prolonged swelling will eventually subside.

c) Incisional scarring at liposuction port sites is a concern. In general, scarring at port sites can be eliminated by judicious attention to technique.

d) Sensory changes are caused by trauma of the sensory nerves
during the liposuction surgery. Universally, all sensation will return over 1 to 3 month period.

e) Blistering of skin: Blistering of skin can occur from garment or tape irritation in the postoperative period. Blistering of the skin is merely a superficial injury to the skin and should heal without any difficulties with conservative care.

Risks:

a) Significant blood loss is a concern when tumescent solution is not utilized during liposuction. Since tumescent fluid has been adopted universally by plastic surgeons, the risk of blood loss is negligible.

b) Fluid shifts remain a problem especially when large volume liposuction is used. When patients undergo liposuction surgery at a professional setting by a professional staff complications related to fluid shifts can be avoided.

c) Major contour abnormalities may arise when an unqualified physician performs the liposuction surgery. An educated decision to pursue liposuction surgery by a qualified surgeon is going to avoid such complications.

d) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may occur in the legs immediately following surgery. DVT refers to the clotting off of leg veins which may result in compromised blood flow return from the legs; a more critical consequence may develop from this clot if it is dislodged and travels to the lungs causing a pulmonary emboli. Although rare, pulmonary emboli are the leading cause of death following liposuction surgery.

Recovery: Most patients describe a soreness sensation much like following a weight lifting workout, which lasts several days, and up to a week. Most patients may return to normal physical activity within a few days to a week.

Duration of Results: Patients should expect permanent correction in contour of areas treated.

 

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