Bariatrics Liposuction / Lipoplasty - Weight Loss Surgery
If you’re looking to remove excess pockets of unsightly fat, you may be considering liposuction, which is a safe, fast and convenient option to look your best in a short amount of time. Below is a checklist of information regarding this procedure, and any specific questions should be answered by a cosmetic surgeon. The background of liposuction dates back to the 1970’s, and the technique itself was invented in 1974. Since then, several techniques and variations have come about, but one constant is the overall safety of the procedure.
Liposuction - Are You a Candidate?
The best candidates for liposuction are those patients who are generally healthy in a medical sense. Obviously, there needs to be pockets of fat present on the body, but the patient’s skin also needs to be elastic enough to adjust its shape after the fat is removed. Patients should also not have any ongoing and serious psychological problems, and there really is no average age for liposuction candidates, as it’s more dependant on the patient’s skin. The best candidates should also have realistic expectations of what the results of liposuction will bring.
Liposuction Procedures & Risk
Liposuction / Lipoplasty is an extremely safe procedure that carries very little risk of complications, however, there are risks involved with any medical procedure. These risks tend to increase as the number of areas to be treated increases, and these complications can include the formation of fat or blood clots, excessive fluid loss, friction burns, which can be quite painful, and negative reactions to the drugs that are administered both during and after the procedure.
Planning for Liposuction
Planning for surgery is a collaborative effort between the patient and the doctor. Your doctor will give you a full medical examination and discuss the specifics of your hoped-for results in relation to what liposuction can specifically accomplish.
Preparing for Lipoplasty Surgery
Your preparatory steps will be defined by your doctor, but following them is always up to you. Making sure you stick with these preparations will only ease the process and quicken your recovery. These steps often include guidelines involving what types and what amounts of food to eat prior to your surgery, how to manage your fluid intake, which vitamins to take and the cessation of smoking prior to your procedureto and any other special considerations that could apply to your situation.
Where Liposuction is Performed
Where surgery is performed will depend on the extent of your procedure. If you are only going to have one area of fat removed, you’ll most likely report to either the doctor’s office or an out-patient care facility. If liposuction is only one of several procedures, it’s possible that the procedure will take place in a hospital.
How Liposuction is Performed
Generally speaking, if you’re having a “basic” liposuction done, how surgery is performed is a simple process. The doctor will insert a metal tube into a very small incision and drain the excess fat from the affected area.
Anesthesia for Liposuction - Weight Loss Surgery
The type of anesthesia used will depend on the extent of the procedure. If you’re only having one area of fat removed, local anesthesia is usually preferred. If you’re having several areas drained, it’s sometimes more advisable to use general anesthesia.
Recovery from a Liposuction Procedure
Post-op considerations for liposuction are generally quite standard. You may feel some pain in the affected area for a short time after the procedure, and you may also experience some fluid drainage in the area. However, these post-op issues are usually handled quite easily.
Liposuction / Lipoplasty Surgery Questions & Answers
Where are incisions placed for a liposuction procedure?
The incisions for liposuction can be placed almost anywhere on the body. For instance, if you’re looking to have fat deposits removed from your abdominal region, a tiny incision will be placed near that area. All of the incisions for liposuction are placed near the fat itself, and these incisions usually heal quite quickly and without much in terms of discomfort.
What are some variations to the common liposuction method?
There are several variations to the “traditional” liposuction technique that was first invented. For instance, one technique is known as the Fluid Injection technique, whereby fluid is sent into the area to be drained to promote an easier draining process. Another variation is the Tumescent technique, occurs when extremely large amounts of fluid are injected for the same purpose. Finally, the Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty is becoming popular, and this technique involves the use of ultrasonic energy that causes the walls of fat cells to explode.
What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?
The day of your surgery may include you experiencing a wide range of emotions. These emotions normally include fear, excitement, anxiety and general nervousness. However, even though these emotions are normal, patients should generally relax, as this is a very safe procedure. You will most likely be awake during the procedure, and it should pass quickly.
How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?
Even though liposuction has always been an extremely safe procedure, and after-care management has improved greatly over time, you will still potentially experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness in the affected areas, and you may also notice some fluid drainage in those areas that were reduced.
Even though liposuction has always been an extremely safe procedure, and after-care management has improved greatly over time, you will still potentially experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness in the affected areas, and you may also notice some fluid drainage in those areas that were reduced.
When can I pursue my normal activities again?
Your return to normal activities will occur in stages. Immediately after the surgery, you should begin walking around to promote healthy blood circulation. You should also be able to return to work within a few days. However, more strenuous exercises such as running, heavy lifting or anything else that takes a physical toll should be avoided for at least one month.
How long can I expect results to last?
The long-term results of liposuction depend mostly on you. Over the first few months, you’ll notice a decrease in the swelling surrounding the affected area, and your body will begin to reshape itself in a way you had envisioned. However, this is not permanent fat removal, which means that you’ll need to maintain a healthy diet and a steady routine of exercise to keep the fat away.
For specific answers to these questions, seek the help of a board certified cosmetic or bariatric surgeon today.
