Liposuction - (Suction Lipectomy or Lipoplasty)

Description

Removes stubborn fat deposits from the body that are resistant to diet and exercise with a tube and vacuum device. Liposuction can be performed either using the tumescent technique or through ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL). Common locations for liposuction include the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, above breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.

Duration

1 to 2 hours, or more. The UAL type liposuction (see below in “Technology”) can take 40 percent longer than regular liposuction procedures.

Side Effects

Temporary soreness, swelling and bruising. Tumescent: Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. UAL: Larger incisions for cannula.

Recovery

Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks.
More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks.
May take 6 months or more to fully recover from swelling and bruising. The use of tumescent technique or UAL may decrease post-operative swelling and bruising.

Risks

Asymmetry. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Other risks include pigmentation changes, skin injury, infection, and fluid retention. Excessive fluid loss may lead to shock. UAL: heat from the ultrasound device may cause thermal burn injury.

Results

Permanent, sensitive to diet and exercise.

Technology

The surgeon makes small incisions in the skin near fatty areas and inserts a long, hollow tube (known as a cannula) which vacuums out fatty tissues. Using the tumescent technique, targeted fat cells are infused with saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before the procedure to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Using UAL, an ultrasound probe is inserted under the skin to “liquify” the fat before it is suctioned out.