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Liposuction*FREE

Liposuction

What is the procedure and how is it performed?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that is done to remove fat deposits from underneath the skin. Common areas that are treated: the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, upper arms, chest and neck. (use medical graphic of body with labeled parts) The procedure is usually done as an outpatient under some combination of local anesthesia and/or sedation:. This means you are awake but relaxed and pain free. Depending on the number of areas to be treated and the specific technique selected, it may take from one to several hours. A small incision (cut) is made through the skin near the area of the fat deposit. Multiple incisions may be needed if a wide area or multiple areas are being done. A long hollow tube called a cannula will be inserted through this incision. Prior to inserting the cannula, the doctor may inject a solution of salt water that contains an anesthetic (numbing) medication and another medication to decrease bleeding. The cannula is then inserted and moved under the skin in a way to loosen the fat deposits so they may be suctioned out. Because a significant amount of body fluid is removed with the fat, an intravenous (through the veins) fluid line will be kept going during the procedure.

A recent technique called “ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty” uses a special cannula that liquefies the fat cells with ultrasonic energy. You should ask your doctor which technique he/she will use and how it will affect the type of anesthesia you will need and the length of the procedure.

Why is this procedure performed?

Liposuction is done to restore a more normal contour to the body. The procedure is sometimes described as body sculpting. It should be limited to fat deposits that are not responsive to diet and exercise. It is suggested that you should be within 20% of your ideal body weight at the time of surgery. If you are planning to lose weight you should delay this procedure. This is not obesity surgery. The maximum amount of fat that can be removed is usually less than 10 pounds. The best results are achieved in people who still have firm and elastic skin. Although rare, there are risks and complications that can occur with liposuction. You should be aware that all the complications are increased if you are a smoker. You will need to quit smoking or at least avoid smoking for a month before and after surgery. If you have had prior surgeries near any of the areas to be treated, this may increase the risk of complications and you should discuss this with your doctor. Any history of heart disease, diabetes, bleeding problems or blood clots in your legs may make you more prone to post-operative problems and you should discuss these with your doctor. Finally, as with any cosmetic procedure it is important to have realistic expectations. The goals, limitations, and expectations of the procedure should be discussed openly and in detail with your doctor. Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic surgery.

What should I expect during the post-operative period?

After surgery you should be able to go home but you will need someone to drive you. In the first few days after surgery it is common for the incisions to drain fluid and you will have to change dressings frequently. Fresh blood is not usual and if you have any bleeding you should call your doctor immediately. In some cases a small tube may have been placed through the skin to allow drainage. You will be limited to sponge baths until the drains and dressings are removed. After that you may take showers but no baths for 2 weeks. You may experience pain, burning, and numbness for a few days. Take pain medicine as prescribed by your doctor. You may notice a certain amount of bruising and swelling. The bruising will disappear gradually over 1 to 2 weeks. Some swelling may last for up to 6 months. If you have skin sutures they will be removed in 7 to 10 days. You should be able to be up and moving around the house the day after surgery but avoid any strenuous activity for about 1 month. Most people can return to work in a few days. Your doctor may want you to wear some type of elastic garment over the areas that were treated for a few weeks.

What are the risks and complications of this procedure?

Just as there may be benefits to the procedure(s) proposed, medical and surgical procedures also involve risks. These risks include allergic reaction, bleeding, blood clots, infections, adverse side effects of drugs, heart attack, stroke, and even loss of bodily function or life, as well as risks of transfusion reactions and the transmission of infectious disease, including hepatitis and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, from the administration of blood and/or blood components.

There are also particular risks associated with the procedure(s) proposed. These risks include but are not limited to:

Bleeding: Bleeding and/or the accumulation of fluid under the skin (hematoma/seroma) are possible complications. Your doctor may need to insert a needle under the skin to drain areas where blood or fluid has collected.
Infection: Infection may delay wound healing. If you have persistent fever or if you notice any redness, discharge, or swelling in the areas of your incisions you should notify your surgeon immediately.
Delayed Wound Healing: This may result in death of skin near the incisions or over the area where fat was removed. These complications may require a second surgical procedure to remove dead skin. A skin graft may be needed.
Perforation of Vital Organs: A rare complication is the puncture of internal organs from the cannula going too deep. This may require emergency surgery and could be life threatening.
Skin Burns: If ultrasound assisted liposuction is done, the probe may become very hot and cause skin burns.
Deformities: Asymmetric healing may occur with areas that appear uneven. This is more common in older patients with decreased skin elasticity. Some scarring may remain visible from the incisions.
Nerve Damage: Damage to nerves that supply the skin may result in permanent numbness or the formation of painful, abnormal nerve cells called neuromas.
Fat Embolism: Embolism can occur if a piece of fat enters a broken blood vessel and travels to the lungs or the brain. Although very rare, fat embolism can be life threatening.
Fluid Imbalance: Fluid is lost and replaced during liposuction. If the body is overloaded with fluid it may build up in the lungs. If you lose too much fluid your blood pressure may fall.
Lidocaine Toxicity: Lidocaine is sometimes added to the fluid that is injected beneath the skin prior to liposuction. High levels of lidocaine can cause convulsions and abnormal heart rhythm.

Before you agree to any operative procedure it is important to remember that each patient is different and that the outcome of any surgical procedure can never be guaranteed. You should understand that there may be complications that have not been mentioned and that it is not possible to anticipate all complications or to answer each and every question. Again, you should be aware that in the practice of medicine unforeseen and unexpected risks or complications not previously discussed may occur. You should also understand that during the course of the proposed procedure(s), unforeseen conditions may be revealed requiring the performance of additional procedures, and such procedures may need to be performed.

Keep in mind that there is no substitute for an open and honest discussion with your own surgeon/physician regarding this procedure.

You should also be given any available treatment alternatives to this procedure by your doctor, some of which may include medication. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.