Liposuction and Liposculpture

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that sculpts the body by removing excess fat deposits from specific areas. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is then pushed and pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out by a vacuum pump or a large syringe. Liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight loss methods but is not a substitute for dieting and exercise.

Nearly five hundred fifty thousand women from 2000 to 2008 underwent liposuction to redefine body contours and/or lose weight that they were unable to lose otherwise, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Liposuction Candidates

The ideal candidates for liposuction surgery are those who are within 30% of their ideal weight and have elastic skin ( firm ) with pockets of excess fat. You should be realistic with your expectations and in good physical and mental health. Individuals with certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for liposuction or liposculpture.

Anesthesia for liposuction:

Your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will choose the type of anesthesia that is most suitable and safe for your surgery. Liposuction surgery can be performed under twilight or local anesthesia, which numbs only the affected areas - only if small amounts of fat and a limited number of areas are involved. Local anesthesia is typically associated with the tumescent method. Local anesthesia is given by needle or probe. General anesthesia is generally used for more extensive procedures. General anesthesia produces a state of unconsciousness with absence of pain sensation over the entire body. General anesthesia is administered through several different ways. Two of the most common ways are inhalation (through the lungs) and intravenously (through the veins). In such cases the anesthesiologist makes sure you are completely asleep during the procedure.

Preparing for lipo

Prior to your surgical procedure, your liposuction surgeon will perform a complete health history and physical examination to evaluate your overall weight, your skin and muscle tone and overall distribution of fat deposits. Knowledge of your allergies, medications and previous surgeries should be brought to your surgeon's attention at this time. Specific instructions to assist you in preparing for this procedure will be given to you after the health history and physical are complete. Instructions will be given that include guidelines regarding your diet, alcohol intake, smoking and which medications to take and avoid. You should also make arrangements ahead of time for someone to drive you to and from your procedure and to assist you with your daily activities during your recovery period.

The surgery:

The length of time needed for liposuction surgery varies considerably, depending on the area size, the amount of fat removed, the anesthesia and techniques used. To prevent shock the fluid lost is replaced during the surgical procedure. The patient is under careful observation throughout the entire surgical procedure and receives intravenous fluids during and after surgery.

Techniques used in liposuction:

Before the fat is removed a medicated solution is normally injected into the fatty areas. The fluid is a mixture of lidocaine (local anesthetic), intravenous salt solution, and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels). This solution helps remove the fat easily, reduces blood loss and provides anesthesia during and after surgery.

Tumescent technique:

In the tumescent technique, before liposuction is performed, a large amount of anesthetic liquid is injected in the areas of excess fat. The liquid causes the areas of excess fat to become swollen or "tumesced." The expanded fat areas allow the cannula, a tool used in liposuction to suction out the fat, to travel smoothly beneath the skin. Tumescent liposuction is accepted as the safest and most effective form of liposuction by cosmetic and plastic surgeons.

The super-wet technique:

In the super-wet technique, a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and adrenaline is used. This solution is injected into the area to be treated. With this solution the fat deposits are easier to break up and extract. This extra fluid reduces swelling, post-operative pain and minimizes trauma to the tissue. Adrenaline used decreases bleeding during surgery.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction:

This technique uses a special cannula that produces ultrasound energy. As the cannula passes through the fat areas, the energy ruptures the fat cell walls which then liquefies the fat. The fat is removed by a suction pump. The use of Ultrasound-assisted liposuction allows safer removal of larger amounts of fat than with standard liposuction.

Recovery:

Don't expect to look or feel great immediately following surgery. Newer techniques are believed to reduce post-operative discomforts, however you may still experience some swelling, pain, burning,bleeding and temporary numbness. A compression garment will be worn for several weeks to control possible swelling. Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infection. You may experience some swelling, temporary numbness, and discomfort. All of this will subside with time; normal activity can be resumed anywhere from 10 days to several weeks depending on the amount of liposuction. You may also experience some drainage from the incisions sites for a day or two following surgery. Pain can be controlled with medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon, though you still may feel stiff and sore for several days.

Precautionary measures to be taken:

The process of healing will be gradual. You should start walking around to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. Drink sufficient water and avoid alcohol for a few days. More strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks to a month, as your body continues to heal. To help maintain your new look, eat a healthy diet and exercise on a regular basis. Although most of the swelling and bruising usually resolves in the first four to six weeks, final results of liposuction may not be fully realized for six months or longer after surgery.

Possible complications:

As with any surgery complications can occur. The risks are higher when treated areas are very large or large amounts of fat is removed.

• Infection at the punctured site
• Delay in healing
• Damage to skin
• The formation of fat clots or blood clots, which may migrate to the lungs and cause death.
• Excessive fluid loss, which leads to shock.
• Fluid accumulation which has to be drained.
• Friction burns or either damage to the skin or nerves of performance injury to the vital organs.
• Drug reaction
• Skin necrosis
• Lidocaine toxicity.
• The skin may be irregular
• Numbness may occur.