LIPOSUCTION
OVERVIEW
Liposuction surgery removes areas of unwanted fat with a tube and a vacuum device. is performed using intravenous sedation combined with local anesthesia while patients remain sleep during the procedure. Liposuction techniques, including tumescent or super-wet, typically are performed after targeted fat cells are infused with a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and adrenalin to decrease blood loss. Benefits of this liposuction technique include increased safety, easier fat removal, as well as diminished postoperative discomfort. This also reduces post-operative bruising and swelling.
The most common locations for liposuction are the chin, cheeks, neck, and upper arms, the area above the breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.
Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
In general, good candidates for a liposuction include:
- Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Nonsmokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring
If you are bothered by excess fat deposits located anywhere on your body that don’t respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you.
How should I prepare for liposuction?
In preparing for liposuction surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Liposuction should be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, licensed ambulatory surgical center or a hospital.
Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
What are the steps of a liposuction procedure?
The liposuction procedure includes the following steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include local anesthesia, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Ricardo Vega will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The incision
Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions.
First, diluted local anesthesia is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through the incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.
Problem areas that can be addressed with liposuction
Step 3 – See the results
Your improved body contour will be apparent once the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subside. Get more information about liposuction results.
RECOVERY AND RESULTS
During your liposuction recovery, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas once your procedure is completed. These help to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours.
In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid.
You will be given specific instructions that may include:
- How to care for the surgical site and drains
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
- When to follow up with your plastic surgeon
It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.
UNDERSTAND
BEFORE AND AFTER
BEFORE AND AFTER
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Dr. Ricardo Vega is an international renowned Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with private practice in Tijuana, Mexico for over 20 years. He has spent a lifetime getting the expertise, education, training and practice with over thousands of procedures throughout his career… SEE MORE
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