Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the US today.  It involves removing fat beneath the skin through small incisions slightly more than a quarter of an inch.  The tumescent technique of liposuction involves first injecting large quantities of fluid containing both lidocaine (local anesthetic) and epinephrine (vasoconstrictor) into the area being suctioned, allowing for the fat to be removed through small diameter cannulas with minimal blood loss.  Occasionally, power-assisted liposuction, a reciprocating suction cannula, may be utilized to remove larger volumes.

Before	After
Age: 38 yo Procedures: - Power-assisted liposuction of abdomen, flanks, inner & outer thigh,   and knees       • Total volume: 5.7L Time after surgery: 9 months

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The most important component of the initial consultation is determining if the skin will redrape after removal of the underlying fat. The ideal patient for liposuction is at a stable weight with a limited, localized collection of fat.  Areas that contain more fibrous tissue such as the flanks and male chest, and areas that may benefit from skin tightening may be better addressed through VASER ultrasonic liposuction.  This form of liposuction incorporates heat and sound waves which together break up the fat and provide a component of skin tightening.

The fat that is removed through liposuction can be utilized for injection into the patient’s buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), facial creases, lips, and any other areas of contour irregularity or deficiency.

Before	After
Age: 32 yo Procedures: - Liposuction of flanks - Autologous fat grafting into buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift) Time after surgery: 4 months

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Surgery

Typically, the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia.  If combined with other procedures, an overnight stay in the hospital may be recommended, but this is determined on a case by case basis.  The areas to be liposuctioned are first marked with the patient standing prior to entering the operating room.  At the end of the procedure, the small incisions are closed and the patient is placed in bulky dressings consisting of ace bandages and padding or a compression garment.

Before	After
Age: 27 yo Procedures: - Power-assisted liposuction of abdomen, flanks, thighs, and knees       • Total volume: 8.6L Time after surgery: 6 months

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Recovery

In the initial 24 hrs after surgery, there may be drainage staining the dressing on the outside.  The patient is seen in the next few days for a postoperative visit, at which time the initial dressing is removed and he/she is placed into a snug compression garment, which is worn day and night with the exception of showering for 1-2 weeks.  The garment is then worn just during the day for the next 4 weeks.  The patient is asked to limit activity for a period of 2 weeks from the day of the surgery, gradually resuming normal activity over the next 2 weeks.

Before	After
Age: 27 yo Procedures: - Power-assisted liposuction of flanks       • Total volume: 1.65L Time after surgery: 8 months

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Risks and complications

Risks and complications are uncommon, but may occur.  They include, but are not limited to: infection, bleeding, unfavorable scarring, delayed wound healing, sensory changes of the overlying skin, contour irregularity and waviness, fluid collection beneath the skin (seroma), and need for revision in the future. 

Before	After
Age: 32 yo Procedures: - Power-assisted liposuction of flanks       • Total volume: 1.5L Time after surgery: 2 months

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Procedures that may complement

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Breast Augmentation
Breast Lift
Breast Reduction

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