Liposuction surgery has been practiced in the United States since the early 1980’s. It is an effective method of removing isolated areas of fat deposits to better contour the body, arms, legs and face. Liposuction is not considered a weight loss intervention. The procedure involves the removal of fat using instruments called cannulae, which are placed under the skin into the fat layer to either liquefy and/or suction fat.
Since the introduction of liposuction in the early 1980’s several new technologies have developed. Ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) using ultrasound energy to emulsify (melt) fat was popularized in the mid 1990’s. Power assisted liposuction (PAL) using electric powered cannulae was introduced shortly afterward. These newer technologies have made liposuction surgery less physically demanding on the surgeon and have improved results in certain areas of the body, such as the flanks and breasts in men, where fat is more fibrous in nature. However, conventional liposuction continues to be used successfully in all areas of the body.
Liposuction surgery may take anywhere from less than an hour to several hours depending on the number of areas to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed. The procedure may be performed under local, sedation or general anesthesia or a combination of the three. The greatest advance in liposuction was the development of tumescent anesthetic solution and the performance of tumescent liposuction. Virtually all techniques of liposuction include the use of tumescent local anesthesia. Tumescent anesthesia fluid contains both an anesthetic and adrenaline, which acts to minimize bleeding during the surgery. This technique of anesthesia has greatly improved the safety of liposuction. The procedure is performed through small incisions (2-5mm) placed strategically so that they remain well hidden.
For the first day or two after surgery there is a significant amount of fluid leakage from the small incision sites. This generally stops by the third day and consists of residual tumescent fluid, small amounts of blood and lymph/edema (like skinning your knee). It is helpful to have some old towels ready for your postoperative recovery to absorb the drainage. You will also be required to wear a compression garment (girdle, sleeve, legging) for a period of time after surgery, which may range from 1 to 6 weeks depending on your plastic surgeon’s practices. Regular clothing can easily be worn over these garments for return work. Exercise regimens can usually be resumed 1 to 2 weeks following surgery. Returning to work will vary, again depending on the amount of surgery performed. Don’t be surprised if you notice a weight gain for the first six weeks following surgery. This is the body’s response to the trauma of surgery.
By six weeks you will be able to appreciate the majority of your new improved contour, but the absolute final result may not be apparent until 6 months after surgery. Liposuction is also not a license to eat. Some fat cells are always necessarily left behind and these cells can grow if there is significant weight gain following liposuction. Exercising and good dietary habits will maintain your results for many years to come.
VIDEO: Liposuction
LENGTH: 02:20 minutes
When the tumescent technique is used in the liposuction of your neck and chin, the areas of fat are injected with an anesthetic which causes the fat to become swollen, or "tumesced".
The resulting expanded molecules make the fat particles easier to remove. You will begin to notice the difference in your new look almost immediately after surgery. The tumescent method results in less post-operative bruising, swelling and pain. A significant improvement in your appearance is apparent within 3 weeks of your surgery, when most of the swelling has subsided.
