During liposuction, also known as “lipoplasty” or “suction lipectomy,” localized deposits of fat are surgically removed. Your experienced Plastic + Hand surgeon inserts a small stainless-steel tube called a cannula through a tiny incision in your skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the layer of fat, breaking up the fat cells, and then suctioning them out through a vacuum pump or large syringe.

At Plastic + Hand, liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis at our state-of-the-art surgical center.  During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, the condition of your skin, and the fatty deposits to be removed. He or she will then recommend one of two liposuction techniques, depending on which will offer the best result for your unique makeup.

With tumescent liposuction, the most common technique, your surgeon injects large amounts of fluid (as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed) into the fatty tissues before fat removal begins. The fluid is composed of a mixture of intravenous saline solution, local anesthetic, and a drug that contracts blood vessels. This technique facilitates the removal of large amounts of fat while greatly reducing blood loss, minimizing bruising, and alleviating pain.

The super-wet technique is similar to the tumescent technique but uses less fluid — typically equal to the amount of fat to be removed. Fluids lost along with the fat will be replaced intravenously during and immediately following surgery.

After liposuction, you may experience soreness, swelling and bruising, and possibly some numbness at the treatment site. These symptoms are normal and should start improving in a few days. We generally recommend wearing snug elastic garments for several weeks to reduce swelling and help your skin adapt to its new contours. We may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

Your surgeon will recommend that you start walking as soon as possible to reduce swelling and help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You may be able to return to normal activities in a couple of days or, at most, a couple of weeks. It’s best to avoid strenuous activity for a month or so.

While you will see a noticeable difference in your body shape soon after surgery, the improvement will be even more apparent in four to six weeks as the swelling subsides.  Some patients see a dramatic improvement by3-6 months. Generally speaking, it can take up to a full year after surgery before you notice the final liposuction result, but this varies from patient to patient. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, so if you maintain a stable weight, your new shape will be permanent too!

Complications from liposuction are rare, but they can occur. Risks are greatest when a number of areas are treated at the same time or when a large area is being treated. These risks include infection, the formation of fat clots or blood clots, excessive fluid loss, or damage to skin or nerves. Scars will be as inconspicuous as possible; however, there can be imperfections in the re-contouring of treated areas. Your surgeon will discuss these and other possible risks with you.

The most suitable candidates for liposuction are of normal weight with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in localized areas. Liposuction carries a greater risk for people with diabetes, heart or lung disease, or poor blood circulation. Because there is a limit to the amount of fat that can be safely removed, people that are significantly overweight will need to diet before considering surgery.

As with any surgery, this is a big step to take. A consultation at Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates will determine if liposuction is right for you.