Liposuction

Liposuction improves body shape by removing exercise-resistant fat deposits with a tube and vacuum device. Can be performed using the tumescent technique, in which targeted fat cells are infused with saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before liposuction to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Common locations for liposuction include chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, above breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles.

Exercise & Dieting, Internal liposuction, External (ultrasound) liposuction or OptiLipo could be alternative to liposuction surgery.

To perform the liposuction procedure a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas through a very small incision in the skin, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. As the cannula is pushed and pulled back and forth through the fat layer, it breaks up the fat cells, which are then suctioned out.

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you have localized excess fat that you have not been able to get rid of with dieting or exercise. Liposuction is best suited for the following areas; Cheeks, jowls and neck Upper arms Breast or chest area Back Abdomen and waist Hips and buttocks Outer thighs Inner knee Calves and ankles.

Liposuction results are permanent. May not improve cellulite or skin texture.

Some of the side effects and risks of liposuction are inevitable such as; temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation, temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. Others are possible complications, you must discuss these with your surgeon in details.

After liposuction surgery you will be back to work in 1 to 2 weeks, more strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising: 1 to 6 months or more. Use of tumescent technique may decrease post-operative bruising and swelling.

Anesthesia is usually local, or a very light general during the liposuction procedure. There is only minimal pain that is mostly gone by the second or third day and easily controlled by medications.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for liposuction surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your surgery may have to be postponed. Also, while you are making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and, if needed, to help you at home for a day or two. Special accommodations are available for patients who are coming from out of town.

It’s important for you to know beforehand that recovery time after liposuction will vary a great deal depending on the individual and how extensive the procedure, and the technique used. In general, after liposuction procedure, you’ll probably have some fluid drainage from the incisions. Some patients may get a small drainage tub inserted beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up. You can expect initial swelling. To control the swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you may be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. It’s designed to be worn in the shower; drying as a bathing suit would. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Don’t expect to look or feel great right after procedure. As with any procedure, it will take some time to heal.

Liposuction Cost

Lower bound: $3,000
Upper bound: $15,000
National average: $6,000