Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to improve body shape and contour by removing fatty deposits. It is one of the most common Plastic Surgery procedures done in North America. In women, the most common areas treated are the waist, hips, and thighs. Men most commonly want their abdomen treated (the ‘spare-tire’) or excess breast tissue. Other areas that can be treated include the knee region, upper arms, and chin.
Liposuction should not be considered a substitute for weight reduction. The best results are seen in people with average body weights and firm skin tone who can’t get rid of fatty deposits despite diet and exercise. The reality is that certain areas of fat are resistant to diet and exercise – this is where liposuction can help.
What type of anesthesia is used during the operation?
What else is done during the liposuction procedure?
How long will I stay at the surgical facility?
When are the stitches removed?
What happens after the surgery?
What type of anesthesia is used during the operation?
Dr. Edelstein discusses anesthesiaThis procedure is usually performed under General Anesthesia. Small areas can occasionally be done under Local Anesthesia with sedation to help you relax. An Anesthetist is always present. If you have any particular problems with anesthesia, please let us know.
How long is the liposuction Canada procedure?
This very much depends on the number of areas that are going to be treated, and whether liposuction is going to be combined with other procedures such as a tummy tuck. It also depends on the types of liposuction used. The duration varies between 1 and 6 hours.
Where are the incisions made?
The incisions are very small, no more than 1 centimeter, placed inconspicuously in a natural skin fold or crease adjacent to the area being treated.
What else is done during the liposuction procedure?
A thin, long, hollow tube, called a cannula, is inserted under the skin through the small incision. First, a salt water and anesthetic solution is injected – this is called tumescent liposuction. If ultrasonic liposuction is also used, an ultrasound probe is then inserted into the fat. Vibration of the probe liquefies the fat. Finally, a high pressure suction machine removes the fat as the cannula is moved back and forth underneath the skin. Power-assisted liposuction allows the surgeon to remove fat without moving the cannula back and forth a great deal. Tumescent, Ultrasonic, and Power-Assisted liposuction are the state of the art in this type of surgery. They help to reduce bruising and swelling, and to speed recovery.
How long will I stay at the surgical facility?
Liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day once you have recovered from the anesthetic. If very large areas are going to be treated, you may have to stay overnight and go home the day after surgery.
When are the stitches removed?
Stitches are removed between 7-10 days. Sometimes dissolving stitches are used that don’t have to be removed.
What happens after the surgery?
Most people feel tender and bruised after surgery, but are not in a great deal of pain. Pain medication will make you comfortable.
For your liposuction recovery time, ou should plan to be off work for 4-7 days. During that time you are encouraged to go for leisurely walks. Athletic activities usually have to wait until approximately 2-3 weeks.
A support garment is worn for 6 weeks – night and day for the first three weeks, and then during the day for another three weeks. This garment will help reduce swelling and conform the skin to your new shape. Showering is permitted on the third day after surgery. Massage of the treated areas will begin 7-10 days after surgery to help decrease the swelling faster and to smooth out any irregularities. Scars will initially be red and a little raised, but over 3-6 months they usually get lighter in colour and flatten out.
What are the results?
Good improvement in your shape can be predictably achieved. The liposuction scars are usually well hidden. Most patients are very happy with their results.
Is liposuction permanent?
The procedure re-contours the body by reducing the number of fat cells. This is permanent. If one does gain a significant amount of weight, the fat cells that do remain can enlarge, diminishing the benefits. Overall contour, however, remains improved.
Some additional points:
Make sure you let me know your complete medical history as well as any medications, drugs, vitamins, or natural herbs you are taking. For example, diabetes is known to affect wound healing.
Smoking also affects your ability to heal, and I recommend that you stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory pills (like anaprox or motrin), and vitamin E also should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery because they can cause extra bleeding.
We strive to make sure all of his patients are well informed. Your questions are more than welcome.
