Liposuction, which is also known as “lipoplasty” or “suction lipectomy”, is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.
During the past decade, liposuction has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are helping many cosmetic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times.
No type of liposuction is a substitute for diet and exercise in maintaining a trim physique, but liposuction can remove fat from areas of one’s body that stubbornly do not respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Is liposuction an effective weight loss tool?
No. Liposuction is designed to address relatively small areas of diet and exercise resistant fat, not to affect overall weight loss.
Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
People who are in generally good health, but who are unhappy with specific areas of fat accumulation are often ideal candidates for liposuction.
How is liposuction surgery performed?
There are several liposuction techniques that can be used to improve the ease of the procedure and to enhance outcome, surgeons will decide based on your particular case which is best for you.
Liposuction is a procedure in which localized deposits of fat are removed to recontour one or more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out by a vacuum pump or a large syringe. If many sites are being treated, your surgeon will then move on to the next area, working to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.As fluid is lost along with the fat it’s crucial that this fluid be replaced during the procedure to prevent shock. For this reason, patients are carefully monitored and receive intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery.The basic technique of liposuction, as described above, is used in all patients undergoing this procedure. However, as the procedure has been developed and refined, several variations have been introduced.
How long will my recovery take?
Healing is a gradual process; you will probably be advised to start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after about a week or two and you should be back at work within a few days following your surgery. The stitches are removed or dissolve on their own within the first week to ten days.
Activity that is more strenuous should be avoided for about a month as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some swelling may remain for six months or more.
What am I to expect after my surgery?
After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. Occasionally, a small drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up. To control 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. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.Don’t expect to look or feel great immediately after surgery. Although the newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by your doctor, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.
Will the effects of my liposuction last?
This depends, in large part, on specific personal factors. If you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen, the effects of your procedures can be permanent. Liposuction, however, does not prevent remaining fat cells from becoming larger, or new fat cells from forming.
Other questions?
If you have any questions we have not answered here, or would like to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bato, call us today at +(632) 8725449, +(632) 8746153 or get in touch via Skype®, Yahoo Messenger®, our Live Help utility, or our contact form. We’re here to help!
