Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed Aesthetic surgical procedures. You may hear it referred to as body contouring or liposculpture, but basically it is the removal of excess fat from almost any part of the body.
Achieving Goals
Each year, many women and men will have liposuction procedures. Everyone who has this procedure has a different goal. Some want to have a better appearance in a swimsuit, some want to have their clothes fit more comfortably, while others are trying to enhance the results of their diet and exercise routine. Liposuction is commonly used by Plastic Surgeons to also improve the results of other medical procedures. For example, liposuction is frequently used to complete a tummy tuck.
General Information About Liposuction.
Liposuction is normally performed in an operating room as an outpatient procedure. It is most commonly performed with the patient sedated and lightly sleeping. It does not require general anesthesia. Once the patient is sleeping the areas to be suctioned are numbed using the Tumescent technique. This is putting a specific amount of local anesthetic into a bag of IV fluid and then using an injector slowly injecting this throughout the fat to be removed. This allows a smaller amount of local anesthetic to be spread out over a large area of fat and numb it and it also constricts the blood vessels in the fat to minimize bleeding. All liposuction is done using this technique. Small access incisions are made and through these a very thin cannula is used to remove the fat.
Types Of Liposuction
Different types of liposuction procedures are used by Plastic Surgeons. The most significant difference between them is the technology utilized. Each type of liposuction technology provides the surgeon and patient with a unique advantage but may also add different complications. It is common for a Plastic Surgeon to have a preference for one type of procedure. The most important thing that affects the result is the skill of the surgeon. The bottom line is that the end results have very little to do with the type of liposuction being performed and more to do with the skill of the surgeon.
Suction Assisted Liposuction
This is the most commonly used type of liposuction. It uses vacuum power to remove unwanted fat.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
This is often marketed under brand names such as SmartLipo. This procedure is designed to use a laser essentially burst the fat cells which are then removed using suction-assisted liposuction. The laser can then be carefully passed back and forth under the skin to shrink it. The amount of skin shrinkage is minimal and varies from patient to patient. The skin will gradually relax over the first 12 to 18 months. The surgeon must be careful not to burn the overlying skin or remove too much fat which can lead to loose skin after the shrinkage goes away.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
This procedure uses ultrasound energy to break up fatty tissue. Doing this will loosen it and permit easier removal of the fat. This is good for liposuction in an area that has been previously suctioned and has scarring. It can lead to nerve sensitivity and more swelling than standard liposuction.
Liposuction Recovery
Modern liposuction procedures have been designed to minimize discomfort, swelling, and trauma. It should always be done by a qualified Plastic Surgeon. Compression garments need to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure A patient can often go back to their job just a few days after having a liposuction procedure. Normal activity including exercise can be resumed after one week.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about how liposuction can benefit you, call the Straith Clinic in Bingham Farm at 248-270-5272. Arrange for a consultation with Dr. William Sabbagh or Dr. Marissa Baca. They will be happy to answer all your questions and help you achieve your appearance goals.
