Introduced in the U.S. in the early
1980s, liposuction, also called liposculpture, lipoplasty, or suction
lipectomy, is a cosmetic surgery technique developed by cosmetic
surgeons to remove stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to dieting
and exercise. These fatty bulges are most commonly found in the
thighs, hips, abdomen, buttocks, knees, ankles, calves and arms.
They are also found in the facial areas such as the chin, cheeks,
jowls and neck. Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction
with other cosmetic surgery proceduressuch as a tummy tuck,
facelift
or chin augmentation
to achieve the desired result.
The tumescent technique is a relatively new liposuction method
that can reduce post-operative bruising, swelling and pain. Because
blood loss is minimized during tumescent liposuction, use of the
technique reduces the chance that a blood transfusion will be needed.
In the tumescent technique, areas of excess fat are injected with
a large amount of anesthetic liquid before liposuction is
performed.
The liquid causes the compartments of fat to become swollen and
firm or "tumesced." The expanded fat compartments allow
the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as the
fat is removed.
The best candidates for liposuction are healthy men and women with
good skin elasticity and realistic expectations for liposuction.
"Realistic" means that improvement, not always perfection,
is the goal. The fatty bulges should be localized to a few areas
and the individual should be near their ideal body weight. Cellulite,
or waffled skin, will not be cured by liposuction.
It is natural for women, in particular, to accumulate fatty
deposits
on the hips, buttocks and abdomen; and fat in men tends to accumulate
around the mid-section. Some men experience gynecomastia, or enlarged
breasts.
Liposuction can enhance the appearance of men and women of all
ages while boosting self esteem. This procedure is not for obese
people. It is not meant to replace good eating and exercise habits,
or to counter obesity; however, liposuction can offer help to remove
unwanted fatty deposits in many areas of the body.
Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss your condition to see if liposuction
is right for you.
During your consultation, you and
Dr. Vincent will discuss the
areas of your body you'd like to change. You may undergo an examination
to thoroughly assess your fat storage, skin elasticity and review
your medical and health history. Dr. Vincent can discuss the placement
of incisions and what other procedures may need to be performed
to achieve the proper result. He will discuss what medication
you should avoid, such as any that affect blood coagulation, and
you may be asked to stop smoking for one to two weeks before and
after surgery.
Although you'll be mobile immediately following your liposuction
surgery, you will want to arrange for someone to drive you home
after surgery and to help out around the house for a day or so.
Depending on the extent of your liposuction,
Dr. Vincent may use
a general anesthesia where you will be fully asleep during the
surgery. Newer liposuction techniques involve injecting the area
to be suctioned with a special fluid/anesthesia combination prior
to suctioning. This is called tumescent liposuction. The fluid constricts
the surrounding blood vessels, making the procedure nearly bloodless,
while minimizing the pain. The rest of procedure is performed in
the same way as traditional liposuction.
Liposuction begins as Dr. Vincent makes small incisions, approximately
one-half inch in length or less, near the area where fat is to be
removed. A thin, hollow tube, called a cannula, is inserted and
is attached to a machine or syringe that creates a strong vacuum.
Dr. Vincent will then strategically manipulate the cannula under
the skin to remove the unwanted fatty deposits.
Depending on the type of anesthesia, you may feel pressure, movement,
or an occasional stinging sensation during the procedure, but not
actual pain. Dr. Vincent
will determine the amount of fat to remove
by feeling and pinching the skin throughout the surgery.
Most patients are mobile immediately after liposuction, although
an extra day or two of bed rest may be needed when large amounts
of fat are removed. Keep in mind that healing is a gradual process.
Dr. Vincent will want you to begin normal activity as soon as possible
to reduce post-operative complications, but in some cases you may
be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks. Light exercise
is usually permitted within a few days.
Dr. Vincent may recommend that a tight-fitting garment, similar
to a girdle, be worn after surgery to reduce swelling. This may
need to be worn for up to six weeks. Your stitches, however, will
be removed within a week-and-a-half if they are not the type that
dissolve.
You may not feel great just after your surgery. You've been given
extra fluids during the procedure, and you'll likely experience
swelling and some bruising, but this is only temporary. You may
feel a little bruised and sore as if you'd over exercised that part
of the body, but you should be able to resume work in a few days.
Dr. Vincent will recommend the exact timing, given your particular
circumstances.
Remember, liposuction is a surgical procedure, and your body has
to heal before you see the full benefits. Your results will likely
be visible within two or three weeks, but the full effect may not
be fully evident for six months to a year after surgery in some
cases.
You should maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly to fully
enjoy the new you for years to come. Many patients find that their
liposuction is such a psychological boost that it gives them the
incentive to exercise even more than before to improve other parts
of their physique. With realistic expectations, most patients are
pleased with the improvements from their liposuction procedure.
The goal is for you to be more comfortable with your body and happy
with your new shape.
Liposuction is a very popular procedure that is a normally safe
and effective method of removing excess fat. Like all surgery, any
cosmetic surgery involves some level of risk. To help ensure a successful
outcome, the patient should be a good candidate, the surgeon should
be well-trained in liposuction techniques, the surgical facility
should be properly equipped and the patient should follow the doctor's
instructions and advice.
Even with the most skilled surgeon, however, variations from the
ideal results are possible. Complications include uneven skin surface,
especially in patients with poor skin elasticity, bleeding, infection,
discoloration, fluid accumulation beneath the skin, numbness and
scarring. Although complications with this surgery are extremely
rare, infection and excessive loss of fluid can lead to serious
illness and even death.
Liposuction can offer a new shape for people who never thought
it was possible. Discuss the benefits and risks with Dr. Vincent
given your particular circumstances.
Click here for more information on Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Vincent
specializes in plastic and cosmetic surgery and his practice is located in
Ogden, Utah. Patients from the following cities and areas of Salt Lake City, West
Valley City, Provo, Sandy, Park City, Orem, Layton, Taylorsville, St. George,
Utah (UT) and Twin Falls, Idaho (ID) can conveniently schedule an appointment
with our Ogden, Utah office.
