Liposuction
Over 450,000 liposuction, or Suction Lipoplasty, procedures were performed in 2007. This constitutes approximately 4 percent of all plastic surgery operations during that year. Liposuction is used to shape the body by removing fat deposits in persons who have not experienced success with weight loss programs or exercise.
Most plastic surgeons will use local anesthesia combined with a sedative to complete this procedure. After administering the sedative the surgeon uses a marker to define the area to be treated. A local anesthetic is injected around the identified area. The cosmetic surgeon then makes small incisions about one fourth of an inch in length and injects a solution containing a saline solution, local anesthetic, and medications. These fluids curtail post-operative pain, break down the fatty deposits that are to be removed and reduce swelling. Next a stainless steel tube, called a cannula, is inserted into the fatty tissue which is used to loosen the fat deposits as a vacuum removes the material. Following the fat removal the incisions are sutured. The physician may require a pressure garment to be worn.
The laser liposuction procedure will often cause slight swelling, bruising or numbness in the treated area. There is very little pain associated with the surgery. The patient will sometimes feel light-headed for up to a day. Post-surgical physical activity should involve taking a few short walks the day after surgery. Resuming a light exercise routine is usually allowed within two to four days. Always follow the surgeon’s recommendations before exercising or returning to work. Fatigue and dizziness may occur for several days.
Since fat storage cells are removed, patients will not experience weight gain in the treated area. While slight lumpiness may be evident, this will level out over a period of three to six months and the contoured area will be smooth.