| What is liposuction? |
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Liposuction or suction assisted lipectomy is removal of subcutaneous fat with body recontouring
to create a more cosmetically appealing shape. While goals include size improvement, this
procedure is not for treatment of obesity. Final results are not apparent for 6 to 8 months
following your procedure, although recovery from surgery is generally 2 to 6 weeks. Although
many factors affect surgical outcome, final results greatly depend on proper nutrition, exercise
and decreasing your caloric intake.
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| Who Is A Candidate? |
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Any healthy patients desiring an improved face, neck, or body shape. Liposuction is not for
patients who desire massive weight loss. Liposuction can be performed for most age groups who
are healthy. Also patients who had previous liposuction can have additional surgery to improve
their body contour. Minor complications which do not affect the overall cosmetic results occur
occasionally. Major complications are rare.
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| Procedure Description |
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Liposuction is performed either under local or conscious sedation, or under general anesthesia.
The procedure involves introduction of tumescent solution through a small incision, generally
< 1 cm. The solution not only provides anesthesia to the areas, as well as limiting the usual
blood loss, but also aids in the ease of liposuction of the fatty tissue. Fat is then removed
from the areas using a surgical instrument called the cannula, which is attached to a liposuction
machine. The time for each procedure depends directly upon the number of area and the total amount
of fatty tissue removed. It is crucial that the surgeon monitors the amount of fat to be removed
to maintain the proper safe guidelines. At the end of the procedure, the area liposuction is
inspected both visual and tactile to assure a good aesthetic outcome. At the end, the skin
openings may be sutured or left open to heal. The patient is placed in a compression garment
that is worn for a period of 2 to 6 weeks.
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| Recovery-Recuperation and Healing |
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Liposuction results in minimal scaring. You will be discharged home on the night of surgery
and you are encouraged to be up and about the first night. While recovery is relatively quick
and easy, some swelling, bruising and discomfort should be expected. Compression garment will
minimize the swelling, bruising, discomfort and most importantly assist in the retraction of
any loose skin. Although in some cases results are noted immediately, your final shape and form
will continue to improve as your swelling resolves. It is crucial to be up and about the night
of your surgery and progressively increase your activities as the discomfort subsides. Usually
light work duties may be resumed within three to seven days and light exercise within two weeks.
Most patients will resume full activity and exercise regimen within one month after surgery.
Over activity too early may result in post operative complication. Minor complications which do
not affect the overall cosmetic results occur occasionally. Major complications are rare. You
should consult your physician for post operative regimen.
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