Lipoplasty

Lipoplasty or liposuction is a procedure that can reshape the body by removing unwanted, excess fat. This procedure is not normally used as a solution for overweight people, it is more used for those who have had significant weight loss, but have certain areas of the body that will not respond to diet or exercise. Fat from areas including the abdomen, upper arms, cheeks, neck, chin, hips, buttocks, thighs, and knees are treated most often with this procedure. Liposuction can remove the excess fat allowing the skin to tighten and re-shape to the new contours of the body.

The Procedure

The liposuction procedure begins with the surgeon making tiny incisions near the areas that are being treated. Once an incision is made, a narrow tube called a cannula is inserted underneath the skin. The cannula is pushed through the layers of fat which causes the cells to break apart. The cells are then suctioned out of the body through the tube with use of either a large syringe or a vacuum pump. The incision will then be closed and the doctor will move onto the next area.

There are several different forms of this procedure and each is used based on what will work best for the patient. One such form is called the Tumescent Technique. This is the safest form of liposuction. The Tumescent Technique involves using large volumes of diluted local anesthetic which are injected directly into the fat cells. When this is done, it causes the cells to become firm and provides for easy extraction. This procedure is the safest because local anesthetic is the safest form of anesthetic to use. It allows the area being treated to stay numb for several hours.

Another form of liposuction treatment is known as the Wet Technique. The Wet Technique involves the patient being put under a general anesthetic, after which the area being treated is injected with a local anesthetic containing epinephrine. This technique works well, but it does result in significant blood loss. Any liposuction procedure requires IV fluids to be injected during the procedure because of fluid loss, but the wet technique involves more blood loss than most other techniques.

The Super Wet Technique is yet another form of treatment. This procedure also requires a general anesthetic. This technique requires an injection of diluted local anesthetic but it is less than half of that which is injected during the Tumescent Technique. This procedure does result in more blood loss than the Tumescent Technique but the loss is significantly less than the Wet Technique.

While all of these techniques do result in the removal of excess fat cells, it is important to discuss the pros and cons of each with your surgeon. Each procedure can provide different results, so it is important to find the one that is right for you.

Will It Hurt?

Depending on the extent of the Lipoplasty procedure, there are many anesthetic choices that patients can make. If the treatment area is limited, patients will most likely receive a local anesthetic. Along with a local, patients can also request an IV sedative in order to help relax the body. If patients are receiving extensive liposuction they will be put under general anesthetic during the procedure so they will sleep right through it.

Patients may feel pain and burning and may experience bleeding, swelling and numbness following the surgery. All of these effects should be minor and temporary. They should subside a few weeks after the procedure.

What Will My Results Be?

Drainage tubes may be placed under the skin for few days after the surgery in order to drain excess fluid and prevent fluid build up. Patients may also be given snug elastic garments to wear for the first few weeks after surgery in order to control swelling and help the skin form to the new contours of the body.

The healing process after liposuction is gradual. Surgeons encourage patients to walk around as soon as they are up to it, because the exercise will help reduce bruising and swelling. Patients are told they can go back to work within a few days after the surgery and should feel pretty much back to normal after about two weeks. The stitches should dissolve or be removed about 10 days after the surgery.

Patients will be able to see a difference shortly after the surgery, but most don’t see a significant change until the swelling subsides which is usually one to two months after the surgery. After about three months the swelling should be completely gone and the final shape should be apparent.

Patients should be aware that this is not a permanent procedure. Fat cells can rejuvenate themselves. Maintaining a good diet and a healthy lifestyle will ensure that patients keep their new form.

Costs

Lipoplasty costs can vary according to the area in which the patient lives and the doctor that performs the procedure. Single area procedures can cost anywhere from $800 to several thousand dollars. Most doctors do provide discounts for those that are treating several areas at once. This procedure can benefit those that are having a hard time losing that last bit of unwanted fat. It can re-shape the body and help patients live a healthier lifestyle.