Liposuction is a surgical technique designed to contour the body by removing fatty deposits through suction. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia; both patient and surgeon prefer usually general anesthesia. Liposuction is a relatively quick procedure that can be performed as an outpatient. Both men and women benefit from liposuction.
This procedure can be performed on many parts of the body like the abdomen, flanks or love handles, thighs both inner and outer, buttocks, knees, arms, back, under the chin. Also performed on the chest of men who need a male breast reduction when mainly fat or adipose tissue is present.
There are several techniques that can be used to perform liposuction, tumescent, ultrasonic, vibro liposuction, VASER, among a few others. But, more important than the technique is the expertise, knowledge, experience the surgeon has. There are many unfortunate negative results from this procedure that can be avoided by just selecting the best surgeon possible for performing your operation. Experience comes not only with time, but also with number of procedures performed. So, sometimes a surgeon that is older, more experienced even with above average pricing, might be the best way to go. The proper choice of cosmetic surgeon will save you time and money on unnecessary corrections.
The procedure can take anything from an hour to two or three, depending on technique to be used and areas to be worked on. The surgery starts by putting the patient to sleep, under general anesthesia, then infiltration of the areas to be sculpted with saline and a few other solutions, to prepare the area for suctioning. A cannula is used to suction the fat through a very small incision made on the skin.
After the surgery there will be some bruising and swelling, 80% of this swelling disappears during the first two weeks, the other 20% takes 4 to 6 months. Pain involved is mostly present when coming to from anesthesia and feeling a burning sensation that is immediately controlled with painkillers. Other than that only mild discomfort is felt. A compression garment must be used to help in the healing process, one month during day and night, and then one more month during the day only. Results may vary depending on individual preferences from minor corrections to high definition liposuction.
