How Is A Liposuction Performed?

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a common surgical procedure that addresses excess fat found at a number of places on the body. The abs, butt, waist, hips and thighs; arms, back, breasts and neck are areas that are commonly treated with liposuction. The surgical procedure us usually finished in 1-3 hours and after rest and healing, patients can usually see results and go about their lives after only a few months. Liposuction has remained one of the most commonly requested cosmetic procedures annually for many years now.

How Is A Liposuction Performed?

A licensed medical professional performs liposuction by carefully making small incisions around the area to be suctioned. Through these small incisions the surgeon inserts a tool called a cannula, which is a small metal rod used for both breaking apart and loosening fat and then suctioning it away. This can also be done with a specially designed ultrasound machine that breaks apart the fat with ultrasonic waves. The cannula is then used to remove the displaced fat cells as with the basic procedure. What the two procedures both have in common is the administration of anesthesia, which can be handled in one of two ways. General anesthesia can be administered, which will leave the patient unconscious during the procedure and omit the possibility of the patient remembering anything. Conversely local anesthesia can be administered to the area being treated in a process known as tumescent liposuction.

Tumescent Liposuction        

Tumescent liposuction has proven to have many benefits and has become widely available in recent years. It is available to treat any of the areas treated with traditional liposuction methods but the advantages include faster recovery times, better healing and minimized blood loss. Tumescent liposuction can provide faster healing because of the way in which the treatment is administered. Because of the small size of the incisions, the fluids released by the body and the anesthetic solutions are able to drain out through the incisions and lead to a reduction in swelling. This allows the body to function more properly, improving recovery times and the body’s ability to heal itself. Because of the way the lidocaine & epinephrine solution more effectively permeates the tissues in the body, it also restricts blood flow to local capillaries, which reduces the total amount of blood lost during surgery. Blood loss was once one of the primary concerns of patients of liposuction performed under general anesthesia, and they were commonly asked to donate blood in advance that could be used later during their surgery. Tumescent liposuction patients commonly lose as little as 30 cc, which is roughly equal to two tablespoons. This only improves the safety of tumescent liposuction. There have been no reported deaths to date from tumescent liposuction procedures.

The lidocaine & epinephrine solution is diluted in order to penetrate the tissue more efficiently but it works to effectively sever the connection between the nerves and the receptors to save patients the sensation of pain. Because of the capillary restriction and the decreased blood loss, blood does not pool in the same way as with traditional liposuction, the body has a more suitable healing environment, and can often repair itself in far less time. Tumescent liposuction methods have proven to be the superior choice for cosmetic patients and are often advised if they are available.

Ideal Liposuction Patients

It is wise to keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight loss solution and cannot make up for an unhealthy lifestyle. Patients who do not adopt more healthy diet and exercise habits may see their bodies create new fat deposits to replace fat removed during liposuction. Ideal liposuction candidates should be within 10 or 20 lbs of their ideal weight. California prohibits outpatient liposuction that is in excess of 5 liters of fat, which weighs around 10-11 lbs on average. Those who are seriously considering liposuction should schedule a consultation with a surgeon, who can answer specific questions, give a personal examination if necessary, and make educated professional recommendations.

Learn More

For more information on liposuction you can visit the Spalding cosmetic surgery website or schedule an appointment for a consultation with a medical professional who specializes in liposuction procedures. They take the time to personally answer any questions you have about any liposuction procedures you may be considering. Please feel free to ask any questions or vocalize any concerns you have regarding medications, follow-up care, returning to work, and postoperative recovery, resuming normal activity or anything else.