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Antell
If you're
considering liposuction plastic surgery...
Suction-assisted lipectomy-also known as liposuction,
fat suction, or suction lipectomy-is a technique
to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas
of the body, including the chin, neck, and cheeks;
the upper arms and above the breasts; the abdomen,
buttocks, hips, and thighs; and the knees, calves,
and ankles. Liposuction is not a substitute for
weight reduction, but a method of removing localized
fat that doesn't respond to dieting and exercise.
If you're considering liposuction, this information
will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when
it can help, how it's performed, and what results
you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions,
since a lot depends on the individual patient and
the surgeon. Please ask your doctor about anything
you don't understand.
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The
best candidates for liposuction plastic surgery
Liposuction can enhance your appearance and your
self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change
your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people
to treat you differently. Before you decide to have
surgery, think carefully about your expectations
and discuss them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for liposuction are of relatively
normal weight but have pockets of excess fat in
particular areas. You should be physically healthy,
psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations.
Most important, having firm, elastic skin will result
in a better final contour. (Hanging skin won't reshape
to your body's new contours, and may require an
additional procedure to surgically remove the excess
skin. This procedure will leave visible scars.)
Suction lipectomy is not recommended if you've
had recent surgery on the spot to be sculpted, if
you have poor blood circulation in that area, or
if you have heart or lung disease. You should also
understand that liposuction by itself will not improve
the dimpled skin known as cellulite, though some
plastic surgeons offer other techniques that may
improve this condition.
Women may have liposuction performed
under the chin, on their hips, thighs,
and stomach, and in the under arm and
breast area.
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All
liposuction surgery carries some uncertainty and
risk
Suction-assisted lipectomy is normally safe, as
long as patients are carefully selected, the operating
facility is properly equipped, and the physician
is adequately trained in body contouring as well
as general surgery.
Nevertheless, in rare instances, the procedure
may cause severe trauma, particularly when multiple
or very extensive areas are suctioned at one time.
Other infrequent, but possible, complications include
fluid accumulation (which must be drained) and injury
to the skin. Although serious complications are
infrequent, infection or excessive fluid loss can
lead to severe illness. You can reduce your risks
by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon who has
been granted privileges to perform liposuction at
an accredited hospital, and by closely following
his or her advice.
The scars from liposuction are small and strategically
placed to be hidden from view, even in a bikini.
However, other cosmetic problems may occur, even
if your surgeon is very skilled. They may include
rippling or bagginess of the skin over the treated
area, and pigmentation changes (such as brown spots)
that may become permanent if exposed to the sun.
Asymmetry (uneven contour or shape) sometimes requires
a second procedure.
For men, common sites include under the
chin and around the waist. Liposuction
may also be used in the reduction of
enlarged male breasts, a condition
known as gynecomastia.
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Planning
your liposuction surgery
In your initial consultation, the surgeon will
evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits
lie, and carefully assess your skin tone. Your doctor
should explain any alternative body-contouring methods
that may be appropriate-such as abdominoplasty,
or tummy tuck-and discuss the options or the combination
of procedures that would be best for you.
Be frank in discussing your expectations with your
surgeon. He or she should be equally frank with
you, describing the procedure in detail and explaining
its risks and limitations. Your surgeon should also
explain the anesthesia he or she will use, the type
of facility where the surgery will be performed,
and the costs involved.
During this consultation, be sure to tell your
surgeon about any large weight losses or gains you've
had at any time. You should also inform your surgeon
if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications,
vitamins, or other drugs.
Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions
you may have, especially those regarding your expectations
and concerns about the results.
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Preparing
for your liposuction surgery
If you're having extensive liposuction, discuss
the possibility of having blood drawn ahead of time
with your doctor. Your own blood can be used to
help replace the blood and other fluids you'll lose
during surgery if your doctor feels this is necessary.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions
on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines
on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding
vitamins, iron tablets, and certain medications.
If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind,
especially a skin infection, your procedure will
have to be postponed.
While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange
for someone to drive you home after your surgery
and, if needed, to help you out for a day or two.
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Where
your liposuction surgery will be performed
Suction-assisted lipectomy may be performed in
a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient
surgery center, or a hospital. It's usually done
on an outpatient basis, for cost containment and
convenience. Extensive procedures may require a
hospital stay of two or three days.
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Types
of anesthesia for liposuction surgery
If your procedure is not too extensive-that is,
the amount of fat and fluid removed does not exceed
an amount your doctor will define based on your
health, body size, and surgical procedure —
liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia,
which numbs the area, combined with a sedative to
make you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed, and
will feel minimal discomfort. Some surgeons may
instead use an epidural block, similar to the anesthesia
used in childbirth
If your doctor plans to suction a large area, or
to treat several sites, you'll probably have general
anesthesia. In that case, you'll sleep through the
operation.
The best candidates for liposuction are
of normal weight with localized areas
of excess fat-- for example, in the
buttocks, hips, and thighs.
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The
liposuction surgery
Suction-assisted lipectomy usually takes an hour
or two, but the time required may vary considerably
— from thirty minutes to several hours, depending
on the area and amount being suctioned.
To begin the procedure, the surgeon makes a small
incision, just large enough to allow the insertion
of a hollow tube called a cannula. The opposite
end of the cannula is attached to a machine that
creates a strong vacuum. The surgeon manipulates
the cannula deep within the fat layers under the
skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out.
Sometimes additional incisions are needed to remove
all areas of fat.
The surgeon inserts a cannula through
small incisions in the skin. At the
other end of the tube is a vacuum-pressure
unit that suctions off the fat.
If you've had local anesthesia, you'll feel some
vibration and friction during the procedure. You
may also feel a stinging sensation as the cannula
moves closer to the muscle.
You'll lose fluid along with the fat during liposuction,
and it's crucial that this fluid be replaced to
keep your body from going into shock. You'll be
given fluids intravenously, and if needed you may
also receive a blood transfusions (usually the blood
you've donated in advance).
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After
your liposuction surgery
After surgery, a drainage tube may be inserted
beneath your skin for one to three days to remove
any fluid build-up that occurs. A snug elastic dressing,
girdle, or body stocking must be worn over the treated
area to control swelling and bleeding, and to help
your skin shrink to fit your new contour. You may
need to wear this garment continuously for two to
three weeks, then just in the daytime for a few
weeks more, depending on your surgeon's instructions.
Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent
infection.
A snug compression garment worn after
surgery helps reduce swelling.
Don't expect to look or feel great right after
surgery. You'll even be heavier for a while, because
of the extra fluids you've been given. The suctioned
areas will be swollen and bruised, and you may feel
a burning sensation. The pain can be controlled
with medications prescribed by your surgeon, though
you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.
You may temporarily lose all feeling in the suctioned
area; don't worry — it will return.
It's not unusual to feel depressed in the days
or weeks following surgery. Try to keep in mind
that this is normal and will subside as you begin
to look and feel better.
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Getting
back to normal after liposuction surgery
Healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will
probably tell you to start walking around as soon
as possible (to help prevent blood clots from forming
in your legs), but to avoid more strenuous activity
for two to four weeks. Any stitches will be removed
in five to ten days or dissolve, and you should
be back at work in 2 - 3 days, or as much as two
weeks after your surgery. When you resume activity
depends on the extent of your procedure, how you
feel and what your doctor recommends.
While most of the swelling and discoloration will
be gone a month or two after surgery, some swelling
can remain for six months or more. Your surgeon
will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress
and to see if any additional procedures are needed.
If you have any unusual symptoms between visits
— for example, heavy bleeding or a sudden increase
in pain — or any questions about what you can
and can't do, don't hesitate to call your doctor.
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Your
new look after liposuction surgery
Suction-assisted lipectomy is a highly effective
technique for giving you a new body contour with
very little scarring. The results can be permanent,
providing you eat sensibly and exercise regularly.
If you do gain weight, you'll probably gain it more
uniformly throughout your body, not just in the
former "bulges."
As healing progresses, a more
proportional look will emerge.
Most patients are very satisfied with the results
of their liposuction — they feel more comfortable
in a wide variety of clothes, and more at ease with
their bodies. As long as your expectations are realistic,
you should be happy with your new shape.
A slimmer body contour can help you
feel more confident and comfortable.
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© Copyright American Society
of Plastic Surgeons
Liposuction
FAQs
Below are links to the answers to some of the most
frequently asked questions about liposuction.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is the surgical vacuuming of fat from
beneath the surface of the skin. It is used to reduce
fullness in any area of the body.
It is an excellent method of spot reduction but
is not an effective method of weight loss.
What is the
tumescent liposuction technique?
The tumescent liposuction technique involves injection
beneath the skin of large volumes of salt water
containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic and small
amounts of adrenaline, a naturally occurring hormone
which shrinks blood vessels. By injecting this solution
to the fat prior to performing liposuction, the
plastic surgeon numbs the tissues and shrinks the
blood vessels thereby eliminating pain and reducing
and minimizing bleeding, bruising, and swelling.
The tumescent technique permits some patients who
were previously treated under general anesthesia
to be treated under local anesthesia with sedation.
Who is a candidate
for liposuction?
Generally people who have localized areas of protruding
fat achieve the most dramatic results.
Patients who are slightly overweight can benefit
from liposuction. It is best to be at or near your
normal weight. Good skin elasticity permits the
skin to shrink easily to the reduced contour.
There are no absolute age limits for liposuction.
What areas
are most frequently treated with liposuction?
In women, the single most frequently treated areas
are the outer thighs, followed by the stomach. In
men, the flank area or "love handles" are treated
most frequently.
Can liposuction
tighten up a loose neck?
If there is excess fat in the area under the chin
and the skin is taught, liposuction alone can produce
a more sculpted, angular, and youthful jaw line.
If, however, the skin of the neck is loose, hanging,
or crepey, even if there is excess fat, liposuction
alone will not produce the desired result.
Patients with loose skin usually require a face
and neck lift in addition to or instead of liposuction.
In general, most patients who benefit from liposuction
of the neck are under 40. Most patients over 40
will require some surgical skin tightening.
Will I have
scars from liposuction?
An incision needs to made in order to access the
fat with the liposuction instrument, but the incision
is about the size of a staple in a piece of paper
and fades over time.
Dr. Antell will discuss where the incisions are
made at the time of your consultation.
Can I have
more than one area done at the same time?
Generally speaking, yes. Often we see women for
abdomen and outer thighs or men who want their abdomen
and chin done.
Dr. Antell needs to see how much fat he will be
removing from you because there are safety limitations
as far as how much fat can be removed at one time.
How long will
I wear the compression garment following liposuction
plastic surgery?
In most cases, Dr. Antell recommends wearing a
compression garment for 2 weeks.
Each case is special and he will let you know if
you need to wear it longer or if it is okay to remove
it sooner.
We provide the garment for you.
What will
be discussed at my consultation for liposuction
plastic surgery?
The plastic surgeon will tell you about liposuction
surgery, the techniques he uses, the incisions that
he would need to make and where he would place them.
He would tell you how much improvement you can expect
from the procedure and discuss recovery, anesthesia,
down time requirements, potential risks and complications.
He will answer any questions you may have and spend
as much time as necessary to ensure that you fully
understand all aspects of the procedure.
Can I see
before and after photos of liposuction results?
As a courtesy to our patients and for patient-confidentiality
reasons, we do not post photos on the web site.
We would be happy to show photos of before and
after liposuction to you in the privacy of our office.
Please call us at 1-212-988-4040 or fill out our
contact form if you are interested in a consultation
for a liposuction or any of our cosmetic surgery
procedures.
Liposuction
seems very simple and safe. Are there any dangers
associated with liposuction plastic surgery?
Although liposuction is very safe and effective,
it is a surgical procedure and can cause complications
such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. In
addition, aesthetic complications such as contour
irregularity or waviness can occur.
Fortunately, complications are uncommon and most
patients are satisfied with their results.
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If you would like to contact New York plastic surgeon
Darrick Antell, or if have any further questions
about liposuction or any of our plastic surgery
procedures, please use our contact
form.
Phone: (212) 988-4040
