Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure for women and men that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Men typically want liposuction on their abdomens, chest (breasts) and flanks (“love handles”). Liposuction is performed under general anaesthetic and the surgery takes 1–2 hours.

Liposuction techniques:

• Traditional Liposuction – began in the 1970s.
• Ultrasonic Liposuction – also called ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), was developed in Europe in the 1980s. Ultrasonic liposuction combines the application of high-frequency sound waves with gentle suctioning. Ultrasonic energy is directed from the tip of the cannulae of „liquefy“ the fat. The „melted“ fat is then suctioned out by the ultrasonic cannula or by a second cannula. This technique is used by our plastic surgeons.
• External Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (EUAL) – ultrasonic waves are delivered through a rod that is inserted into fat. Ultrasonic energy is delivered to skin overlying the fat. Then liposuction is performed. Many surgeons found that this technique was not very helpful. Frequently, suctioning the fat after that application of the external ultrasound was no easier than if no ultrasound had been applied.

Liposuction and other cosmetic surgery procedures:

• Tummy Tuck – these cosmetic surgery procedures is advised for clients, where liposuction would not help, especially for clients with loose skin or lax inner girdles. Often the tummy tuck procedure is combined with liposuction.
• Upper Arm Lift or Thighs Lift – if your problem involves loose skin with poor tone, upper arm lift or inner thighs lift will be the best. If your problem is excess fat, then liposuction is most appropriate.

Cellulite

Cellulite is a common but unattractive dimpling and puckering of the skin. Unfortunately, it is not improved through liposuction.

The Best Candidates for Liposuction

To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic expectations about what this cosmetic surgery procedure can do for you. It’s important to understand that liposuction can enhance your appearance and 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 cosmetic surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with plastic surgeon.

The best candidates for liposuction are those with normal body weight who are near their body weight but have fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Your skin has to be firm and elastic. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.

The best time to consider liposuction is after you have stabilized your weight through diet and exercise. The results of liposuction are permanent in case you remain steady weight. If you were to gain a large amount of weight you might note rippling in the treated areas, depending on your skin elasticity.

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity

In case you are obese and you would find a plastic surgeon that would be agree to perform the surgery you are unlikely to have a pleasing or lasting result.

Preparation for Liposuction

Pharmaceuticals containing acetylsalicylic acid (Acylpirin, Aspirin, and Anopyrin etc.) should not be used for 3 weeks before the Face Lift cosmetic surgery, as they decrease clotting time of blood. In case you are a smoker you are advised to stop smoking or at least to cut down on cigarettes. Smoking slows down recovery process and it can also increase a risk or complications.

Operation

Before the surgery plastic surgeon will mark the areas to be suctioned and may mark areas to avoid. Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure, which consists of suction of accumulated fat through thin tubes, which are connected to a vacuum system. Only small incisions are necessary to introduce them, so any scarring will be virtually invisible. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic.

Once you are asleep, plastic surgeon will make several tiny incisions around the areas to be treated. Using a long metal rod, about the diameter of a pencil, but much longer, your surgeon will inject tumescent fluid into your fat layer. Afterwards the plastic surgeon will use a liposuction rod to remove fat cells. At the end of the rod there will be a suction machine attached, which produce a vacuum. The surgeon uses dissolving stitches, which do not need to be removed.

It is a few years that we are using the ultra fine ultrasonic liposuction method in our cosmetic surgery clinic, which is not harmful to the skin grain or any other tissue. Using the Vibrasat device, we are able to aspirate, in a much gentle manner, a considerable amount of fat from very fine, almost imperceptible points, without damaging the subcutaneous layer. In that way there are limited negative side effects, e. g. post-operative bleeding, swellings or strong pain of treated body parts. On top of that, vibrations of the equipment stop signs of cellulite in the skin grain.

Post-operational Course

Garments worn after liposuction are essential to achieving good results following surgery. If you do not follow the instructions of plastic surgeon and do not wear a properly fitted garment, you may have baggy, lumpy, irregular, and uneven results. You will have to wear this garment for 4–6 weeks after the surgery. After a month it is no longer necessary for the underwear to be worn at night.

The plastic surgeon usually uses dissolving stitches, which do not need to be removed. After 1–2 weeks, the patient can return to everyday activities, avoiding strong physical efforts. Any bruising and swelling will usually dissipate within a month.

Bruising or inflammation of the treated area is common, but this will disappear over time. Results will become more visible over time as the loss of volume and skin re-modelling is continuous and gradual. A significant improvement in the figure and body shape will be achieved. The patient should rest at home for about a week.

How will I feel after the surgery?

You will probably feel tired, sleepy and suffer from pain especially in 1–3 days after the surgery. You will be given some painkillers and tablets for reducing the swelling. The surgeon will also prescribe antibiotics as a prevention of any potential infection.

You might also feel unhappy after a few days. This is normal and is caused due to the stress, general anaesthetic,  or lack of patience with the healing problems..

To know more aboutliposuction from the best plastic and cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles visit our website www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com