Women may have liposuction performed under the
chin, on their hips, thighs, and stomach, and in
the underarm and breast area. |
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. |
Liposuction is the
removal of fat deposits form specific areas of the
body, and is the most popular cosmetic surgery
procedure in America. Through liposuction, fat can be
removed from the abdomen, hips, back, thighs, knees,
calf, arms and the chin and neck area. Many trying to
improve their bodies seek liposuction to help sculpt
the areas dieting and exercise cannot reach.
Liposuction is not a replacement for dieting and
exercise. Liposuction, over the years, has been
improved by advancements in technology. The newest is
the ultrasound assisted liposuction, (UAL). This
technique uses sound waves to break down and liquefy
the fat cells. It also allows for larger volumes of
fat to be removed in a single procedure. Liposuction
is normally safe. Because there are no federal or
state laws governing the scope or quality of education
a physician must attain to become a specialist, any
licensed physician can legally perform this procedure
regardless of training or education. It is very
important that you are careful in selecting a surgeon.
A way to assess a surgeon’s qualifications is to
inquire whether privileges to perform liposuction have
been granted to a particular surgeon at an accredited
hospital. Most hospitals examine credentials very
carefully before granting specialty privileges to
staff physicians. To confirm certification you may
call the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic
Surgeons at 1-800-814-7148.
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| 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
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. |
|
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| A
snug compression garment worn after surgery
helps reduce swelling. |
|
With every surgery
there are possible risks and complications:
Dr. Yaker performs many liposuction surgeries
successfully each year. A Possible complication
related to the UAL procedure is injury to the skin
from the heat of the ultrasound device. As well
temporary collections of fluid under the skin may
occur. For all types of liposuction complications may
include: asymmetry, irregularities of the skin
surface, and the removal of too much fat from a
particular area. It is advised that smokers top
smoking 2 weeks before surgery and continue until 2
weeks after surgery. Smoking increases the risk for
complications during the healing process.
About the Surgery:
There are different methods for this procedure. Dr.
Yaker will discuss with you during consultation your
options. The procedure is performed in our on site
AAAASF certified ambulatory surgery center under IV
sedation or general anesthesia. Through a small
incision in the skin, an cannula (a tube ranging is
sizes) is inserted and used to vacuum or suction the
fat layer that is beneath the skin. As the cannula is
pushed and pulled back and forth through the fat
layer, the fat cells are separated and suctioned
out The tumescent technique requires pre injecting
the areas to be suctioned with a solution containing
saline and epinephrine to shrink the blood vessels,
reducing greatly the amount of bleeding. Ultrasound
assisted lipoplasty uses a special cannula to produce
ultra sonic energy, or sound waves, to break down the
walls of the fat cells and liquefy the fat. The fat is
then suctioned out using the traditional liposuction
technique. This technique generally improves the
shrinkage of the skin following surgery, and decreases
the chances of irregularities of the skin. As well,
the ultrasound assisted liposuction requires less
effort, allowing the surgeon to perform long cases
without tiring.
Illustrations
above are courtesy of ASPS (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
(The
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, Inc.)
Pre-Operative
Instructions
for Liposuction
2 weeks Before
Surgery:
- Do not take aspirin
or ibuprofen products (You may take Tylenol)
- Do not take any
diet pills or similar appetite suppressant
medications, (i.e. Metabolife)
- Do not take any
herbal preparations, (i.e. St. Johns Wart)
- Do not take Vitamin
E
- Do Not Smoke - This
will interfere with the circulation and healing
process causing major complications
Products Needed at
Home:
Fill your
prescriptions given to you during your pre-op visit:
- Percocet, Lortab,
Dilaudid, or Darvocet is for the pain
- Keflex is an
antibiotic (you will need to take all of these as
directed)
- Diazepam is a
muscle relaxer
- Extra-strength
Tylenol
- O-tips
- Small tube of
Bacitracin
- Small bottle of
Hydrogen Peroxide
- Benadryl 25mg -
Occasional Itching
The Night Prior to
Surgery:
- Eat a bland meal -
Nothing Spicy
- Before going to bed
take a Pepcid AC
- Take one Diazepam
to help you to rest
The Day of Surgery:
**Eating
or Drinking Prior to Surgery Will Result in the
Cancellation of the Surgery**
Wear loose clothing,
something very easy to put on after surgery. Wear a
top that buttons or zips in front.
(Do not wear jeans or tight clothing)
- Do not wear
make-up.
- Men may shave as
usual.
- Leave all jewelry
and valuables at home
- The person caring
for you after surgery will need to stay with you
for at least 48 hours.
Post-Operative
Instructions
for Liposuction
Medications:
- Take your pain
medications for the pain. Do not take it on an
empty stomach.
- Take the
antibiotics as directed until they are all gone
- Sometimes patients
will develop a yeast infection from the
antibiotics, if this occurs call the office.
- Should you become
constipated, you may use an over the counter stool
softener. If you do not have relief from your
stool softener, call the office.
- Should you have
nausea, a prescribed Phenergan suppository should
help.
- Should you
experience itching, take Benadryl 25 mg: one
capsule every 6 hours as needed
- Remember no aspirin
products until 2 weeks after surgery
Other Things to
Remember:
- If you feel you are
in an emergency situation, please call the office
at any time. Our phones are answered 24 hours a
day. These calls include: abnormal bleeding,
abnormal swelling, or a temperature over 101
degrees. Other calls should be made during
business hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m.
- You will be placed
in a surgical garment or girdle, you will need to
wear this around the clock for the first 3 weeks,
and the next 3 weeks at night only.
- You will sutures
will come out on or around the 7th
day.
- You will have
black ink from the markings made on the skin
prior to surgery, this may be removed with
alcohol and a cotton pad.
- You will be able
to take a shower on the 3rd or 4th day following
surgery.
- It may help to
sleep with a couple of pillows behind your back
to prop your back up to make it easier to get up
and down.
- You can expect
most of the bruising and swelling to disappear
with the first six weeks, although some swelling
may remain for six months or more.
- We ask that you
not drive for 5-7 days following surgery.
- Most patients
take a week off from work for this procedure.
- Remember smoking
may cause complications in the healing process.
- Keep activity
moderate for the first 3-4 weeks. After 4 weeks
you may ride a life cycle, take walks, and lift
light (5-8lbs) arm weights. After 5 weeks you
may resume normal activities as tolerated.
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