Liposuction

Why is this procedure done?

Liposuction is a procedure to remove extra fat from the body. It improves your body shape by removing the fat deposits. The belly is the most common body area for liposuction. Liposuction removes areas of fat that do not go away with diet and exercise. ‚
There are four ways to do liposuction: ‚

A drug softens the fat for easier suctioning
Sound waves to break up fat deposits
A laser burns the fat off to shape the area (Smart/Laser)
Pressured salt water breaks down the fat cells (Water Jet)

View OriginalView Original

What will the results be?

Extra fat is removed. Your body shape will look better. ‚

What happens before the procedure?

Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- The areas of the body you want to have treated.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
You may have photos taken of the area where the work will be done. Your doctor will also mark your skin with a permanent marker where the work will be done.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.

What happens during the procedure?

In the operating room, you will lie on a table. You will have a drug to keep you pain free. You may be asleep or awake during the procedure. This depends on the area where you have liposuction.
Your doctor may put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
Your doctor will make a small cut on your skin and put a thin hollow tube into the cut. A machine will suck out the loose fat through the tube. The area will be shaped to a nice look.
Your doctor will remove the tube and stitch up the cut.

What happens after the procedure?

You will go to the Recovery Room. You may go home when the doctor says you can.
You may feel pain. Your doctor will give you drugs for this.
There will be swelling around the suctioned area. Your doctor will give you a compressive garment to wear over the area for support. You may need to wear this for 4 weeks or more.
Your doctor may leave your cuts open to drain liquid.

What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
There may be bruising around the suctioned area.
The area may be numb or itchy. This will get better.
If the treatment was on your thighs or arms, raise them above the level of the heart when you sit or lie down.
If there is a bandage on your cut, change it often. Wash your hands before and after touching your wound.
Avoid straining, bending, or lifting for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.
Avoid tiring activities after surgery. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
When bathing, remove the compression garment and bandage. Wash your wound gently with mild soap and water and then pat dry. Replace the bandage with a clean one.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
If you plan to have liposuction on other body areas, you have to wait 3 to 4 weeks.
Talk to your doctor about creams that may stop scarring.

What lifestyle changes are needed?

Exercise. This will help firm the loose skin. Do this when the area is fully healed.
Avoid activities where you can easily get bumped.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Prevent infection
Help with pain
Help you rest

What problems could happen?

Infection
Scarring
Outcome is not as successful as expected
Poor wound healing

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
Too much blood from the drain site
Very bad pain in the area even after you take the drugs for pain
Trouble breathing
Very bad upset stomach and throwing up

Helpful tips

Wear the compression garment as long as the doctor says to. Tell your doctor if it is too tight.
You can wear the compression garment inside out so seams do not leave marks on your skin.

Where can I learn more?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons ‚
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction.html ‚
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ‚
http://www.surgery.org/consumers/procedures/body/liposuction ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

Home

Erectile Dysfunction

Doctor123.org