The Best Candidates for Liposuction
To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic
expectations about what the 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 surgery, think carefully about your
expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people
with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain
areas. 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.
Liposuction carries greater risk for individuals with medical
problems such as diabetes, significant heart or lung disease,
poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery
near the area to be contoured.
Planning Your Surgery
In your initial consultation, Dr. Weider will evaluate your
health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the
condition of your skin. He will explain the body-contouring
methods that may be most appropriate for you. In certain circumstances,
Dr. Weider may recommend another procedure such as abdominoplasty
as a way to more effectively reach you goals. During your consultation,
Dr. Weider will ask you about your goals and expectations and
he will describe the proposed procedure in detail and explain
its risks and limitations.
Preparing for Your Surgery
Dr. Weider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare
for surgery. This will include strict instructions to avoid
aspirin and all aspirin containing medications for at least
one week prior to surgery. In addition, all herbal medications
and most diet pills must be stopped a full two weeks prior to
surgery. Also, while you are making preparations, be sure to
arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and,
if needed, to help you at home for a day or two.
Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed
Liposuction is usually performed in an outpatient surgery center.
Smaller-volume liposuction is usually done on an outpatient
basis for reasons of cost and convenience. However, if a large
volume of fat will be removed, or if the liposuction is being
performed in conjunction with other procedures, an overnight
stay at the surgery center will probably be necessary.
The Surgery
The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably,
depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed,
the type of anesthesia and the technique used. Fluid Injection,
a technique in which a medicated solution is injected into fatty
areas before the fat is removed, is commonly used by plastic
surgeons today. The fluid -- a mixture of intravenous salt solution,
lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a drug that
contracts blood vessels) -- helps the fat be removed more easily,
reduces blood loss and provides anesthesia during and after
surgery. Fluid injection also helps to reduce the amount of
bruising after surgery.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL). This technique requires
the use of a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy.
As it passes through the areas of fat, the energy explodes the
walls of the fat cells, liquefying the fat. The fat is then
removed with the traditional liposuction technique.
UAL has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of
liposuction in fibrous areas of the body, such as the upper
back or the enlarged male breast. It is also commonly used in
secondary procedures, when enhanced precision is needed. In
general, UAL takes longer to perform than traditional liposuction.
After Your Surgery
After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage
from the incisions. Occasionally, a small drainage tube may
be inserted beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent
fluid build-up. To control swelling and to help your skin better
fit its new contours, you may be fitted with a snug elastic
garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks.
Don't expect to look or feel great right after surgery. Even
though the newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative
discomfort, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling,
bleeding and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with
medications prescribed by your surgeon, though you may still
feel stiff and sore for a few days.
Getting Back to Normal
Healing is a gradual process. Dr. Weider will tell you to start
walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to
help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will
begin to feel better after about a week or two and you should
be back at work within a few days following your surgery. The
stitches are removed or dissolve on their own within the first
week to 10 days.
Activity that is more strenuous should be avoided for about
a month as your body continues to heal. Although most of the
bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks,
some swelling may remain for six months or more.
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, call your doctor.
Your New Look!
You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body
quite soon after surgery. However, improvement will become even
more apparent after about four to six weeks, when most of the
swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent
mild swelling usually disappears and the final contour will
be visible.
If your expectations are realistic, you will probably be very
pleased with the results of your surgery. You may find that
you are more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more
at ease with your body. And, by eating a healthy diet and getting
regular exercise, you can help to maintain our new shape.
