Liposuction : Tampa plastic surgeon, Dr. Luria

Diet, exercise, weight loss, and careful selection of clothing can only do so much to improve your appearance. If you are unhappy with the way you look; if you want more freedom in the clothes you wear; you may benefit from liposuction. Liposuction is a surgical procedure which your plastic and reconstructive surgeon can use to contour your body, and modify those localized areas that are hereditary in origin.

CONSIDERING LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction is particularly well-suited for women and men who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of the body to appear disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction is often the only way to elminate them.

While it is possible to undergo liposuction at almost any age, you will obtain the best results if your skin still has enough elasticity to achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. When skin is inelastic, as in some older patients, it may not redrape well and a skin tightening procedure may be necessary.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you have localized excess fat or desire contouring in any of the following areas:

• cheeks, jowls and neck
• upper arms
• breast or chest area
• back
• abdomen and waist
• hips and buttocks
• inner and outer thighs
• inner knee
• calves and ankles

Liposuction may sometimes be used to treat a condition called gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, which frequently occurs among both teenage and adult males.

Liposuction should not be considered a substitute for overall weight loss nor is it usually an effective treatment for cellulite, a condition that gives the skin an uneven, dimpled appearance. Alternative treatments may be considered, in some instances, to improve this problem.

Liposuction can be performed on several areas of the body at the same time, and it can be done in conjunction with other aesthetic plastic surgery.

YOUR PERSONAL CONSULTATION

During your consultation, I will discuss the factors that may influence the outcome of your surgery, the possible risks, complications, and how you visualize your body following liposuction. Keep in mind, liposuction is not a cure for obesity or a substitute for healthy eating and regular activity. If you have realistic expectations about the results, and clear goals, liposuction surgery can make a world of difference in how you feel about yourself and look in your favorite outfits.

Because of individual physical factors, not everyone will achieve the same results from liposuction. Your unique characterstics must be taken into consideration in determining the most effective treatment.

How will I be evaluated for liposuction?

You should come to your consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions you may have such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heard disease. You will be asked about previous surgeries, medical treatments and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

How much you currently weigh and whether you plan to lose or gain weight in the future will be factors in evaluating you for liposuction. You may be asked about the effects of prior weight loss on the appearance of those areas which you have indicated for contouring.The elasticity of your skin will be evaluated and the amount of fat to be removed for optimal results will be estimated.

HOW LIPOSUCTION IS PERFORMED

Fat is removed by first inserting a small, hollow tube, called a cannula, through one or more tiny incisions near the area to be suctioned. Incisions are usually less than one-quarter inch in length and are placed as inconspicuously as possible, often within skin folds or contour lines. The cannula is connected by tubing to a vacuum pressure unit. Guided by the surgeon, the suction device literally vacuums away the unwanted fat.

What are some variations to the liposuction technique?

Prior to performing liposuction, fluid is instilled into the areas to be suctioned. Other variations that may be used include a "dry" technique, or a "tumescent" technique that introduces large amounts of fluid. Particular, recommended methods will be discussed with you depending on your specific needs.

Other options may involve the type of instrumentation use or whether suctioning is performed on the deep or more superficial layers of fat. These considerations are based in large part upon the goals that have been set for your body contouring surgery.

UNDERSTANDING RISKS

Fortunately, significant complications from  liposuction are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of people undergo successful liposuction, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks.

I understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis during your consultation.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Blood accumulations under the skin are possible, but these normally resolve themselves and rarely require removal. While numbness of the skin following liposuction is almost always temporary, it is possible for some residual lack of sensation to persist or for skin discoloration to appear in treated areas. Contour irregularities including depressions or wrinkling of the skin can result in some patients, but treatments are usually available to help minimize these problems if they occur.

You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice and instructions you receive, both before and after surgery.

YOUR SURGICAL EXPERIENCE

The goal  is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

How should I prepare for surgery?

If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of the surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your will also be provided with additional preoperative instructions.

Depending on the extent of your surgery and the type of anesthesia used, you may need someone to drive you home afterwards and to stay with you at least the first night.

What will the day of surgery be like?

Your liposuction may be performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite.

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. You will have decided in advance what type of anesthesia to be used, either local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or an epidural block or general anesthesia. For your safety during the operation, various methods are used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.

When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. There may be some discomfort, but this can be controlled with medication which you may continue taking at home. A comprehensive dressing such as an elasticized garment may have been placed over the areas that were suctioned. Your surgeon should tell you how long you should wear the garment and will instruct you on how to remove it so that you may shower or bathe.

You probably will be permitted to go home after a few hours, although some patients may stay overnight in the hospital or surgical facility.

How will I feel initially?

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.

The day after surgery, you will need to move around a bit to promote blood circulation. You will be advised to limit yourself to these brief periods of gentle activity for the first few days. Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications, and you should not smoke for a while following surgery.

Your dressings will be temporarily removed within several days so that the treated areas can be examined. You will notice swelling and bruising, which is to be expected. Swelling usually begins to subside a week or so following surgery, while bruising can last three weeks or longer. There may also be numbness in some areas, and it may take several weeks before feeling returns. If stitches need to be removed, this is typically done within ten days after surgery.

When can I resume my normal activities?

You may be able to return to work in just a few days. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities within one or two weeks and begin some form of exercise soon after. The timing of your recovery depends largely on the extent of your surgery.

RESULTS OF LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction surgery will reduce those areas of fatty deposits that previously created unflattering bulges and perhaps made it difficult to feel comfortable in your clothing or caused self-consciousness. Factors such as fluid retention following surgery and prolonged swelling may delay the appearance of your new, slimmer contour. The healing process is gradual, so you should expect to wait a while before fully enjoying the results of your liposuction.

Occasionally, a touchup may be desired to further improve an area that has been suctioned. The additional treatment can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia in your plastic surgeon's office. More extensive revisions may require a return to the operating room.

How long will the results last?

The results of liposuction will be permanent, as long as you maintain your postoperative weight. Even if you gain a few extra pounds, you may find that the weight is distributed more evenly instead of accumulating in the areas that were problematic for you in the past.

MAINTAIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON

You will return to the office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated. Once the immediate postoperative follow-up is complete, patients are often encouraged to come back for periodic checkups to observe and discuss the long-term results of surgery.

Please remember that the relationship does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should keep in contact.

Once you determine that having liposuction is something you would like to do for yourself, then you are ready to proceed with planning for your operation. We understand that this is an important decision in your life.

Your surgeon is first and foremost a medical doctor who cares about your total well-being. Using surgical skills that have been developed over many years of intensive training and experience, he can help you to achieve the personal benefits of aesthetic plastic surgery.

Remember, liposuction can't change your personal or professional life, but it may help you feel more self confident.

If you think liposuction might be for you, call for a medical evaluation and we can discuss what liposuction can realistically achieve and how that compares with the results you visualize.

You should be an active participant in decisions involved in your care. Only by working together with your doctor, can you hope to achieve the results you desire.

If you have questions about any procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Luria online or by calling (800)505-3627.