How Liposuction is Performed
Liposuction has become a popular option among many people in modern society to assist with fat removal from various parts of the body. There are many cosmetic surgeons practicing liposuction techniques regularly and are perfecting these techniques to sculpt the body as desired.
Consultation With Surgeon
After the careful process of selecting a surgeon, a patient should ask for a consultation if one is not offered before the surgery. Some liposuction surgeons offer two or three consultation appointments to give the patient time to consider what is being done and how, or to make decisions based on the surgeon’s recommendations. During the consultation(s), the surgeon will begin to map out the procedure based on the patient’s pain tolerance, the amount of fat tissue to be removed and the desired results. After receiving the patient’s approval, the surgeon may have to reserve operating space in a local hospital or he may have facilities on site.
The Procedure
These surgeries begin with the injection of a wetting solution made of mostly of salt water, which makes fat removal a much easier task by beginning the break-down process. The wetting solution normally also contains epinephrine, used to shrink the blood vessels and reduce bleeding and bruising. Depending upon the pain tolerance of the patient, a local anesthetic may also be used in the wetting solution. More, less or the same amount of solution as fat tissue may be injected. Most commonly, surgeons use more wetting solution than fat tissue (called Tumescent liposuction). Tumescent liposuction reduces bleeding and bruising, due to increased amounts of epinephrine in the body and requires only the use of a local anesthesia, opposed to an epidural or general anesthesia.
Dry Liposuction
Liposuction can also be performed “dry”, using no wetting solutions and merely removing the fat without any additional substances to aid. This is dangerous procedure and is rarely used anymore. It can result in major bleeding, tissue damage and extended recovery times.
Removing Fat
After all anesthesia has been administered and the wetting solution has been injected, the surgeon will make a small incision in the immediate area where the fat tissue is to be removed. A cannula is inserted into the incision and directed into the fat deposits to be removed. This narrow metal tube connects to a a hand piece that controls the device and a suction pump. The surgeon operates the cannula by moving it back and forth through the unwanted fat and it is sucked out by the pump.
Length of Procedure
Liposuction procedures take about an hour or two to be completed, on average. The more extensive the fat removal, the longer the procedure will take to complete. The incisions made to accommodate the cannula are closed using a few surgical stitches. Staples may be used on larger incisions.
Post Op Care
After a liposuction procedure, patients should always take care to follow any post-operation instructions from their surgeon or physician.
Categories: Liposuction
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