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Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure in which localized fat
deposits, that are resistant to diet and exercise, are eliminated or improved.
These areas include the hips, thighs, abdomen and neck as well as arms,
knees, calves and knees.
Extensive scars are avoided by working through small incisions-less than
one-half inch in length --- made in inconspicuous areas, such as natural
skin folds. Most liposuction can be performed on an outpatient basis and
usually involve only a brief recovery period.
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.
Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction is a relatively new liposuction technique
that uses sound waves to 'liquefy' unwanted fat. Although it is not a
substitute for traditional liposuction, UAL can be an effective tool for
removing fat from fibrous body areas, such as the male breasts or the back.
The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm,
elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in particular areas that are
resistant to diet and exercise. Age is usually not a criterion for liposuction,
but older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve
the same results as a younger patient.
Liposuction should not be considered a substitute for overall
weight loss nor
is it an effective treatment for cellulite.
Some of the potential complications that will be discussed 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. Asymmetries and contour
irregularities including depressions or wrinkling of the skin can result in
some patients, but treatments are available to help minimize these
problems if they occur.
One potential complication specifically related to the UAL technique is
thermal skin injury or burn caused by the heat of the ultrasound device.
Also, temporary collections of fluid beneath the skin surface (seroma) are
more common with UAL.
If you are having only a small amount of fat removed, the liposuction may be
performed under local anesthesia combined with a sedative to make you
drowsy. General Anesthesia may be used if you prefer it, or if Dr.
Semlacher so advises.
Traditional Liposuction: one or more small incisions are made
near the area
to be suctioned. Dr. Semlacher then places a slim, hollow tube called a
cannula through the incision so that its tip penetrates the underlying fat.
After the cannula is connected by flexible tubing to a suction pump, Dr.
Semlacher moves the cannula back and forth through the fat, which
is vacuumed into the tube. Dr. Semlacher uses the tumescent technique, in
which the fat is pre-injected with a salt-water solution containing small
amounts of adrenaline and local anesthetic.
Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction: generally takes longer than traditional
liposuction because of the extra "fat-liquefying" step involved. To begin the
procedure, salt water containing local anesthesia and adrenaline is injected
into the area to be treated. Then, a metal cannula connected to an
ultrasound generator is inserted beneath the skin through a small incision.
The ultrasonic energy causes the walls of the fat cells to break down,
allowing the fat to flow out of each cell. The "liquefied" fat combines with the
injected fluid to create an emulsion, which is removed from the body by
vacuum pressure.
Typically both for traditional and ultrasound assisted liposuction, only a
small amount of blood is lost during the procedure. However, if Dr.
Semlacher determines that a blood transfusion may be needed, you can
donate your own blood in advance of the procedure.
If only a small amount of liposuction has been done, you will be encouraged
to get out of bed very shortly after surgery. If multiple areas have been
treated, you will probably remain in bed for a day or two.
After a week, your stitches will be removed and you may return to
nonstrenuous work.
Soon after surgery you will see a difference in the shape of your body.
However, improvement will become more apparent after a couple of months.
As long as you maintain your postoperative weight, your new, slimmer
contour will be permanent.
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