liposuction

In/Outpatient, Anesthesia, Length of Procedure

Dr. Chariker generally performs liposuction in our nationally accredited outpatient surgical center, although extensive procedures may require a short stay at the hospital. Depending on the type and extent of your procedure, you may have a local anesthesia in addition to general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep for the duration of the surgery. The procedure itself will last one to two hours or more, depending on the size of the area and the technique that is used. Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) takes 20 percent to 40 percent longer than traditional liposuction.

During and After

Through a tiny incision, Dr. Chariker will insert a narrow tube, or cannula, into the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. He pushes, then pulls the cannula through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. If many sites are being treated, Dr. Chariker will then move on to the next area, working to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible. Because fluid is lost along with the fat and must be replaced during the procedure to prevent shock, you will be carefully monitored and receive intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery.

In addition to the traditional technique above, Dr. Chariker may use other techniques depending on the needs of each patient. With the tumescent technique, Dr. Chariker injects into the fatty area a fluid mixture of salt solution, anesthetic and a drug that contracts blood vessels. This fluid 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. Tumescent liposuction usually takes longer than traditional liposuction.

UAL 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, which is then vacuumed out. UAL is particularly effective for 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. UAL takes longer to perform than traditional liposuction.

After surgery, Dr. Chariker may insert a drainage tube beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up. He typically will prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection, as well as pain medication to manage the discomfort you will feel for a few days. Expect some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. Most patients are back to work in one to two weeks.

Side Effects and Risks

Typical temporary side effects include bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness and a burning sensation. With the tumescent procedure, patients can expect some temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. The UAL technique requires larger incisions for the ultrasonic cannula.

Liposuction sometimes can produce unintended results, including rippling or bagginess of the skin, physical asymmetry when fat is removed unevenly, and sometimes changes in skin color. Although rare, complications from liposuction include skin injury, infection, fluid retention, and excessive fluid loss leading to shock and even death. With the UAL technique, a thermal burn injury could be caused by the heat from the ultrasound device.

Recovery

While you can usually return to work within a week or two, you should refrain from more strenuous activity for up to four weeks. While the tumescent technique and UAL decrease post-operative bruising and swelling, full recovery can take from one to six months. 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. By eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you can help to maintain your new shape.

Duration of Results

Permanent, with a sensible diet and exercise.