Liposuction FAQ

What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure that sculpts the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas including the abdomen, hips, male breasts, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, and neck.

How does the procedure work?
There are several different methods of performing Liposuction, but the basic procedure works by making a tiny skin opening, inserting a narrow tube, or cannula, and suctioning the fat that lies in a separate area beneath the skin.

How do the different types of liposuction work?

Tumescent Liposuction – This technique involves injecting a solution of intravenous fluid, lidocaine and ephinephrine prior to liposuction. The fluid aids the surgeon in removing fat, controls pain during and after the procedure and dramatically reduces blood loss. General anesthesia and the problems that go with it are avoided.

Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) – In this procedure, a special cannula or probe concentrates ultrasonic energy at its tip. As it passes through the areas of fatty tissue, the energy expands the walls of the fat cells, liquefying the fat. The fatty tissue is then removed with the traditional vacuum liposuction technique. UAL has been shown to act like a hot tipped poker, burning internal organs. It may make it easier for the surgeon, but exposes the patient to unnessary risk.

Power-Assisted Liposculpture (PAL) – In this procedure, the cannula used for fat extraction has a rapid but small back and forth motion which assists in effective fat removal and reduces surgeon fatigue. However, the cannula must be larger, and thus leaves skin scars where the larger cannula was inserted. 

Is Liposuction safe?
Liposuction is safe, but rare complications may occur. The more areas treated at the same time and the larger the area, the greater the risk of complications. There is a chance of infection, delays in healing or the formation of blood clots (DVT), if general anesthesia is used. With tumescent liposuction, general anesthsia is avoided.
We avoid the risk of excessive fluid loss, by limiting the amount done in each session. Seromas, the accumulation of pockets of fluid, occur rarely and are associated with large volumes of suction. These are usually easily treated by simple aspiration with a small needle and syringe in the office.

Are there any possible side effects?
There are a few side effects that may occur in some instances with liposuction, including skin depressions, brown spots where the cannula was inserted, and temporary swelling.

Will there be any downtime?
Downtime varies according the extent of surgery and areas suctioned. A typical patient should expect one to three days of downtime, and some bruising should be expected for one to three weeks.

What are the results?
The results vary for different procedures; however, there will always be less fat in the treated areas. If fat is regained after surgery, it is more commonly spread evenly across the body as opposed to collecting in the former problem zones.

What can be expected post-treatment?
Healing is a gradual process. About half of our patients go back to their usual activities the next day. The others opt for a weekend off. Our patients do not require suture removal. The holes are so small, they close on their own and end up looking like a small dot after a few weeks. We ask everyone to take a two mile walk the next day, and to plan on some activity daily.  Your doctor will schedule follow-up visits in 3-4 weeks to monitor recovery.

Who are candidates for Liposuction?
Candidates for liposuction are anyone within a normal weight range who has firm, elastic skin with pockets of excess fat they wish to be removed. Patients who are overweight may also be good candidates as long as they are in good general health, are at a stable weight and have realistic expectations.

Who should avoid Liposuction?
Individuals with medical problems such as heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation or those who have recently had surgery. Tumescent liposuction is not a method of weight loss. 

Is additional treatment necessary?
Additional treatment may be necessary to improve asymmetry or to fine tune the result. With a healthy diet and exercise, patients can keep the weight off.

Where are the treatments provided?
Treatments are provided in a specially equipped out patient surgery suite inside the Belle Meade Dermatology office. 

Instructions for before treatment:
The patient’s doctor will provide specific instructions prior to surgery at the pre-op visit. There will be guidelines on medications to take and avoid. Patients should make arrangements for someone to drive them home after the surgery.

Instructions for after treatment:
Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may require a day or two of rest. It is recommended that you engage in light activity once you feel able. Expect some bruising, swelling and pain. Wear your compression garments all day and all night for three to five days, except when showering. There is no need to wear compression garments for weeks or months after tumescent liposuction.