Liposuction/Liposculpture
Liposuction
is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed. Simply stated this
procedure removes fat from unwanted areas. This is done by placing a suction
device called a “cannula,” underneath the skin. Small discreet incisions
are made in the skin. Fluid is then infiltrated in the subcutaneous tissue
to allow access to the fat. The cannula is then passed in the areas of concern.
The fat is suctioned into a canister and the amount of fat and fluid removed is
the recorded.
Shape and
contour restoration is the goal of this procedure. The indications for
liposuction have become lax with its popularity, so it is important to
understand the goals of this procedure as it relates to improving ones existing
contour. It is not to be used as a means for weight loss. This is a surgical
procedure and may have serious ill effects if not considered as such.
Many
variations of traditional liposuction are available today. Smart Lipo, Vaser,
and other forms of ultrasonic liposuction use high frequency resonation of the cannula
in order to remove fat that is found in more dense or concentrated areas. These
methods are also believed to heat up the tissues and cause contraction of the
surrounding skin.
Candidates
for this procedure are offered treatments based on their specific needs and
expectations. It is important to understand how the removal of subcutaneous
fat may affect the overlying skin as it relates to
contour as well as inches. There are nonsurgical treatments associated
with the liposuction procedure (endermologie), which have been scientifically
shown to improve these results.
There is a fair amount of swelling and bruising associated with this procedure. The amount and duration is dependant upon the areas treated and the amount or volume of fat removed. One to two weeks may be required for recovery. Postoperative compression garments are necessary for up to six weeks.
