Stephanie DeSimone, PA-C
Stephanie DeSimone, PA-C
Liposuction
LIPOSUCTION IN THE JERSEY SHORE
Liposuction, LipoSculpture and LipoSelection are procedures that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks, and neck. During the past decade, Liposuction, which is also known as "Lipoplasty" or "Suction Lipectomy," has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL), the Tumescent Technique, and the Super-Wet Technique, are used at the Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center in NJ to provide our patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times.
Although no type of Liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, Liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight loss methods.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR LIPOSUCTION?
The best candidates for Liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.
In your initial consultation, your surgeon at the Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Your surgeon will then explain the body-contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe you want Liposuction in the abdominal area, you may learn that an Abdominoplasty or "Tummy-Tuck" may more effectively meet your goals; or that a combination of traditional Liposuction and UAL would be the best choice for you.
Liposuction may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, in an outpatient surgery center, or in a hospital. Various types of anesthesia can be used for Liposuction procedures. Together, you and your surgeon will select the type of anesthesia that provides the most safe and effective level of comfort for your surgery.
Liposuction Techniques
There are several Liposuction Techniques that can be used to improve the ease of the procedure and to enhance outcome. Liposuction is a procedure in which localized deposits of fat are removed to recontour one or more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump or a large syringe, depending on the surgeon's preference. If many sites are being treated, your surgeon will then move on to the next area, working to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.
THE BASIC TECHNIQUE OF LIPOSUCTION
As described above, is used in all patients undergoing this procedure. However, as the procedure has been developed and refined, several variations have been introduced.
THE TUMESCENT TECHNIQUE
Where a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed, is commonly used by plastic surgeons today. The fluid, a mixture of intravenous salt solution, Lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and Epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels)-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.
THE SUPER-WET TECHNIQUE
Is similar to the Tumescent Technique, except that lesser amounts of fluid are used. Usually the amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat to be removed. This technique often requires IV sedation or general anesthesia and typically takes one to two hours of surgery time.
ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED LIPOPLASTY (UAL)
This technique 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. The fat is then removed with the traditional Liposuction Technique. UAL has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of Liposuction in fibrous areas of the body, such as the upper back or the enlarged male breast.
What to Expect After Liposuction
After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. Occasionally, a small drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up. To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you will be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will probably tell you to start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after about a week or two and you should be back at work within a few days following your surgery. The stitches are removed or dissolve on their own within the first week to 10 days. Activity that is more strenuous should be avoided for about a month as your body continues to heal.
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. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling usually disappears and the final contour will be visible.
If your expectations are realistic, you will be very pleased with the results of your surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more at ease with your body. And, by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you can help to maintain your new shape.
If you are considering Liposuction let one of the experienced plastic surgeons at the Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center in NJ review the procedure with you and help you make an informed decision.
If you have questions, we are happy to help. Call us at 732-460-9555.