DERMATLANTA.COM > ATLANTA LASER & COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER > LIPOSUCTION > BODY CONTOURING
Body Contouring With Liposuction Surgery
Introduction
Procedures for body contouring by fat removal in the past have involved extensive operations, long hospitalizations, and long scars. These "cosmetic" procedures left much to be desired. In addition to the unsightly scars, postoperative complications were frequent. Persons with only moderate deposits of fat usually have not been willing to trade these fat deposits for the risks and scars.
Liposuction is an improved technique for body contouring that offers good cosmetic results, significantly fewer risks for the patient, imperceptible scars, and infrequent post-operative complications. This "new procedure" is being performed in our office utilizing local anesthesia.
History
Several years ago European physicians, primarily in France, developed a technique for body fat removal through small incisions that are unnoticeable when carefully placed. This technique was developed and presented by the French as revolutionary—not only for its concept, but also for its remarkable results and absence of side effects. The procedure has captured the imagination of physicians and surgeons throughout the world. In 1982, it was brought to the U.S. by cosmetic surgeons representing various medical specialities—plastic surgeons, ENTs (otorhinolaryngolists), general surgeons, gynecologists, and dermatologists. Liposuction is a "natural" for dermatologists whose special skills are used for this procedure. "Dermatologic surgeons in particular have played a major role in developing and expanding liposuction techniques" according to Dr. Julius Newman, Founder and President of the American Society of Liposuction Surgery.
Concept
Fat cells are sucked out utilizing a high-pressure vacuum suction through a metal tube with a blunt tip (cannula) that is placed under the skin through tiny incisions. The technique is ideally suited for the removal of fat deposits in the hips, buttocks, thighs, abdomen, and chest. These same techniques can also be used on the facial areas, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck. This technique is NOT for the generally obese patient, and it is NOT a substitute for weight loss.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is only slightly overweight and younger than 50. Such a patient will obtain better skin draping because of better skin elasticity. However, many excellent results are being obtained in people well into their 70s. Certain areas are genetically predetermined to accumulate fat. These fat deposits are unresponsive to diets, and they resist any change despite extensive exercise. The hated areas of deposits include the "saddlebags," the "waddles," the "potbellies," the "love handles," the "saggy buttocks," and the fatty knees and chests, as well as fatty necks and jowls. These areas concern both men and women.
Liposuction Technique
Anesthesia: Liposuction is not started until the patient is completely comfortable and all areas are numb. Sedation is administered through I.V. by a certified registered nurse anethetist. The sedative and the local anesthetic allow you to be comfortable during surgery. This procedure can be done either under local or general anesthesia; but in our office, liposuction is done under local anesthesia with the assistance of intravenously induced "twilight sleep."
Procedure: After the anesthetic has taken effect, several 1/4-inch incisions are made inconspicuously in natural body folds. A specially designed suction tube, called a cannula, is introduced through these openings. With a to-and-fro action, the suction tube forms individual tunnels in the fat lobules, which dislodges fat cells that then are removed by a high pressure vacuum.
Closure and Taping: Once the desired amount of fat has been removed, the incisions may be closed with one or two stitches. Most procedures take between one and three hours for completion. Elastic corset-like garments act like a mold for the desired contour. These garments help decrease swelling and reduce the incidence of complications such as lumpiness and bleeding. The garment is worn for several weeks. Typically, the patient feels well enough to go out in public the next day. The garment is removed three days after surgery to bathe.
Postoperative Care And Expectations
Recovery from liposuction surgery can be remarkably rapid. Some discomfort is normal, but mild analgesics are usually sufficient for relief. Bruising is normal but minimized by the special garments. The garment is also important for proper adherence of the skin to the underlying tissue. After one week, gentle massage, ultrasound, and movement exercises are begun. These activities gradually become more vigorous. Exact recommendations for each area are made according to the individual patient's needs. Most patients are able to return to their sedentary jobs within a matter of days.
Adverse Effects And Possible Dangers
As with any surgical procedure, patients must be followed carefully and all problems must be reported promptly to the physician. No long-term adverse effects or consequences occur when this procedure is performed properly. Bruising is normal, and numbness in the overlying skin may occur. Numbness, however, is usually temporary and typically is resolved spontaneously within six months. Even with skin irregularities, the desired result is usually achieved by the removal of the offending bulges, which gives a more pleasant contour to the body and, therefore, a better figure.
In Summary
- Body contouring through suction fat removal is ideally suited for fat deposits in the hips, buttocks, abdomen, thighs, and knees. It is also effective in the neck, chin, and jowl areas.
- In our office, the procedure is done under local anesthesia with I.V. sedation. The pain is minimal and a compressive garment is worn to prevent fluid accumulation under the skin and to allow proper molding after the procedure.
- Both men and women can be treated by liposuction, and the most common area of body contouring in men is the abdomen, "love handles," and chest; in women the most common treatment areas are the saddlebags, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, knees, neck, and face.
- Postoperative recuperation varies from two to seven days, depending on the areas treated.
- Liposuction is not meant for weight reduction or for the correction of generalized obesity. It is not a substitute for weight loss.
- Because large amounts of fluid are lost in conjunction with the removal of fat, fluid replacement is always accomplished during surgery. On rare occasion, a blood transfusion may be necessary. To date, no blood transfusions have been documented in our facility.
Questions If You're Considering Liposuction
How Far Are You From Your Ideal Weight For Height And Age?
Remember that liposuction is not a form of weight loss but, rather, contouring for problem areas.
What Are Your Expectations?
Desired results and goals are important, but perfection is not obtainable.
How Will It Affect Your Work Schedule?
This depends on the area involved and on job demands. Some people are sore and tired for two weeks, but most can return to work in a few days.
What Is Your Motivation And Emotional Stability?
Although your physical contours can be shaped, it cannot reshape your life; it may bolster your self-confidence, but the rest is up to you.
Can I Afford The Procedure?
Cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance policies. All cosmetic surgeries are prepaid two weeks in advance. For patient convenience, our office accepts cash, personal checks, and several credit cards.
Am I A Good Candidate?
Being in good health and close to ideal weight with elastic skin are all important.
Am I Willing To Keep Off The Weight That I Have Lost By Dieting?
Body contouring actually is a positive reinforcement to your new self-image, but one should be weight conscious or weight commited after liposuction.
Do I Have Any Special Medical Problems That Should Be Considered?
Never shield information, medications, or previous illnesses from your doctor. Don't put yourself or your future good health in jeopardy.