DERMATLANTA.COM > ATLANTA LASER & COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER > LIPOSUCTION > FAQ
Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are most frequently asked regarding liposuction surgery. Not all of them can be answered specifically, and some may not apply to you. Therefore, specific questions that you might have should be addressed directly to the physician.
Can Both Males And Females Be Treated With This Technique?
Suction fat removal has successfully removed localized accumulation in both male and female patients, both young and old.
Is The Procedure Painful?
There is minimal discomfort or soreness in the postoperative areas and it can be controlled by mild analgesics.
How Long Will The Patient Be Off Work?
Usually two days to one week in the postoperative period is needed, depending on the extent of surgery, the individual involved, and the type of work the individual does.
Where Will The Incisions Be Made And How Long Will They Be?
Usually the incisions are less than 1/4 inch, and they will be drawn with a pen on each patient prior to surgery and pointed out to the patient at the initial consultation.
How Many Pounds Can Be Taken Off?
Weight loss may be minimal because fat weighs very little. You will lose inches and feel slender.
What Will Happen To Any Excess Skin?
Skin is a dynamic organ whose elasticity enables it to adjust to the new body contour with the help of elastic garments, massage, and ultrasound.
Will I Be Bruised?
Usually, but not always. In most cases, some bruising occurs around the areas where the liposuction is performed.
Will The Fat Regrow?
Fat cells are developed during childhood and puberty. Some theorists say that new fat cells develop after puberty. This is not a proven fact. We feel that the fat cells either swell or shrink with weight gain or loss. When these fat cells are removed from the treated sites, they will not re-form. Individuals who abuse their diet may regain weight throughout their body, but in general, the deposits do not reaccumulate.
How Long Will I Be Wearing Bandages?
In this office, the a compressive elastic garment is applied after surgery and may be removed to bathe after three days post op. The garment is then reapplied after bathing and worn for six weeks post op.
What Are The Complications? What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Side effects of liposuction surgery include the small incision marks, bruising, and discomfort and soreness in the area where work has been done. These side effects occur, to a certain extent, in almost every case. Other side effects of the operation occur with variable frequency. These include removal of too little or too much fat in certain areas, dimpling or wrinkling, and prolonged discoloration of the skin. Very rarely, excessive bleeding at the tine of surgery may cause a blood clot, which appears as a swelling that may need to be drained. This is called a hematoma, and a slight chance for infection exists. Antibiotics are used in the I.V. at the time of surgery to minimise post op infection.
I Am Overweight And Have Multiple Localized Deposits Of Fat. Am I A Greater Risk?
Patients who are overweight must be willing to accept a greater possibility of contour irregularities and poor skin redraping in exchange for a better look in clothing.
I Am An Older Patient And Have Lost Some Of My Skin Elasticity. Will This Procedure Help Me?
Age is not a limitation on treatment with liposuction. Less than maximum results are expected, however, in anyone who has poor skin elasticity.
Just What Is Cellulite And How Is It Helped By Liposuction?
Cellulite fat cells differ little from fat cells elsewhere in the body, although there is evidence that their metabolism is different. Consequently, this fat is generally unresponsive to a weight loss program that includes diet and exercise. The affected areas can look worse after weight reduction than before. Liposuction does not remove the appearance of cellulite.
Can A Procedure Be Repeated?
More than one surgical suction removal may be necessary to treat some areas of extremely large fat deposits. When more than one surgical site is being treated, it may be necessary to have more than one operation performed if the amount of fat in each location is extensive.
When Can I Bathe?
Patients may sponge bathe within 24 hours of surgery. Normal bathing is resumed at three days post op and garments are removed. Hot baths are discouraged for a month because they may aggravate swelling.
Is Sun Bathing Before And After Surgery Permitted?
A sunburn prior to surgery would make a patient extremely uncomfortable. After surgery, too much sun bathing may raise the body temperature and increase the possibility of swelling. Getting sunlight on scars during the first three months after surgery could cause permanent discoloration.
What About Drinking, Smoking, And Medicines?
Generally, a person may resume taking prescribed medications the same day of surgery. All alchohol is forbidden for two weeks before and one week after surgery. Smoking is not allowed for one week before and one week after surgery to allow proper healing of the tissues. We ask that you discontinue using medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen for two weeks before and after surgery.
When Can I Return To Exercising?
Generally, no vigorous exercise is allowed for 7 days after surgical procedures. Usually patients resume their exercise program at about 10 days post op.
What About Sexual Activities?
The resumption of sexual activity depends on the areas affected by surgery, the extent of surgery, the needs of the individual patients, and the type of sexual activity.
Must I Have Laboratory Tests, X-rays, Or A Physical Examination?
The patient's medical history is reviewed and the heart, lungs, and blood pressure are examined. Blood tests are required for every patient. Further tests and examinations such as an X-ray, EKG, urinalysis, etc. are required for anyone over the age of 50 or anyone with heart or blood presure problems. Additional tests may be ordered based on the patient's history.
Are Pictures Taken Before And After Surgery?
Photographs are taken before surgery in every case, but they do not generally show the patient's face unless we are performing sculpting of the neck/face area. Photos document the surgery so that further study can be made of what has been accomplished. Post operation photos are taken generally at six weeks, 6 or 9 months and 12 months post op.
Do You Have EKG Monitors, Blood Pressure Monitors, And Pulse Monitors During The Operation?
Yes, and you are fully monitored by a certified registered nurse anesthetist during the entire procedure.
Do You Have An IV Running During The Operation?
Yes, to supply the fluids that are needed to replace the fat and liquids that are removed, and to allow easy administration of any medications that are needed during the procedure.