Liposuction

Your plastic surgeon will mark the areas of the body that will have fat removed, and may also take photographs of the areas. Depending on your needs, the plastic surgeon can administer local anesthesia and, if necessary, sedation. The purpose of this stage is to pinpoint exactly what your surgeon will be removing and to keep you as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

The liposuction procedure revolves around the use of a thin tube, known as a cannula, to suction fat from the body. Your plastic surgeon achieves this by injecting the treatment site with a special solution to firm up the fat, making small incisions in your skin, inserting the cannula into the incisions, then breaking up and removing the unwanted fat cells. The above describes tumescent liposuction. There are other liposuction options such as laser-assisted or ultrasound-assisted liposuction which can also be discussed.

Immediately, your doctor will place a compression garment on the treated areas to apply pressure. You may be advised to wear this for up to two months. You will also probably be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection, and other medication as needed. There is usually some bruising, pain, and swelling after the procedure. The majority of people can return to work after a few days. Other normal aspects of day-to-day life can be resumed within two weeks of surgery.