Liposuction is a procedure that removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of your body. For example, it can slim your hips and thighs, flatten your abdomen, shape your calves and ankles, or eliminate a double chin. Liposuction is particularly well-suited for women and men who are of relatively normal weight, but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Even with dieting and exercise, one cannot select or predetermine where the fat will be lost from. (For example, sit-ups do not necessarily remove tummy fat. A wonderful fact to understand is that liposuction actually permanently removes fat cells from the areas treated, so the area will never be able to store fat as abundantly as before the operation.
Liposuction is performed by inserting a small, hollow tube, called a cannula, through one or more tiny incisions near the area to be suctioed. Incisions are usually less than one-quarter inch in length and are placed as inconspicuously as possible, often within skin folds or contour lines. The cannula is connected by tubiing to a vacuum pressure unit. Guided by the surgeon, the suction device literally vacuums away the unwanted fat. There are different techniques that can be used depending on the patient’s needs, such as tumescent, Ultrasonically Assisted Liposuction, or VASER. Dr. Sellers will consult with you on these and will decide with you which will be the best for your particular situation.
Depending on how extensive your liposuction procedure is, it may be done as an outpatient procedure or with an overnight stay at the hospital. It is usually preformed under a general anesthetic or possibly intravaneous sedation. Pain is managed with pain medication. A compressive post surgical garment will be placed at the end of surgery. This will need to be worn for approximately 6 weeks to help with bruising, swelling and help you achieve the very best result. A massage program is also very helpful in softening firm areas and hastening the final result. You may be able to return to work in just a few days. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities within one or two weeks and being some form of exercise soon after. The timing of your recovery depends largely on the extent of your surgery.
A personal consultation with Dr. Sellers is the best way to obtain the answers to specific questions that you may have about your particular situation. As with all surgery, there are some risks, but we can help you understand those risks and decide which procedure is best suited for you.
Liposuction Precautions: The larger the area of liposuction, the higher the risk of blood clots and fluid shifts in the body. Make sure you understand these risks before your surgery.
