Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most common of all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Liposuction is a technique performed by a Plastic Surgeon to permanently remove fat deposits from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and /or neck.

Liposuction is defined as the surgical removal of fat from deposits beneath the skin using a hollow stainless steel tube (called a cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum. Liposuction can be accomplished either with the use of general anesthesia, or with heavy IV sedation, or totally by local anesthesia.

You may be a good candidate for liposuction surgery if you fall into one of these categories:

Any man or women who has realistic expectations, is in good health and is likely to be happy with the results of liposuction. The health of a patient is a more important consideration than age or weight.
The liposuction candidate has a stable mental and physical condition.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

If you are not healthy, you may be at greater risks for liposuction complications than a healthy person.
If you are taking certain drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or anticoagulants such as Coumadin (warfarin), then liposuction would not be safe.
If you are taking certain drugs that inhibit the metabolism of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, then you might be at an increased risk of drug interactions, unless you can discontinue the drug(s) at least two weeks before surgery.
You will be disappointed if you expect liposuction to be an effective means to lose weight permanently.
If your skin does not have good elasticity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction:

Is liposuction a good way to lose weight?
Liposuction is a great way to lose inches not weight. Because fat is lighter than water, a large volume of fat does not account for as much weight as one might think. For example, if a person has 2 liters of fat removed (the volume of two one-liter bottles of soda) from the abdomen or the thighs a lot of volume (inches) are being removed yet the weight removed is less than five pounds.

How is the liposuction operation performed?
Liposuction can be performed in an outpatient setting such as the plastic surgeon's office. The liposuction procedure can last from 30 minutes to several hours depending on how many body areas are being operated upon. The type of anesthesia will also vary. Local anesthetic with sedation can be used for small areas; however, more extensive procedures usually require general anesthesia. Through a small incision, usually less than one-half inch, a blunt-tipped instrument called a cannula is passed back and forth essentially vacuuming out the fat. The cannula is connected to rubber tubing which in turn attaches to a machine that generates high vacuum pressure. Following surgery, a firm elasticized garment is used to provide compression and reduce swelling and discoloration at the surgical site.

How Long is the Recovery Period Following Liposuction?
After your liposuction procedure, you may experience some pain, swelling and bruising. Dr. Bienstock will prescribe pain medication to help with discomfort. Swelling may take several months to subside, and numbness experienced following surgery is most often temporary. Dr. Bienstock will ask you to wear a body-compression garment for a short time. You can start mild exercising after about a week, pending recommendation from the doctor. You should be able to see your final result at about 6 months post surgery.

Patients with multiple areas being treated with liposuction will require extra recovery time. Remember, everyone heals at their own pace. Depending on your unique situation and area or areas of liposuction treatment, Dr. Bienstock will lay out recovery recommendations and let you know what to expect for your procedure.

When can you return to work?
In general, 3-5 days after the operation for office work, and 14 days for more active employment. This will depend on the amount of liposuction and the type of work.

When can you do exercises?
Usually 2 weeks after the operation you may exercise in order to modify and diminish the adhesions between the skin and the tissue. Walking, swimming or a stationary bicycle can usually begin a few days after surgery.