Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat deposits from between the skin and muscle, improving the contour of the body. The Liposuction procedure uses a small stainless steel tube, called a cannula which is connected to a powerful suction pump and inserted into the fat through small incisions in the skin. Fat removal is accomplished as the suction of the cannula creates tiny tunnels through the fatty layers. After surgery, these tunnels collapse and result in an improved body contour. Before the procedure, the doctor will administer an IV sedation or general anesthesia. The doctor will then create small, inconspicuous incisions. The cannula is then inserted into the incisions and the fat is suctioned out. Once complete, compression garments or elastic bandages will cover the treated area.
The entire Liposuction procedure lasts between 20 minutes and 2 hours depending on the size of the treated area.

Cost of the Procedure

Risks of the Procedure

As with any surgical procedure, liposuction has some risks, although they are very rare. Risks include numbing of the skin, infection, extended healing time, excessive fluid loss, friction burns and even damage to the vital organs. Risks can be mitigated by fully disclosing your medical background to your doctor and by strictly following your doctors post surgery directions.

Are travel and vacation activities compatible with surgery?

Recovery time from liposuction can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the area being treated. As liposuction is a moderately invasive procedure, it is not recommended that rigorous vacation activities be scheduled for after the procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

Before the procedure, the doctor will administer an IV sedation or general anesthesia. The doctor will then create small, inconspicuous incisions. A small stainless steel tube is then inserted into the incisions and the fat is suctioned out. Once complete, compression garments or elastic bandages will cover the treated area. The entire Liposuction procedure lasts between 20 minutes and 2 hours depending on the size of the treated area.

Planning for my recovery

The procedure is usually done as an outpatient procedure but if a large volume of fat is to be removed, or if the liposuction is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, an overnight stay may be required. The patient will experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. A small drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up. The patient may be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks to control swelling and to help the skin better fit its new contours. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection. The patient may have small scars in the areas where the cannulas were inserted, that may gradually fade away. The patient may experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. Medications are prescribed by the surgeon to control pain. The patient may continue to feel stiff and sore for a few days.