Everything You Need to Know About Liposuction

Liposuction involves removing unwanted fat in certain parts of your body. The common areas that receive this procedure are the abdomen, hips, buttock, and thighs.

It is ideal to note that your surgeon will not remove all fat. If it is an outpatient surgery, you may have about five liters suctioned out. Here is more information on liposuction.

Types of Liposuction

There are different techniques used for liposuction. They all use a cannula or a thin tube connected to a vacuum to suction the fat from the body.
 

• Tumescent liposuction - This is the most used technique. Your specialist injects a sterile solution into the suction part. Doing so helps make the procedure easier with less pain and blood loss
   

• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) - Ruptures the fat cell walls under your skin by using sound wave energy. As a result, the fat becomes liquified for suctioning out
   

• SmartLipo® or laser-assisted liposuction - Liquefies fat by producing a burst of energy from the laser
  
  
   

Candidates for Liposuction

It is essential to have realistic expectations when considering liposuction. The procedure does not get rid of cellulite. So, if you expect to have them disappear after going through the surgery, you may become disappointed.

Your doctor will advise you to be healthy when going for the procedure. It is ideal to be within 30 percent of your ideal weight. You must have elastic and firm skin. It is also essential to quit smoking before getting liposuction. Your doctor may discourage you from the procedure if you have heart disease, a weak immune system, diabetes, or problems with your blood flow.

What to Expect

It is essential to start by consulting your surgeon at Clark Plastic & Hand Surgery. Talk about your expectations, goals, options, benefits, risks, and costs. Make sure you ask every question you have. If you decide to proceed with the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will give you guidelines to prepare.

Remember to talk about your allergies and any medications you are taking. Your surgeon may recommend that you stop taking painkillers or blood-thinning medicine.

The procedure will happen at a surgery center or in your doctor’s office. You will go home on the same day. Hence, it is essential to have a friend or family member drive you back. If you will have a lot of fat removed, have the procedure done in a hospital so that you can stay overnight.

Before the procedure starts, your surgeon may mark the treatment areas. They may also take photos to have before-and-after images for comparison. You will then get general anesthesia, meaning you will sleep through the surgery. Your doctor may also opt for local anesthesia to keep you awake without feeling any pain during the procedure.

What Are the Risks of Liposuction?

Liposuction has risks like any other surgery. Below are some that you should consider:
 

• Bleeding
   

• Anesthesia complications
   

• Shock
   

• Fluid accumulation under your skin
   

• Infections
   

• Fat embolism
   

• Burns caused by instruments
   

• Skin sensation changes
   

• Damage to your blood vessels, lungs, muscles, abdominal organs, and nerves
   

• Blood clots
  
  
   

Recovery

Expect swelling, soreness, and bruising for a few weeks. You may need to wear a compression garment for one or two months after the procedure. Doing so will help control the swelling. You may need to take antibiotics to avoid getting infections.

For more on liposuction, visit Clark Plastic & Hand Surgery at our office in McKinney, Texas. You can also call 469-675-3659 to book an appointment today.