Frequently Asked Questions

Liposuction

Q. What is liposuction?
A. Liposuction, also referred to as body contouring, is a surgical procedure which is able to remove fat from specific problem areas using small tubes or cannulas connected to a vacuum aspiration device. Commonly treated areas include areas of the face like the chin, neck, jowls and cheeks, as well as areas of the body like the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, knees and calves. There are a variety of different techniques that may be used for liposuction, including ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) and the tumescent technique.

Q. Who is the best candidate for liposuction?
A. Candidates for liposuction should be physically healthy and realistic in their expectations. Because liposuction is not intended for the purposes of weight loss, the best candidates are patients who, though of normal body weight, are bothered by troublesome areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.

Q. What is tumescent liposuction?
A. Tumescent liposuction is a fairly new liposuction technique in which the treated areas are first injected with large volumes of a fluid solution containing lidocaine which causes the fatty tissues to become swollen and firm, or 'tumesced'. Traditional liposuction techniques are then used to suction out the fat. Tumescent liposuction can take as long as four to five hours to complete and is often performed with just local anesthesia.

Q. What can I expect during a consultation for liposuction?
A-During a consultation, the surgeon will perform a careful physical examination to identify the problem areas that are suitable for treatment with liposuction. The surgeon should take a thorough medical history, discuss your goals, answer any questions you may have, and discuss all aspects of the surgery including the technique, the anesthesia, the facility, the cost and the risks.

Q. Where is liposuction performed?
A. Liposuction is typically performed as an out patient procedure in either a surgeon's office-based facility or an outpatient surgical center. Some cases may be performed in a hospital.

Q. What sort of anesthesia is used during liposuction?
A. Liposuction may be performed with a variety of anesthesias, including local anesthesia, general anesthesia or an epidural.

Q. Where are the incisions made for liposuction?
A. The location of the incisions will depend on the area being treated, though they are small incisions that are placed carefully so that the resulting scars are imperceptible.

Q. How is the actual liposuction procedure performed?
A. Small incisions are made in the skin and then a narrow tube know as a cannula is inserted through the incisions into the fat layer deep beneath the skin. The cannula is manipulated, disrupting the fat cells, and then the fat is suctioned out using a vacuum pump or a large syringe.

Q. Does liposuction result in scars?
A. The incisions made for liposuction will result in scars though they tend to be small and strategically placed. Liposuction of the lower abdomen might involve an incision in the belly button, while liposuction of the calves might involve an incision behind the knee.

Q. How much pain is there with liposuction?
A. Patients can expect to experience some pain or discomfort after liposuction, though this can be controlled with prescription pain medication.

Q. Will I be able to drive myself home after my liposuction procedure?
A. Patients should arrange to have someone drive them home after the procedure.

Q. Is it necessary for someone to stay with me and help me out at home after my liposuction procedure?
A. Patients should have a competent adult stay with them for the first day after liposuction.

Q. What is the recovery like after liposuction?
A. Patients can expect to experience some pain, swelling and bruising after liposuction. Pain can be controlled with prescription pain medication. Patients are advised to wear a special support garment for about six to eight weeks.

Q. Will I need to take much time off from work after liposuction?
A. Patients are usually able to return to work within one to two weeks.

Q. How soon after liposuction can I exercise?
A. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be postponed for two to four weeks.

Q. Are there any risks associated with liposuction?
A. As with all types of surgery there are potential risks associated with liposuction and these may include the following: adverse anesthesia reactions, asymmetry, bagginess or rippling of the skin, fluid retention or fluid loss, infection, pigmentation changes, and skin injury.

Q. Is liposuction every covered by insurance?
A. Liposuction is typically not covered by insurance as it is considered a cosmetic procedure, though some degree of coverage may be available when used for breast reduction.

Q. Are the results of liposuction permanent?
A. The results of liposuction can be long lasting or permanent with sensible diet and exercise. Patients who gain a significant amount of weight after liposuction will accumulate fat.

Q. Is it possible to get financing for acosmetic procedure?
A. Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Q. What does board certified mean?
A. Please click here to see our web page on Board Certification.