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Liposuction
San Francisco - Oakland - Santa Rosa - Marin
Liposuction is a surgical technique used to sculpt the body by removing excess fat with a suction cannula. Although, liposuction is not a substitute for dieting and exercise, it can remove unwanted fat deposits, which do not respond to traditional weight-loss methods. Liposuction is also termed “Lipoplasty or suction-assisted lipectomy”. This revolutionary procedure was developed in Europe in the late 1970's. It quickly gained wide spread popularity since the earlier techniques were plagued with extreme scaring due to surgical excision of skin and fat. Listed below are a few of the advantages of liposuction:
- Undetectable incisions (3 mm hidden incisions).
- Minimal discomfort.
- Quick recovery.
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Patient Testimonials Contact Us |
All great innovations have “kinks” to be worked out. The early problems were excessive blood loss and significant irregularities in the skin. These issues have been greatly reduced by the use of:
- Smaller suction cannulas - to give the surgeon better control.
- Tumescent liposuction - an injectable solution which greatly reduces blood loss.
Liposuction today is a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.
Who is a candidate?
Today, liposuction is being performed on people who are overweight. This is no longer a contraindication for surgery, but realistic expectations are important. Dr. Delgado will explain this in great detail. The results can be impressive with a reduction of 2 to 3 clothing sizes. The skin should have relatively good elasticity to recontour to the new shape. Cellulite is not a contraindication to surgery, but liposuction will not improve this condition. The skin irregularities will, in general, persist. You should be in good mental and physical health. Your age is not a major consideration, but older patients may have poor skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a young patient with better skin elasticity.
The most common areas treated in females are the inner and outer thighs, knees, hips, abdomen, and arms. The most common area of liposuction in males are the chin, waist, and the abdomen. Most patients have several areas of lipodystrophy and these can usually be removed simultaneously.
Before Liposuction Surgery
A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering liposuction. During this appointment, Dr. Delgado will ask you to discuss the problematic areas. He will use digital photography and computer imaging to discuss the areas of lipodystrophy and any asymmetries that may be present. He will display a realistic image of the changes that liposuction can make for your body image. He will show the ideal shape of the body and what adjustments are needed to accomplish your goals. He will discuss the variables that effect the procedure, such as skin elasticity and cellulite.
Dr. Delgado will conduct a physical examination and take your medical history. He may request a blood count in advance. Dr. Delgado provides a precise preoperative booklet that provides pre- and post-operative instructions, including medications in advance of your surgery. All aspirin and aspirin containing products, including anti-inflammatory products must be stopped two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Dr. Delgado’s preoperative instructions will have a complete list of these medications to avoid. Tylenol may be taken during this time. Also, you will be given a list of homeopathic preparations as well as vitamins to take prior to and after surgery. This is done to promote healing and limit bruising.
Anesthesia
Most liposuction is done under general anesthesia. However, in some cases when small amounts of fat is extracted, local anesthesia with IV sedation can be used. Dr. Delgado and the anesthesiologist will discuss this with you to help make the best decisions.
Procedure
Liposuction is performed in a hospital or an out-patient surgical center. If the patient has over five liters of fat aspirated, or over 4-5 hours of surgical time, the patient will stay in the hospital over night. Before anesthesia is given, a surgical marking pen is used to draw a detailed “map” in the areas being liposuctioned. This architectural plan enables the doctor to make the accurate changes from the standing to the lying position. After anesthesia is given, Dr. Delgado will inject tumescent fluid, which consists of salt water and a vasoconstricting agent to reduce bleeding. This solution distends the fat layer. Very small incisions are made in non-conspicuous areas, such as the navel or buttocks crease. A narrow cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep underneath the skin. The cannula is pushed back and forth through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction is provided by a vacuum pump. The incisions are closed and a compression garment is placed on the patient.
After Liposuction Surgery
The first few hours after surgery will be spent in the recovery room. When you are fully awake, you are able to go home with the assistance of a friend or family member. If you stay overnight, you will be monitored carefully and Dr. Delgado will check your dressings and discharge you the following morning.
To help control the swelling and to aid the skin to contract, a compression garment is worn over the treated areas for four to six weeks. The discomfort after liposuction is described more as soreness, opposed to pain. Pain medications are prescribed to control any discomfort for the first few days, but you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.Bruising may be present for seven to ten days. The initial swelling resolves in two weeks, but residual fluid takes six to eight weeks to disappear. The sutures are removed in seven to ten days. You may return to work in a few days after surgery, depending on the amount of liposuction being performed. We encourage light walking as soon as possible to reduce swelling and prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately four weeks.
Risks and Complications
Like all surgical procedures, complications can occur, such as infection, bleeding, and the risk of anesthesia. However, with a qualified plastic surgery team and state of the art surgical facility, the risk of complications are extremely rare. The most common problems are skin contour irregularities that are unusually due to poor skin quality or cellulite. In some cases, there may be under correction, which can easily be adjusted with a “touch-up” procedure usually using local anesthesia. If over correction is done, fat injections can be done.
Swelling and bruising are not complications and resolve in time. Sometimes bruising can be prolonged, and at times a light discoloration may remain. If you gain weight in the future, the fat may distribute itself in the body differently. Usually if this occurs, less fat will deposit in the areas that were liposuctioned.
Outcome
You will notice a significant difference in your body after liposuction. The results are permanent with minimal scaring. You may be more comfortable in a variety of clothing, and have a higher sense of self-esteem.