Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy," has benefited from several new refinements. Liposuction is the removal of unwanted and exercise resistant fat deposits with a tube and a vacuum machine. It is usually performed as a cosmetic surgery with the objective of slimming and smoothing the contours of the body. Permanent fat cell removal with small unnoticeable scar is one of its benefits. Individuals with no serious medical condition and no contraindications to general anesthesia are good candidates for liposuction. Most common areas for liposuction are : neck, upper arms, the area above the breast, abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves and ankles.

Candidates:

• To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you. It's important to understand that liposuction can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
• The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.

Today, a number of new techniques, including Vaser (Body Tite), ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Your surgeon will explain the body-contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" may more effectively meet your goals; or that a combination of traditional liposuction and UAL would be the best choice for you.

Be frank in discussing your expectations with your surgeon. He or she should be equally frank with you, describing the procedure in detail

The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique used.

During the procedure surgeon makes a small incision, which is usually hidden in areas like the joint crease and in the navel. Liposuction technique is performed after targeted fat cells are infused with a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and adrenalin to decrease blood loss, allow an easier removal of fat, as well as diminish postoperative discomfort.

Anesthesia

If only a small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved, liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia, which numbs only the affected areas. However, if you prefer, the local is usually used along with intravenous sedation to keep you more relaxed during the procedure.

However, some patients prefer general anesthesia, particularly if a large volume of fat is being removed. If this is the case, a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist will be called in to make sure you are completely asleep during the procedure.

Inform your surgeon of any allergies, all medical conditions, and any medication that you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription). Avoid aspirin and blood thinning medication such as brufen for two weeks prior to surgery to eliminate the chance of post op. bleeding. You should not smoke for 2 weeks prior to surgery as this may affect your reaction to the anaesthetic and prolong the healing process. Patients that suffer from hypertension must inform the surgeon prior to surgery. No food or liquid intake at least 6 hours prior to surgery.

While admitted, intravenous antibiotics are given to prevent infection and pain is managed accordingly. Wound dressings re changed as required. Upon discharge from the hospital, oral antibiotic, pain reliev and anti swelling medications will be provided Compression garments are worn 24/7 in the first week On the second to third week compression garment can be taken off at bedtime. Temporary bruising, swelling numbness, soreness or burning sensation may be noted Patient usually returns to work and resume normal daily activities after 5 to 14 days. Strenuous activities can be resumed after two to four weeks. It may take one to six months for the swelling and bruising t totally subside depending upon the amount of fat and the areas treated.

Large areas of treatment have to be separated into two or more sessions. Liposuction could not help decrease the size of large internal organs or the high fibrous content in subcutaneous areas. Lipectomy, which is the removal of skin and fat maybe a better choice if too much skin excess is anticipated.

The result is permanent and must also be augmented with a sensible diet and consistent exercise.

Risk

Risks are inherent to any surgical procedure. The most common risks are infection, asymmetry, rippling of the skin, pigmentation changes, injury to the skin, fluid retention and/or excessive loss of blood. Too much of the liposuction may increase the risk of bleeding, shock and fatal fat embolism. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.

 

Surgery

Duration of Operation: 2 to 3 hours

Anesthesia: General or Local anesthesia

Duration in Thailand: 10 Days

Hospital Admission: 1 Day. No hospital admission if done under local anesthetic 

 

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