LIPOSUCTION (LIPOPLASTY)

Indications - Liposuction, which is also known as lipoplasty, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed. Often, localized fat deposits may develop in various regions of the body. These regions usually persist in spite of proper diet and exercise, which contributes to the disproportionate appearance of the figure. Liposuction works by removing excess fat tissue, which reshapes body contours and creates a slimmer appearance. Liposuction can be performed alone, but can also be performed with other procedures such as the tummy tuck. Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite or obesity. Individuals who consider liposuction should be healthy and relatively fit, have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone, and be within 30% of their ideal weight.

Preoperative period (before surgery) – Some exams are previously requested. The use of medications containing salicylic acid or vitamin E should be avoided 10 days before surgery. Smokers should quit smoking 15 days before surgery. It is necessary to stop any oral intake (not even water) 8 hours before surgery.

Surgical Technique - Liposuction procedures may last as little as one hour or as long as five hours depending on the extent of the procedure and the technique that is used. Prior to the start of your liposuction procedure, the treatment area will be drawn and an anesthetic will be administered. Depending on the complexity of the procedure and the amount of fat that is removed, general anesthesia or local anesthesia in conjunction with sedation may be used. Single or multiple incisions are made to insert the cannula. These scars will usually be hidden in the contours of the body. While there are several different liposuction techniques, the tumescent technique is the most common type of liposuction procedure. Prior to removing fat, tumescent fluid is injected into the treatment area. This solution, which is composed of saline solution and epinephrine, helps to numb the treatment area, control blood loss, and facilitate fat removal. A liposuction cannula is then inserted into the fat layer beneath the skin. Using a forward and backward motion, the cannula  loosen and break apart the fat tissue in the area. A suction device, such as a surgical vacuum that has been attached to the opposite end of the cannula, is used to remove the fat. In some instances, the fat may be removed manually using a syringe that has been attached to the cannula. Following the procedure, the incisions will likely be closed with stitches, although some incisions are so small that they can heal without stitches. It is a consensus in Brasilian Plastic Surgery Association that the total volume of fat removed in a liposuction should not be greater than 5 to 7% of the body weight, around 4 to 5 liters of fat. An innovation to the traditional technique of liposuction is the Vibroliposuction, that uses repetitive vibrations transmitted to the cannula in order to remove a larger amount of fat with less tissue mobilization, reducing post operative swelling.

Post operative period (after surgery) - The patient goes home around 6 hours after surgery. Some swelling and bruising follow the procedure. A compression garment is indicated for 30 to 90 days, which will be an important part of the recovery process. A compression garment is tight-fitting, and holds the tissues together, while providing comfort and support as the tissues heal. The compression garment controls swelling by preventing fluid build up in the treatment area, and also helps the skin conform to the new contours of the body. The patient will likely be able to return to work in 3 days, and resume normal activity. Non-absorbable sutures are typically removed in 7 days. Sun exposure and sea or swimming pools bathing are liberated after 30 days. Even though fat is permanently removed from the treatment area during the procedure, it is important to realize that liposuction does not prevent additional weight gain. In order to maintain the results from your procedure, it is important to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine.