Dana R. Towle, MD

Liposuction

(go back)

Inherited traits often prevent people from achieving their desired body shape. Even years of exercise often do not yield significant or noticeable results. For many, the answer is liposuction, a surgical procedure which extracts fat from specific areas of the body. Following the procedure, patients can expect a slimmer, more shapely figure.

The Surgery
The surgeon begins liposuction by inserting a cannula (a slim, hollow tube) into small incisions near the area to be recontoured. The cannula is moved throughout the layers of tissue, extracting the necessary fat. Once the fat and tissue are removed, the surgeon stitches the incision and trims away excess skin. Several liposuction techniques exist. The super-wet technique injects fluid into the patient's body, roughly the same amount as the fat to be extracted. The tumescent technique injects double or even triple the amount of fluid. In UAL (Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty), a specially designed cannula liquefies the fat and suctions it away. Except in the most extreme cases, procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Your surgeon will suggest the most appropriate form of anesthesia (epidural block, intravenous sedation or a local or general anesthesia).

After the Surgery
Following surgery, an elastic bandage is applied in order to reduce swelling and keep the skin in place. In complex procedures, patients should be monitored closely to make sure no complications occur. Stitches are typically removed in a week's time and patients return to work after several days.

Health Concerns
As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare, but include infection, a reaction to the anesthesia, blood clotting, and fluid loss. Less severe risks include a numbing of the skin and moderate changes in skin pigmentation. It is extremely important to choose a physician who has proper and extensive training, with state-of-the-art facilities and a good standing in their field. If you smoke, your surgeon will advise you stop two weeks prior to and following surgery. In order to maximize the success of surgery and minimize the risk of complication, always follow your doctor's instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care.