Liposuction is a very popular plastic surgery blog topic, but many times in discussing liposuction, many plastic surgeons often forget to talk about the basic methods of how it is actually performed. Liposuction actually is a very basic premise. A saline solution is placed under the skin and the fat is removed from under the skin. There are many methods to extract the fat from under the skin including manual extraction with a cannula, power assisted liposuction where the extractor tip moves back and forth, ultrasonic, laser or water assisted. Each method of fat extraction has its’ advantages and disadvantages, that’s why multiple techniques are often used in combination.
Liposuction Basics
1. Infusion of Tumescent fluid
2. Fat Emulsification
3. Fat Extraction
After either Intravenous or general anesthesia is administered by the anesthesiologist, a very small inconspicuous incision is made and a small infiltrating cannula (small steel rod) is inserted under the skin and this allows the tumescent fluid to be injected. This fluid consists of saline as well as lidocaine, a numbing medicine. This fluid acts both as a numbing medicine as well as an emulsification agent to surround the fat and break it up to make it easier to extract.
The smallest possible diameter of cannula is used to remove the fat from under the skin. The liquefied fat is extracted by the cannulas leaving behind a smaller more shaped contour. The fat that is removed varies individually by patient. One must remember that the amount of fat that is removed is really not the most important thing, it is actually the fat that remains. The residual fat must be of even thickness throughout the area of concern.
After surgery, you will need to wear a compression garment for a couple of days and absorbent bandages to absorb any excess fluid that will leak out of the incisions for a day or so.
Patients usually return to their normal schedule within a few days. The sutures are removed at the end of one week and patients may return to the gym after two weeks.
To schedule a private complimentary consultation with Dr. Edward S. Kole of the Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center, please call our office at 215-315-7655 or fill out a quick contact form and we will contact you.
