Why Have Liposuction

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     Liposuction is an operation to remove excess deposits of fat from areas of the body such as the upper thighs or abdomen. It is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. By reducing specific areas, liposuction can change the shape of the body. It is not intended for weight control or to treat obesity, to improve cellulite ("orange peel" skin) or stretch marks.

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     There is a limit to the amount of fat that can be safely removed from any one area. The results of liposuction can be long-lasting, especially if the patient exercises regularly, eats a healthy diet, and maintains a healthy weight. The fat cells that are removed will not be replaced by the body, so there should be a permanent change in body shape independent of weight fluctuations. However, it is possible for the remaining fat cell to grow bigger, to a point where a significant weight gain can cause the fat deposits to return. The operation may last from one to two hours, depending on how much fat is being removed. If only a small area of fat is to be treated, a local anesthetic may be used, which means that the person is awake during the procedure and may even be able to feel vibrations or friction in the area being treated but should not feel any pain. Liposuction can be done using several different methods and your surgeon should be able to discuss the options and the most appropriate technique.

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Procedure Details

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Wet Liposuction​ - This is the most commonly used technique. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon injects a fluid (hence the name "wet") containing local anesthetic and other compounds, such as adrenaline, into the fatty area. This helps reduce bleeding, bruising and swelling and makes it easier to remove the fat cells. An incision is made in the skin and a thin metal tube called a cannula is inserted. The cannula is moved about vigorously within the fatty tissue while the suction is applied from a vacuum pump or a syringe. For larger areas, more than one incision may be used so that the cannula can reach all the fatty deposits that are being targeted. Once the required amount of fat has been removed, the cannula is taken out and the incision(s) are stitched closed. A variation of the wet technique is "tumescent" liposuction where a larger volume of fluid is injected.

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     VASER® LipoSelection (Liposuction) - LipoSelectionSM only by VASER® uses the latest patented technology and advanced surgical techniques to break up and remove fatty tissue in your thighs, hips, abdomen, love handles, knees, back, arms, neck and chin.

     It is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. By reducing specific areas, LipoSelection can change the shape of the body. The results can be long-lasting, especially if the patient exercises regularly, eats a healthy diet, and maintains a healthy weight. The fat cells that are removed will not be replaced by the body, so there should be a permanent change in the body shape independent of weight fluctuations.  The operation may last from one to two hours, depending on how much fat is being removed. If only a small area of fat is to be treated, a local anesthetic may be used, which means that the person is awake during the procedure – and may even be able to feel vibrations or friction in the area being treated – but should not feel any pain.​

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     Why is it different? - The LipoSelection procedure uses ultrasound energy to break up and remove fat deposits from the body. Fatty tissue contains a large percentage of fat cells as well as blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. Ultrasound energy selectively breaks up and emulsifies fat, while leaving other tissue relatively intact. LipoSelection typically results in low to minimal pain and low incidences of bruising or prolonged swelling.

     LipoSelection by VASER is both efficient and precise. In fact, ultrasound energy is so precise and specific that the technology has been used to remove brain tumors and cataracts.

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   How it works -  During the LipoSelection procedure, small incisions are made in the area to be sculpted. Through these small incisions, a special saline solution is infused to numb the site, shrink blood vessels, and enhance emulsification. Emulsified fat is then readily removed with suction and massage.

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Preparation & Recovery​

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Each patient will be given specific and tailored instructions regarding preparation for surgery.

 

Those who smoke run a greater risk of chest infection and the healing wounds in smokers may be slower. For patients who smoke it is advisable to cut down for a week before surgery and to stop smoking completely for three days immediately before the operation. Assumption of Aspirin or blood thinning medication should be avoided for two weeks before surgery as it can reduce natural blood clotting after the operation.

 

A compression garment will need to be worn at least 6 weeks after surgery to prevent fluid accumulation at the surgical site.