Understanding Liposuction:
Depending on the amount of liposuction planned and the parts of the body addressed, the procedure can be done under local or general anesthesia. Tiny incisions are made a tube or “cannula” is inserted. The cannula has a blunt tip and has holes on the side, so as it is advanced structures such as nerves and blood vessels are preserved. Vacuum suction is applied so the fatty tissue beneath the skin is withdrawn. The surgeon determines the amount of fat to be removed by careful intra-operative examination much like sculpting. After eliminating the excess fat, the incisions are closed and a compression dressing or garment is applied to the area in order to reduce swelling and help the overlying skin to retract.
There are several different types of liposuction. Traditional, tumescent, ultrasonic and even laser. Most patients benefit most from the tumescent technique. The surgeon can discuss which method(s) are best for each individual patient during the initial consultation visit.
Their is some pain associated with the recovery but it is not excruciating. Most patients require some oral pain medication initially. You can expect to be back to normal routine in 7-10 days. The compressive garments are worn from 2 to 4 weeks. All bruising and swelling can take several weeks to resolve.