Liposuction - Radiant Rejuvenation - Seattle
What is Liposuction Surgery?
Liposuction is a surgical technique to remove unwanted fat deposits under the skin from specific areas of the body, including the face and neck, upper arms, trunk, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips and thighs, and the knees, calves, and ankles. There are several methods for removal of localized or regional fat deposits, each of which involve placement of fluid (usually dilute local anesthetic solution) into the deposits, followed by the application of suction for removal of the excess fatty deposits. The suction may be applied by use of a vacuum pump (machine) or via closed syringe system. Current clinical experiences and investigations suggest that use of ultrasound (Ultrasonic-assisted Lipoplasty- UAL) to assist in fat removal in fibrous areas has some significant advantages.
Liposuction is not intended to provide weight reduction, but rather a method for removing localized and often hereditary deposits of fat that resist diet and exercise. We have a large number of fat cells, but it is currently believed that fat cells do not cell divide after puberty, thereby making liposuction removal of resistant fat deposits a permanent treatment. Liposuction is particularly effective in patients who are not obese, but rather display problems of distribution of fat making unwanted contours and size. Liposuction may be performed as a primary procedure for reduction of dimension and for body contouring. It may be combined with other surgical techniques such as facelift, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), thigh lift, breast reduction, and various procedures to help tighten loose skin and supporting structures.
The best candidates for liposuction are those of relatively normal weight, with unwanted distribution sites in particular body areas. Some patients with higher percent body fat are treated by liposuction in two or more sessions, known as "serial liposuction". Although not a treatment for obesity, it is often useful as part of a physician-controlled medication, diet, and exercise program, with liposuction aimed at permanent removal of a large portion of the most resistant sites.
Having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour after liposuction. Hanging skin with small underlying fat deposits may not reshape itself to the new contours, and may require additional surgery to remove and tighten excess skin. Irregular shapes and contours caused by muscle or skeleton will not be improved by removal of small amounts of fat. Liposuction is not considered as a primary treatment of dimpled skin known as "cellulite."
Liposuction Surgery is performed by using a hollow metal surgical instrument known as a cannula that is inserted through small skin openings, and moved back and forth within the area of fat deposits. Liposuction may be performed on an outpatient basis in surgicenters or hospitals, under local anesthesia, local-sedation, or general anesthesia. Since 1986, many surgeons place substantial amounts of dilute local anesthetic solution into the fat layer to facilitate removal of the fat cells. This advance, now known as Tumescent Liposuction, is felt to reduce bleeding and improve safe removal of fat deposits.
Compression garments and wraps are often used to help control swelling and promote healing. In larger volume cases (more than 2 liters) or if using a vacuum machine, you may be asked to donate a unit of your own blood in the unlikely event that a blood transfusion is necessary during or after surgery.
Alternatives to Liposuction Surgery
Direct removal of excess skin and fatty tissue may be used to remove hanging deposits of skin and fat. Diet and excercise may benefit in the overall reduction of unwanted fat deposits, and may be included as part of a comprehensive program along with liposuction treatment. As this is a procedure which is optional for you, you may choose no surgical treatment.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. In this type of surgery, you should weigh the potential gain against the possibility of risk. Minor or unexpected complications may occur which have a relatively small impact on the final results. Major complications are possible, but are considered relatively rare.