Liposuction (Suction Assisted Lipectomy)

Liposuction has become one of the most frequently done surgeries in the country. The ability to lose some of the fullness caused from fat is a remarkable benefit compared to the small risk involved. But as with most things, the more you ask for, the more you risk, and the less likely you are going to be satisfied. So as a generality, I say that the smaller you are, the better the result; the smaller the area you have done, the better the result. With small areas the operation can be done under a local anesthetic in the office operating room, and the area can become completely flat – such as under the chin, the so called “double chin”.

Mostly I do suction as an outpatient at the hospital with you asleep. I use the wet method, not the tumescent, which I regard as having too many problems. I use a variety of sizes of cannula, appropriate to the area being suctioned. The use of the ultra-sound suction also has significant problems, such as bigger scars and more fluid production and changes in sensation in the treated areas.

Following surgery you will be in an elastic compressive girdle for several weeks. Your activity is limited, and you will be sore rather than have pain. Expect to be off work one week; but again, the more areas you have done, the longer and more difficult your healing will be. It will take at least three months for the swelling from the surgery to diminish, and you will improve over six months.