Liposuction
Liposuction is a very common and popular procedure. It is designed for the permanent removal of fatty tissue, commonly referred to as “cellulite.” Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that allows the plastic surgeon to sculpt your body and remove isolated areas of undesirable fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. The areas that are amenable to liposuction include the hips, thighs, abdomen, knees, arms and neck.
Liposuction is most successful in people with good skin tone who have fatty deposits. It is not a treatment for obesity. To maintain the safety of the procedure, there is a limit on how much can be done at one time.
The Procedure
Liposuction is done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis in a hospital or surgical center. The surgeon makes small (about 1/4 inch), discreet incisions in the areas to be treated. A cannula is inserted and attached to a suction machine. The procedure may take an hour or more, depending on how many areas are involved.
Recovery
Recovery from liposuction is relatively easy. Expect a fair amount of swelling and bruising in the following two weeks. You will wear special garments provided to apply pressure, minimize swelling and provide support while healing. These garments also assist in retraction of the skin. Stitches will be removed in a week to 10 days.
Results are recognizable almost immediately and will continue to improve as swelling subsides.
The day of surgery you should be up and walking around. Increase your activity daily until full activity is resumed in about 2 weeks.
You will be ready to return to office work in 3-5 days and more active employment at 10-14 days. Avoid the sun until all bruising has subsided. A sunscreen should be used routinely; it is easy to get sunburned during recovery because of decreased sensation.
The results of liposuction are permanent as long as your weight is stable.
Post Operative Instructions
Follow the guidelines below after you are at home. Call Dr. Ozaki if you notice any unusual symptoms. Remember: You are under the influence of medication. Do not drive or drink alcoholic beverages during the next 24 hours.
WOUND CARE
- Keep your dressing dry.
- You may remove your dressing in the number of days as stated by your doctor.
- Wear your surgical garment at all times (except when bathing).
- You will need to wear your garment for 2 months.
- Keep drain site clean, empty and record drain output twice daily.
ACTIVITY
- You may shower or take a sponge bath in the number of days as stated by your doctor.
- No heavy pushing, pulling, lifting anything over 10 pounds, or straining.
- No sports or heavy exercise until your doctor says you are ready.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- The areas of liposucion will be swollen and bruised for up to 2 weeks after surgery.
- Slowly increase your activity levels over the next few days.