Liposuction (body contouring) Continued
The Tumescent technique of Liposuction injects a large amount of a fluid solution into the fatty areas prior to their removal. This solution is made up of lidocaine (anesthetic), epinephrine (a vasoconstrictor drug) and a saline solution. Using this technique, fat is more easily removed, blood loss is reduced, and bruising and swelling are reduced. Tumescent Liposuction is a long surgery that can take 4 to 5 hours. Tumescent Liposuction is regarded as one of the safest and most effective techniques for body sculpting.
Many Liposuction techniques exist:
- Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL)—Tumescent Liposuction is combined with the use of a metal probe or tube to deliver ultrasonic treatment into a fatty deposit. This technique has both an internal (the probe is placed under the skin) and external (probe is used on the skin surface) variation. The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not given approval for use of ultrasonic devices for Liposuction and the internal UAL technique has proven to be dangerous for patients.
- Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)—a relatively new development, PAL provides motion to the cannula. PAL is said to take less time than traditional Liposuction. There are also claims that it reduces swelling, bruising and patient recovery times.
- Super-wet Method—This technique of Liposuction is very similar to Tumescent, but it uses less fluid. Blood loss in this technique is approximately 8% of removed fluid (compared to approximately 1% in Tumescent). Super-wet Liposuction requires half the time of Tumescent Liposuction to complete and because the patient is exposed to less Tumescent solution, risk of complications is reduced.
Possible Complications
All surgery carries risk. Common surgical risks are: bleeding, infection, and blood clot. Complications specific to Liposuction can include: excessive fat removal resulting in massive blood loss, lidocaine and epinephrine toxicity if not properly dosed and administered, and heart failure associated with an over-exposure to fluids, in some instances. Also, removal of too much fat or unskilled removal of fat will create an unattractive end result. Choosing a qualified surgeon is your best defense against an undesirable outcome.
Results
After Liposuction surgery you may experience fluid drainage, some pain, swelling and temporary numbness. It is possible to return to work within a few days of surgery and, within a month, normal activity should be resumed. It will take about six months for complete healing, but a noticeable change in shape is evident within a couple weeks of surgery.
Fat cells removed during Liposuction do not grow back. The change in shape accomplished by surgery is virtually permanent, but that doesn't mean you can't gain weight. Maintain your new shape with a healthy diet and exercise regime.
By MS Kauffman
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