LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURES
As women age, and their metabolism slows, fat tends to accumulate around their buttocks, hips, and thighs, so called sex-specific fat. Women may also suffer from other “problem areas” that are patient specific, such as the abdomen, back, flank, or neck. These develop when a part of the body has either too many, or too large, of fat cells. Resistant to diet and exercise, liposuction affords women the opportunity to remove these unwanted, fatty areas, contouring their body to add definition and improve shape.
Liposuction is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed across the United States, and Dr. Castillo is skilled in all aspects of traditional, ultrasound, and power-assisted techniques. Leveraging experience, and listening to his patient’s goals, Dr. Castillo can help women achieve a slimmer, more balanced, body contour.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUES
Liposuction requires creating small (0.5-1.0 cm) incisions in the skin, camouflaged in body creases or inconspicuous areas. Fluid containing medications aimed to provide pain-relief and limit blood loss is then infused into the problem area, before special instruments are used to suction out the excess fat. Careful attention to detail during the suction phase of the procedure ensures enough fat is removed to smooth the problem area while leaving enough fat behind to create a pleasing contour with the surrounding body areas. This avoids unnatural lumps, bumps, or ridges in the skin. Surgical tape and gauze are placed over the incisions, and a compression garment is applied to help reduce swelling and aid in skin retraction.
RECOVERY
For the first few days after surgery, pink colored fluid will seep from the incision sites. This is a combination of the fluid placed at the time of surgery and a small amount of blood. This is normal and expected. Sleeping on towels, and repeatedly changing the gauze will help with fluid staining.
The numbing medication placed during the procedure will provide pain relief for several hours after surgery. The discomfort after the numbing medication has worn off is proportional to the amount of liposuction performed, and may require prescription pain medication. Soreness will persist for 2-4 weeks after surgery. Any areas of bruising or swelling after surgery will gradually recede. The compression garments are typically worn for up to 6 weeks after surgery.
With the immediate loss of fat from liposuction, results are quickly appreciated after surgery. A more gradual improvement will be noticeable for up to 3-4 months after surgery.
RISKS
We believe in being preemptive to avoid any risks associated with surgery, but occasionally the following may occur:
Bleeding – Liposuction normally causes minimal bleeding. This is seen as either slight bruising, or in the pink colored fluid that drains for the first few days after surgery.
Seroma – A fluid collection may form after liposuction and may require drainage. This can typically be performed in the office.
Infection – Liposuction carries a small risk of infection, but if one occurs, it may require oral, or intravenous, antibiotics.
Irregularity – Despite proper technique, a skin or contour irregularity can occur. If significant, additional surgery may be required to correct the irregularity.
Blood Clots: Liposuction can result in the development of blood clots in the legs. These clots can travel to the lungs where they can be fatal. Precautions before, and after, surgery are taken to avoid blood clots from forming.
Skin Laxity: The skin must shrink to match the size of the area liposuctioned. Occasionally the skin may not retract enough, leading to skin excess.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Duration of Results: Because liposuction physically removes fat from the body, the results are permanent. The remaining fat is still diet sensitive, so with weight gain the remaining fat does not multiply, but the fat cells will enlarge.
Liposuction: There is a five-liter limit on liposuction during any one surgery. Roughly ten pounds, performing more liposuction may result in unsafe fluid shifts within the body.
FAQS
Is liposuction permanent?
Yes, liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the body, but that does not mean that the results obtained are permanent. The total number of fat cells is reduced, but those that remain can still grow in size. Maintaining a proper diet and exercise regimen is all the more important after surgery in maintaining long-term outcomes.
Who are the best candidates for liposuction?
The best patients for liposuction are those that have realistic expectations, are healthy, have good skin elasticity, are at or near their ideal bodyweight, and have an isolated area of diet and exercise resistant fat.
What does liposuction not do?
Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution, or substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite or skin that is already loose or saggy. As liposuction only addresses the fat underneath the skin, any dimpling, stretch marks, or ripples will remain unchanged after liposuction.
How long will I need to take off of work?
Depending on the extent of liposuction, and any additional surgery you may have, patients can often return to work in just a few days.
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