Liposuction
Details of Your Procedure
Liposuction may be performed under general or local anesthesia. The safety of the technique relates not only to the amount of tissue removed, but to the choice of anesthetic and the patient's general overall health. The fat is removed by using a cannula, which is a hollow tube. It is presented to the surgeon in a sealed, sterilized package. They are used on only one patient and for only one procedure and are then discarded. Liposuction techniques can be further categorized by the amount of fluid injection and by the method in which the cannula works. There are various types of liposuction: suction assisted, ultrasound assisted (Vaser or Ultrasonic), and laser assisted (Smart Lipo, ProLipo).
In all liposuction methods, there are certain things that should be done when having the procedure. The candidate and the surgeon will agree ahead of time on exactly which area(s) will be treated and both will discuss what outcome to expect. Photos will be taken of the area to be treated, so the patient will have before and after photos. This is a great way to see your result. A consent form is signed before the day of the surgery. An antibiotic will be given either about an hour beforehand, or afterwards. The targeted areas are marked on the body while the candidate is in an upright position. In the operating room, a sterilizing solution, such as Betadine, is applied to the relevant areas. Local anesthetic is injected and the patient may be given a sedative, either orally, or through an IV injection. Incisions are small, about a quarter to a third of an inch. There will be some monitoring devices attached to the body to keep track of the blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen level during surgery. After the procedure, the patient will usually be able to get up, walk around, and go home, although they’ll need someone else to drive them home.
Call our Pittsburgh plastic surgery office at 412-952-9299 to schedule your personal consultation.