Questions about Liposuction Surgery
  1. What is liposuction surgery?
  2. What areas are treated?
  3. Who is a good candidate for liposuction surgery?
  4. Is this a dangerous procedure?
  5. Where is liposuction surgery performed?
  6. What is the recovery period?
  7. Will there be bandages?
  8. Will the fat regrow?
  9. What will happen to the excess skin?
  10. Can the procedure be repeated?
  11. How much pain is caused during and after the procedure?
  12. How long does bruising persist?
  1. What is liposuction surgery?
    2. Liposuction surgery is the removal of unwanted bulges created by excess localized fat deposits. A suction tube is inserted through a tiny incision placed in an inconspicuous location and removes the unwanted fat under negative pressure suction.

  2. What areas are treated?
    3. The most common areas treated are the upper outer thigh area known as "saddle bags", the tummy, the flanks, and love handles (in men). Other treated areas are facial accumulations of fat, double chins, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, arms and ankles. For men, this procedure can be used to correct gynecomastia (enlarged breasts).

  3. Who is a good candidate for liposuction surgery?
    4. Athletic individuals who are already on an exercise program and of normal body weight are considered ideal for this treatment. Usually, they have done just about everything possible to lose the unwanted, localized fat accumulation. In general, how ever, patients should not be obese. Patients can be slightly to moderately overweight and still be candidates for this surgery. In general, the most important thing is that they have realistic expectations of what they can achieve. Age by itself is not a significant factor. Many patients who are in their 60's have had the procedure done and have been delighted with the outcome. The patient should be in good general health. This technique is not a substitute for weight loss. There is a limit to how much fat can be removed safely at one time.

  4. Is this a dangerous procedure?
    5. Liposuction surgery has been shown to be a very safe procedure with very few complications. A 1984 review article of over 5,000 cases of liposuction surgery published in the Journal of Cosmetic Surgery revealed no serious complications and a very low percentage of minor problems (i.e.; temporary swelling, irregularity, numbness, etc.). As of January, 1989, there has not been a single significant complication reported anywhere in the world from liposuction done with a local anesthetic, when appropriate agents are used.

  5. Where is liposuction surgery performed?
    6. All cases are performed in the office under local anesthesia with oral and/or intramuscular sedation and analgesia.

  6. What is the recovery period?
    7. The recovery time varies with how many areas are treated and the type of activity the patient intends to resume. Most patients are performing routine duties after two days, but in some cases five or six days of recovery time may be necessary.

  7. Will there be bandages?
    8. There are no bandages. Special compression garments are worn under clothing for one week. These garments are made specifically for this procedure.

  8. Will the fat regrow?
    9. Generally, once puberty is reached, no new fat cells develop. The fat cells either swell or shrink in size depending upon weight gain or loss. When fat cells are removed from a treated area, they do not return. Liposuction surgery is indeed the only true spot reducer. Long term body weight, however, is not influenced by liposuction.

  9. What will happen to the excess skin?
    10. Skin is a dynamic organ, which has elasticity and in most cases is able to shrink and reaccommodate to the new body contour. Those who are poor candidates for liposuction surgery because of decreased skin elasticity can have the excess skin removed if they so desire at a later date. In my experience, this is almost never necessary. If this were not true, women would not be able to have children.

  10. Can the procedure be repeated?
    11. Yes. There is a maximum limit to the amount of fat that can be extracted during any one operation. In some instances, you may want to repeat or have more removed at another time. I usually wait at least three months between procedures.

  11. How much pain is caused during and after the procedure?
    12. In my series of patients, the surgical part of the process is essentially painless. Most of the patients express amazement at the lack of discomfort. Pain, in the post operative recovery period, is minimal. Approximately 40% of patients require no pain medication stronger than Tylenol extra strength. The remaining 60% require some stronger analgesic, usually Tylenol with codeine

  12. How long does bruising persist?
    13. Bruising typically is clear by the 7th to 14th day after the procedure.
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