There are a few
options for liposuction, and the doctor determines in every case what procedure is best for each patient.
In most cases, the surgeon injects a solution (wetting solution) into the treatment area. The solution is comprised mostly of saline solution, epinephrine (a medication that helps reduce bleeding and bruising) and includes a local anesthetic to temporarily minimize pain. The solution makes the process of removing fat easier.
After the fluid has been injected, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin. A narrow metal tube called a cannula is inserted through the cut. The doctor can manipulate the cannula back and forth through the fat, so the fat cells are taken out of the body. Usually, the incision or incisions are closed with a few stitches and leave a small, almost unnoticed mark.
The most used procedure are:
Wet liposuction:
This technique may require intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
Super-wet liposuction: The wetting solution is equal to the volume of fat removed. This technique often requires intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia.
Tumescent liposuction:
Is the most commonly used liposuction technique and it usually requires only local anesthesia. The procedure uses a lot of wetting solution, two to three times the volume of fat removed. This solution causes fat deposits to swell (tumescent). This technique causes less bleeding and less bruising than other techniques.
Dry
liposuction: Doctors rarely perform dry liposuction anymore because fluid injection is safer.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction:
This technique uses sound waves to break the fat cell for easier removal.
Power Assisted Technique for liposuction (PAL):
This is a relatively new technique. It uses a power device to produce rapid in-and-out movement or a spinning rotation on the cannula. The main advantage seems to be for the surgeon, who does not get as tired extracting the fat.
After the liposuction
The most common side effects after liposuction are:
- Pain and discomfort. Usually it is moderate and the doctor may prescribe
pain
relievers. Bruises and swelling. This is probably the most common side effect and lasts from a couple of days to weeks.
- Bleeding
- Temporary numbness of the treated area
- Temporary minor contour imperfections, such as lumps or dents in your skin
After the surgery, the doctor will put an elastic bandage or compression garment over the treated area to control swelling and help with healing. It is very important to use it as the doctor recommends. The doctor will tell you how long you have to wear it.
How do you heal?
Every person heals differently, but in general, most people who have
only a small area treated may return to work within a few days or a week. If the area is larger, you may need up to three weeks of rest before you may return to work. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction may require longer than other techniques.
The bruises take three weeks or longer to fade after liposuction and about six weeks after ultrasound-assisted liposuction. Swelling can take months to disappear completely, but most goes away in the first couple of weeks.
It is OK to
be
intimate with your partner after the wounds are healed.
Workouts cannot be restarted about a month after the surgery, but the doctor will tell you after he reviews your healing process.
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