The following post is a contribution from a PriceDoc Provider defining the liposuction procedure in simplified terms. Many thanks to Marshall Partington, M.D., for taking the time to answer these questions. We hope this post provides enough information to answer your questions, but if you do have any, ask them in the comments below!
- Definition, in simple terms, of liposuction and any other commonly used names:
- Liposuction is defined as the removal of fat from deposits beneath the skin using a hollow stainless steel tube (called a cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum. Liposuction can be accomplished either with the use of general anesthesia, or with heavy IV sedation, or totally by local anesthesia. Liposuction can also be referred to as Lipoplasty (fat modeling). There are several different Liposuction techniques, including Tumescent Liposuction, Super-wet technique, Laser Assisted Liposuction, Microliposuction, and Ultrasound-assisted Lipoplasty.
- What specific type of Provider (Specialist) offers a liposuction?
- Plastic Surgeon. Don’t forget to check PriceDoc to find out how much liposuction costs near you!
- Are there new techniques available today for liposuction?
- Laser Assisted Liposuction
- What are the potential risks/side-effects of getting liposuction (if any)?
- Risks of Liposuction include: too much liposuction, which is an excessive volume of aspirated fat, or an excessive number of areas treated. Excessive liposuction is dangerous and can cause serious liposuction complications. Disfiguring skin irregularities and depression are also risks of liposuction. Other risks include hematomas, infection, temporary numbness, pulmonary emboli, scarring, excess skin, and injury to skin.
- Do I need any tests and/or exams before getting liposuction (if any)?
- You will need to meet with your surgeon for an in-depth planning session in which you will discuss the entire procedure, its risks and limitations, and all the steps you need to take prior to the operation. Your surgeon will ask you questions about your medical history and lifestyle to determine your risk during liposuction surgery. He or she will also ask questions about the current drugs you are taking and any medical conditions you may have.
- How long does it take to complete the liposuction procedure?
- Many factors will influence the length of time your surgeon will take performing your liposuction. The removal of fat by suction itself can take from as little as 20 minutes (for a very small area) up to four hours if larger or multiple areas are being done.
- Many factors will influence the length of time your surgeon will take performing your liposuction. The removal of fat by suction itself can take from as little as 20 minutes (for a very small area) up to four hours if larger or multiple areas are being done.
- What is the recovery timeline from getting liposuction (if any)?
- After liposuction, recovery time can last from days to months depending on the size of the treated area. In most cases, patients can continue with their normal life after one to two weeks, and a full recovery is made within a few months. In less than a week after liposuction, most patients are able to move normally and even return to work with minimal discomfort. After a few weeks, most feel comfortable enough to remove their compression garment and begin their new lives with more contoured, appealing figures.
- What do we know about outcomes for liposuction?
- Liposuction is a great way to remove and refine small areas of fat around the face, waist, knees and ankles. It can permanently and safely remove small localized pockets of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. However, it is not designed to be a weight loss procedure.
Dr. Partington is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery (Certificate of Advanced Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand). He was born in Manhattan, raised in New England, and has been practicing plastic surgery since 1991. He is a current member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He taught Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania where he was Director of Microsurgery.
Again, we extend thanks to Marshall Partington, M.D., who took the time to answer these questions for you! Hopefully this information gets you started on your understanding of this procedure. If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments below and we’ll see if he will be available to answer them! (Or, read more on Liposuction here.) -The PriceDoc Team
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