For generations, people have used various techniques to improve their physical appearance.  Although diet, exercise and flattering clothing styles help many look better, others remain dissatisfied because of stubborn, unsightly bulges.  In women, those fat deposits occur most frequently from the waist down, on hips, buttocks and outer thighs.  Fat deposits on men tend to accumulate above the waist, on the abdomen and sides of the waist.

Several years ago, a new procedure, liposuction surgery, was perfected by a French physician.  The procedure allows both men and women to improve the contours of their bodies through this relatively simple and safe technique.

Liposuction
Liposuction surgery involves the removal of fat cells from the body and may be used alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as facelift or "tummy tuck".   It is designed for those who have specific areas of localized fat deposits who have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate them through diet, exercise and weight loss.

While the procedure is not designed to correct general obesity, any area where excess fat deposits have accumulated can be treated.  Men and women in good physical condition with good skin elasticity are the best candidates for this surgery.  Each person seeking this treatment, regardless of age, must be personally assessed by the physician to determine if he or she is suitable for liposuction surgery.

Liposuction surgery can be performed in Dr. Lewis' office, and outpatient surgical facility or a hospital depending on the Doctor's and patient's preference.  It can be done under general anesthesia with the patient asleep or under local anesthesia in which the area is numbed and the patient remains awake.   Premedication is administered to help the patient relax.  The physician begins by making a small incision in the skin and inserts deep into the fat a tube attached to a high pressure vacuum suction.  The fat is loosened from surrounding tissue by moving the tube back and forth and is then removed or vacuumed from the body with the suction device.  The physician determines the amount of fat to remove by feeling the skin and pinching the tissue.  After the incisions are closed, a compression dressing or bandage is applied to the area to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area.  Those persons wanting lipotransfer, would have the removed fat redistributed to another part of the body during the same surgery, such as lips and breast enhancement.  The procedure can last from thirty minutes to several hours depending upon the amount of fat removed.

The dressing remains in place for seven to ten days depending upon the extent of the surgery and the individual's healing process.  A surgical compression garment may also be worn.  Because liposuction surgery does not involve large incisions and extensive cutting, pain is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication.   Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.

Most patients are completely ambulatory immediately following surgery, but rest is recommended for the initial post-operative period.  Patients are usually able to return to normal activities within a week although vigorous physical activity is discouraged for several weeks.

Some swelling and discoloration can occur but usually disappear within a month.   Scars, which fade significantly with time are, for the most part, inconspicuous because they are made within the natural creases of the body whenever possible.

Complications connected with this surgery are rare; however, an uneven skin surface, bleeding, infection, numbness and discoloration can occur.  Some of these conditions correct themselves in time; others respond to medications.  There are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure which should be discussed with the doctor.

It is important to remember that liposuction surgery, while not a cure for generalized obesity, is an excellent procedure that can benefit those who want to remove unsightly fat from localized areas.  Patients who choose this type of surgery, however, must have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that final results may not be apparent for up to one year.

If you are interested in learning more about liposuction surgery, please call our office and we will be happy to answer your questions.