Liposuction

Before surgery, Dr. Walker will have you stand to mark the precise areas of the body where the fat is to be removed. You will be given oral sedation medications or an intravenous line will be started if you have elected to have heavier sedation.

During the procedure, tiny incisions are made in several areas around the sites to be treated. A tumescent saline solution containing lidocaine, epinephrine, sodium bicarbonate, triamsenolone (a steroid to reduce swelling) is injected under the skin in the areas to be suctioned. There are very few pain fibers in this fat layer and consequently this is not as uncomfortable as it sounds. The fluid administered is left undisturbed for at least ten minutes to provided 'numbing' of the area as well as reducing swelling and postoperative pain. The solution also helps break up the fat deposits for easier removal and decreases bleeding. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through the same small incisions, into the fatty areas to be suctioned. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits, suck out fat globules and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a high-pressure vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.

An earlier method of liposuction, called dry liposuction because no liquefying agent was used, required general anesthesia. This technique is not in frequent use today.

Dr. Walker prefers to use oral sedation with the tumescent anesthetic technique because patients can roll themselves side to side and at the end of the procedure stand and help put on their compression garment.  By NOT using heavy sedation or general anesthesia, patients can walk, eat and drink something, and go home shortly after the procedure.  

The length of time for the procedure depends on the number of areas being treated and the amount of fat to be removed. Generally, circumferencial hips, thighs and knees takes three to four hours to complete.

If the procedure is done with a local anesthetic supplemented by a light sedative, the pain experienced is minimal, although you may feel pressure, movement, or a vibrating sensation. More sedation will further reduce sensations, and general anesthesia will eliminate all sensation.

For a day or two, you can expect to feel tired, as though your body has been through a workout - and it has! The areas treated will be stiff and store, and you may experience some pain, burning, swelling, black-and- blue or temporary numbness. The tumescent solution often provides many hours of pain free comfort, and you will be prescribed medication to relieve any discomfort for after that time.

You will be wearing a compression garment around the areas treated. This decreases swelling, helps mold the new shape, and provides support and comfort. Garments are usually removed on the third post-operative day and you can shower. A compression garment is generally worn 24/7 for about three weeks. The garment is often worn intermittently for an additional six weeks. Your stitches will be removed in four days to a week.

Most of the bruising and swelling should subside within three weeks. To speed the healing process and to reduce the likelihood of post-operative complications, Dr. Walker will probably tell you to begin light activity as soon as possible. You should be able to return to work within a few days if your work is fairly sedentary. You should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks as your body heals, but within 6 weeks you should be able to resume all normal activities.

It's important to continue wearing the compression garment, which should be easily hidden under your clothing, until Dr. Walker tells you that it is no longer necessary.

You should see the visible results of your surgery within two or three weeks, but the full effects may not be evident for six months to a year. The more fat that you had removed, the longer it will take to achieve optimal results, because the skin has to adapt to a more radical change in shape.

Most people are pleased with their new contour and often feel a boost in energy and self-confidence. Although liposuction cannot alter skin quality or muscle tone, and should not be a substitute for regular exercise and a balanced diet, your treated areas will always be slimmer than they would be if you hadn't had this procedure.

The fat cells are permanently removed by liposuction, so you will not regain weight in that area. It is important to note, however, that liposuction does not guarantee that you won't gain weight or accumulate fat deposits in other areas of your body.

In general, the best candidates for Liposuction:

• Have specific fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise.
• Have had no previous surgery in the area where liposuction is desired.
• Have firm, elastic skin.
• Do not have frequent fluctuations in weight.
• Desire reshaping and not weight loss.
• Do not have significant medical problems such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or poor circulation.
• Are psychologically stable.
• Do not smoke.
• well informed about the procedure.
• Hold realistic expectations about the outcome.