The purpose and procedure of Liposuction.

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that targets removal of localized fats on different areas of the body which have not responded to diet or exercise. The cosmetic procedure can be used to remove unresponsive fat on face, chin, neck, upper arms, hips, abdomen and buttocks among other areas. This procedure uses vacuum technique where fat is broken and suctioned through high pressurized tubes known as cannulas. Liposuction aims to contour target fatty areas of the body and is not an alternative to weight loss, cellulite or stretch marks. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Steven Bloch can safely give you the procedure.

Preparing for liposuction

It’s important to prepare for liposuction just like any other cosmetic procedures. You need a consultation with your plastic surgeon where you will discuss a number of issues concerning your health and the cosmetic procedure. Issues that your cosmetic surgeon would want to hear from you include your surgical goals, previous surgeries, medical conditions, medical treatments and drug allergies. It’s also important to inform your liposuction surgeon if you are taking medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, tobacco or alcohol. Additionally, Dr. Bloch will evaluate your general health, risk factors, give you alternatives to liposuction, advice on a course of treatment and discuss with you on possible complications and liposuction outcomes. It’s also important to ask your liposuction surgeon any questions you have. All these will help you understand all about the liposuction procedure.

How Is Liposuction Done?

Depending on the type of liposuction you are having, you may be able to have it done at a doctor’s office or surgery center and go home the same day. If large amounts of fat will be removed, the procedure will be done in a hospital, and you may need to stay overnight.

Before the procedure starts, you will be given an anesthetic. Depending on how much fat is being removed and the type of liposuction being done, you may get local anesthesia or general anesthesia. With general anesthesia, you will be “asleep” during the procedure.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make small cuts, insert a suction device inside the cut, and remove excess fat using a suction pump or a large syringe. How long it takes depends on how much fat is being removed.

Liposuction Risks and Recovery

Common risks associated with liposuction procedure include scarring and irritation on areas where cannula tubes were inserted, swelling, soreness or bruising on treated sites, skin rippling or bagginess.

Rare risks with liposuction include damage to nerves, permanent color changes. Seeking the services of a professional plastic surgeon like Dr. Bloch will reduce most of these risks.

After having liposuction, you will be required to wear a compression garment. You will have no more fat formation on treated areas as liposuction kills fat cells. Just incase you add weight in future fat; it will likely from around vital organs like the heart or liver which is a health risk. It’s thus advisable to stay fit after liposuction. Your liposuction doctor will schedule return visits to monitor your healing progress. Full recovery may take some weeks or months depending on the extent of the treatment. Staying away from much physical activity during healing is highly recommended.

After Smart Liposuction

Recovering from laser-assisted liposuction has proven to be easier than recovering from traditional liposuction procedures. For one thing, there are no stitches to deal with. Because the doctor’s incision is so small, no stitches are needed to close the skin. Many people will feel a bit sore after their procedure, but so far studies have found no risk of any serious side effects. Because the laser closes off small blood vessels as it moves under the skin, there is less chance of bleeding, swelling and bruising than with conventional liposuction.

To book a consultation with Dr. Bloch of Higland Park Plastic Surgery Clinic give us a call at 847-432-0840.