The number of fat cells in
the body are established by the time a person reaches puberty.
After this period these cells act like balloons, so when
we gain weight these cells augment their size, because
they're storing more fat. Also when we loose weight these
cells tend to "shrink" because the fat inside
diminishes.
What this means is that after puberty these cells
stay the same in number, but may get larger and smaller
depending on several factors varying from person to person.
Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body
by removing these unwanted cells of fat from different
areas of the body. When removed these cells will never
come back.
Liposuction today is the most commonly requested cosmetic
surgery in the world and can be performed at virtually
any age and on any part of the body.
Patients commonly request this procedure to be performed
on their neck, cheeks, jowls, abdomen, buttocks, thighs,
hips, knees, ankles, calves and arms.
Liposuction is also used to correct enlarged male breasts,
a condition known as gynecomastia. Liposuction can be performed
alone or in
conjunction with virtually any other plastic surgery procedure.
|
|
In liposuction the area to be treated is injected with a special
fluid/anesthesia combination prior to suctioning. The fluid
constricts the surrounding blood vessels, making the procedure
less invasive,
while minimizing the pain. It also provides anesthesia during
and after surgery.
When the procedure is to be started a thin, hollow
tube, or cannula, is inserted through one or more tiny
incisions near
the designated
area. It is attached to a machine that creates a strong vacuum.
The cannula is strategically manipulated to contour and sculpt
the body. No actual pain is felt during the procedure.
Multiple areas of the body may be treated at the same
time. Depending on the areas to be treated liposuction
can take
from one to three
hours. After the procedure is finished fine sutures are
placed in the incisions, and a tight fitting garment
is applied.
This procedure is done as an outpatient procedure, so you will
be discharged after resting and feeling comfortable enough
to go home. You may feel a little bruised and sore as if
you would
have
over exercised that part of the body. Some swelling is expected,
which commonly peaks at three to four days and disappears
within four to six weeks.
Depending on the areas treated you may return to work
the next day although some patients wait two to three
days to
rest before
returning to work. It is important to begin normal activity
as soon as possible.
The support garment should be worn for four to six
weeks to reduce the possibility of swelling, unevenness
or waviness.
Your results
will be visible almost immediately after surgery, but
the full
effect may not be fully evident for four to six weeks
after most of the swelling has subsided. Patients are
very pleased
with
the results of the procedure with a more comfortable
shape of the body
and an enhanced self-esteem.
|
