FAQ

Tumescent and Ultrasonic Liposuction

1. What are the standard types of liposuction?
   
2. What is the procedure like?
3. Who are good candidates for conventional liposuction methods?
4. Will liposuction get rid of cellulite?
5. When is it best to opt for liposuction of the abdomen instead of having a tummy tuck?
6. What are the risks associated with the procedure?
7. What is recovery like?
8. How much does liposuction cost?

Tumescent liposuction, also called standard liposuction, has been performed in the United States since the 1982. Tumescent fluid (a solution containing saline and local anesthetic) is injected into the area, and the fat is suctioned though long, thin rods. Typically only a few small incisions are required, and the physician can disguise these sites in natural skin creases. A local anesthesia may be supplemented with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

Ultrasonic liposuction is similar to tumescent and even involves the injection of tumescent fluid. The major difference is the use of high-frequency ultrasonic energy that helps to liquefy the fat, making removal easier.

Liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia (in which the patient is completely asleep) or sedation (very relaxed in a light sleep). The surgery may last 30 minutes to five hours, depending on how many areas are being worked on.

Patients must wear a body-compression garment for several weeks following surgery. Typically only those who have had a large volume (more than five liters) removed will need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation and safety.

Women and men who are physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure are ideal candidates for the procedure. While these methods are intended to remove larger volumes of excess fat than Smartlipo™ laser lipolysis, traditional liposuction candidates should still be within 30% of their ideal body weight. The procedure is not intended as a treatment for obesity.

Do not expect liposuction to eliminate or even improve your cellulite. Cellulite is due to superficial fat, and liposuction removes only deep fat.

Good liposuction candidates have some excess abdominal fat, but no stretch marks and fairly good skin tone. For patients with stretch marks, loose skin and a loose inner girdle (all more likely after pregnancy), a tummy tuck is probably the best choice. (note: link to tummy tuck page)

Virtually all surgery includes some risks, including reactions to anesthesia, blood clots and infection. The majority of the side effects associated with the procedure, such as swelling and bruising, will disappear over time. Severe reactions are possible, but very uncommon.

The invasiveness level of liposuction is considered to be of a medium level. Most people are back to work within 10 days and begin to ease back into their exercise routine after two weeks. Pain medications, usually taken for a couple of days to two weeks, can alleviate discomfort and a body-compression garment will minimize swelling.

Although results may begin to be visible in the first few weeks, some swelling may remain for several months. The final result may not be clear until six months after surgery.

The cost of the procedure depends on many variables, so it is not possible to give a price without a personal consultation. Associated costs may include the price of the procedure, operating room costs and anesthesia fees.