Moneer Jaibaji, M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Liposuction
The ideal candidate for liposuction is a woman or a man who has an ideal weight but also has a persistent area of fat accumulation. These patients will benefit from liposuction. Liposuction can be done in conjunction with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast surgery or a face lift. The liposuction procedure is usually a same day surgery. Recovery and returning to work is much quicker than a tummy tuck procedure.
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Liposuction Information
Liposuction is useful for someone who is generally in good health and has worked hard to get in shape. They lose some extra pounds, but can't seem to get rid of those troublesome deposits of fat in key areas, no matter how diligent and devoted they work at it.
What is the difference between liposuction and liposculpture?
In general, both procedures do the same thing. The only difference is in the amount of fat removed. Liposuction is the removal of medium to large amounts of contour fat to reduce the peaks and mounds that show a heavy and sloppy appearance. These include areas such as below the chin, upper arms, outer breasts, lower abdomen, flanks, hips or thighs. Liposculpture is the removal of small to medium amounts of fat in rather normal to full areas to sharpen features. It improves the appearance of the muscles beneath and creates a more cut appearance. Potential areas are the neck, lower cheeks, upper abdomen, outer buttocks, calves and around the ankles.
Who are good candidates for these procedures?
These procedures are for anyone who is not looking to lose large volumes of weight and cannot obtain the trim and properly contoured look with diet and exercise. Patients who exceed their body weight by 30-50% may only be candidates for limited fat removal because of safety concerns and should undergo these procedures in stages. Patients who exceed their ideal weight well over 50% should look for other methods of weight loss as an initial step and consult a physician experienced in weight management. In other words, liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and cannot be used as a substitute to other weight control remedies.
Does the removal of fat tighten the skin as well?
Not necessarily. In fact, some fat deposits on the body may be unforgiving to major fat removal and lead to more relaxation of the skin. Other methods are being used in order to test their effect on skin contraction and tightening. Ultrasonic liposuction ( Vaser), has been suggested as a stimulus to skin contraction. Unfortunately, it is the heat generated by these modalities that is believed to be the stimulus for the contraction process. If the heat of ultrasonic and laser energy combined with extensive suction pressure is applied too aggressively near the skin, it can lead to serious skin injury. On the other hand, the use of the small cannulas, at less than 3.0 mm in diameter, if applied near the skin in selected areas, can help achieve contraction as the fat is removed with minimal risk.
How do I decide whether to have liposuction, liposculpture, or ultrasonic liposuction? It is best to find out what the surgeon is comfortable with and how they can give you the best results with the least complication. Some surgeons may advise ultrasonic liposuction for large volume extractions, especially in tough areas such as the back, flanks, and hips. It is designed principally for the hard-to-extract deep fat. External ultrasonic energy can be applied and is recommended by some surgeons, before or after the fat is removed by regular liposuction.
Where is the surgery performed?
The surgery can be performed in a hospital, as an inpatient or outpatient, in an outpatient surgery center, or in an accredited office surgery center. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia.
How is the surgery performed?
The patient is prepared for surgery. Tiny cuts are made at the sites where fat is to be removed and a wetting solution, using a special cannula, is infused to provide some numbing, reduce bleeding, and improve fat extraction. If just local anesthesia is used, then the wetting solution is delivered in large volumes with a high concentration of local anesthetic, to tumesce or create a glistening tightness to the tissues, so that the fat can be comfortably removed with minimal discomfort and practically no blood loss. This requires careful monitoring of the local anesthetic to avoid toxicity and it must be performed by those experienced with local anesthesia. If sedation or general anesthesia is used, then lesser amounts of local anesthetic are added to the wetting solution and the solution is applied for its constriction of small blood vessels and low level of blood loss. General anesthesia does permit more areas to be treated in one session. But, one must limit the total volume of fat extracted for the safety of the patient regardless of anesthesia method. The suction instruments, called cannulaes, are inserted under the skin and moved in a back-and-forth and criss-cross fashion within the fat and the fat is vacuumed away. The output of fat is measured in milliliters and should not exceed 5 liters in the majority of patients. The patient is checked for symmetry and the procedure is completed when a safe level of fat removal for that patient is achieved. A garment or a binder is then applied over the operative site. The patient is monitored to make sure they have received enough fluid hydration and are able to make clear urine. A responsible adult should accompany the patient home and stay with the patient over night.
Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. It is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise, but it can be remarkably useful in eliminating stubborn areas of excess fat that regular diet and exercise can't get rid of. Furthermore, it can address virtually any area of the body, including the:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Legs
- Thighs
- Flanks (love-handles)
- Back
- Face
- Chin
- Neck
Liposuction Procedure
During liposuction, Dr. Jaibaji will insert a thin, hollow tube called a cannula into the area of excess fat. The incision made to allow this insertion is very small and can be easily hidden. The cannula will be eased back and forth under the skin, gently vacuuming out fat cells. The incision will then be closed. Depending upon the size of area designated for treatment, the entire liposuction procedure typically takes less than two hours to complete. Liposuction is often performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia.
Liposuction Recovery
Patients can usually expect a quick recovery from liposuction surgery. There will be some swelling, bruising, and soreness, but that should completely subside within a few weeks. Patients are generally able to resume normal daily routines after one to two weeks, and more strenuous activities can be undertaken after two to four weeks. Although scars from the procedure will never completely disappear, they are typically very small and will fade with time.
Liposuction is often performed with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to give an even more pleasing, contoured appearance to the midsection. Please contact Dr. Moneer Jaibaji to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Jaibaji is a Top Contributor on Breast Enhancement Q&A on Realself.
Our San Diego practice offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures using the latest techniques to help patients make their cosmetic dreams a reality. Dr. Moneer Jaibaji is a highly skilled surgeon who believes that patient care and satisfaction should be the top priority.
Moneer Jaibaji, M.D. |1001 B Avenue, Suite 108 | Coronado, CA 92118 | Ph: (619) 522-0821
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