OUR PROCEDURES & SERVICES
Liposuction Body
The Procedure
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes localized fat deposits beneath the skin through small incisions using a hollow stainless steel tube (cannula), with the assistance of a powerful vacuum. Currently the most popular surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States, liposuction can be performed on a number of body areas such as thighs, hips and buttocks, abdomen and waist, upper arms, back, inner knee, chest, checks, chin and neck and calves. Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures like facelift, breast lift, breast reduction, or tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Liposuction is not a substitution for proper diet and exercise, nor is it an effective treatment for obesity or cellulite.
The Method(s)
There are many different and modified approaches to liposuction. The most common are: Standard, Power-assisted, Ultrasound-assisted, and Laser-assisted. Standard liposuction utilizes various cannulas (hollow, stainless steel tubes), while Power-assisted liposuction utilizes oscillating cannulas which pre-tunnel the tissues and is especially helpful in difficult areas. Power-assisted liposuction allows surgeons to effectively perform higher volumes of liposuction without burn risks, trauma to fibrous tissues, and in faster time. In Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, the cannula emits ultrasonic waves that penetrate the tissues to heat up and destroy the surrounding membrane of fat cells. The fat is liquefied, thus making it easier to aspirate. Many surgeons have abandoned this approach due to its high risks of thermal burns and severe scarring. Laser-assisted liposuction uses a cool or cold laser beam to emulsify the fat, which is not removed by suction. Because this approached is performed on smaller areas of fat, the emulsified fat is left in place for natural absorption by the body. Small incisions are placed to drain any excess fluids or fat.
Ideal Candidate
Liposuction is an option for those who are unhappy with excess fat deposits unresponsive to diet and exercise. Localized fat deposits may be due to inherited family traits, rather than a result of the lack of weight control or exercise. Ideal liposuction patients are healthy, non-smoking adults within 30% of their ideal weight. These ideal individuals should also possess positive outlooks, realistic expectations, and clear goals for body contouring.
Surgery and Anesthesia
Liposuction may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or in a hospital. Liposuction patients will not be able to drive themselves home following the procedure and should arrange for transportation to and from surgery. Should Dr. Chiu recommend it, the office staff can assist in arranging specific post-surgical care. The length of a liposuction procedure depends on the number of areas performed, type of anesthesia used, and specific liposuction approach taken. The type of anesthesia used will vary with the amount of liposuction planned, number of areas, size of areas, and history of prior surgery.
In some cases, secondary surgeries may be recommended to reduce the excess skin.
Recovery
Compression garments or elastic bandages will be placed over the treatment areas after your surgery. This is to help control swelling and to compress the tissues to your new body contours. Excess blood and fluids will be removed by temporary drains placed through the incision sites, or absorptive pads placed over the sites. Additionally, you will be given specific instructions concerning the care of treatment areas, topical or oral medications to take (for recovery, pain management and prevention of infections), and volume and type of exercise recommended (to encourage circulation). It is important that your surgical incisions are not exposed to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during your recovery.
Certain drugs, taken pre-operatively, can lead to increased post-surgical bleeding and hematomas (large amounts of blood trapped beneath the skin). Aspirin, ibuprofen, and warfarin are common drugs that increase bleeding. Vitamin E, red wine, and some herbal supplements can also caused prolonged bleeding. Specific pre and post operative instructions for liposuction surgery will be provided to you prior to procedure day.
Risks
Possible risks of liposuction procedure include uneven contours, rippling or loose skin, damage to skin or nerves, infection, blood and fat clots, excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation, risks from anesthesia, excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, thermal burn or heat injury (from ultrasound-assisted technique), and persistent swelling. The key to a successful recovery is adherence to your surgeon�s instructions. A successful liposuction surgery is performed by a surgeon who is skilled, responsible and has an excellent aesthetic eye.
Your New Look
It may take up to several months for your swelling to completely disappear and for your new figure to be revealed. Liposuction surgery helps to slim and reshape specific areas of your body, to improve your pre-existing body contours and proportions, and in doing so, to enhance your self-image. With continued commitment to healthy diets and fitness, the loss of excess fatty tissue should be permanently maintained. However, significant weight gain can often reverse liposuction results. Dr. Chiu and the staff at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery are dedicated to helping you maintain your new look, with counseling and recommendations of diet and exercise programs.
*Some information extracted from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
