Procedures

Liposuction

QUICK FACTS
  • Liposuction alone or as an adjunct to other procedures can produce improvement in body contours which cannot be achieved with diet or exercise.
  • A localized bulge or disproportionate area of the body caused by excessive thickness of the fat layer can be resolved with liposuction.
  • If a bulge or body part is large because of the underlying body contour e.g. flaring rib cage, prominent hip bones, or bulging internal belly, then liposuction will not result in significant improvement
  • Liposuction results in a permanent benefit in that the area of treatment will always be proportionately smaller, however, liposuction does not prevent one from gaining weight. Therefore, liposuction should be viewed as an adjunct to diet and exercise – to remove only what dieting cannot remove.
  • Good candidates have good skin tone. If skin tone is not good, liposuction will result in loose skin.
  • Liposuction may be curtailed if blood loss is excessive. It is very important that patients avoid taking any aspirin product two weeks prior to surgery and ibuprofen or other NSAIDs one week before surgery.
  • Blood loss is minimized by the tumescence technique; a large volume of IV fluid is injected into the fat layer. The IV fluid is mixed with a local anesthetic to reduce post-op pain and a vasoconstrictor to reduce bleeding.
  • There are several types of liposuction machines. Traditional liposuction uses manual thrusting to break up the fat. It can be broken up by using vibrating cannulas. Fat can be melted by ultrasonic waves or laser lights. All systems require suction to remove the fat. Compared to traditional liposuction all other systems result in less fatigue to the surgeon. Ultrasonic and laser systems have the risk of burning the skin and therefore are better suited for minor cases.
  • Smoother contours are achieved by using smaller cannulas and concentrating on aspirating the deeper layers of fat.
  • Softer results or reduced fibrosis (scarring in the fat layer) is achieved by using smooth tipped needles and cannulas and evacuating residual blood.
  • Recovery is dependent upon the complexity of surgery. The average patient requires one week leave from work or regular activities. Sometimes liposuction results in anemia which is treated with a healthy diet and iron supplements. Compression garments worn for one month helps speed recovery. It usually requires 3-6 months to resolve swelling.
  • Undesirable side effects include temporary numbing, bruising, the feeling of lumpiness under the skin, swelling, and contour imperfections. The most common complications include contour irregularity, loose skin, and excessive blood loss.
  • Dr. Andersen performs all liposuction under general anesthesia. Patients routinely go home the same day of surgery.
  • Please call our office (435) 753-3400 to discuss the approximate cost of liposuction.