We perform most liposuctions on an outpatient basis at a JCAHO-certified ambulatory surgery center. Some larger volume liposuctions require an overnight stay and are performed at the hospital.
Liposelection is the third-generation ultrasonic liposuction technique developed by Sound Surgical Technologies. Before suctioning, a narrow metal rod called a VASER probe is passed through the fat to be removed. The VASER probe is connected to an ultrasound generator. The ultrasound waves liquefy the fat cells as the probe passes through. Specially designed suction cannulas are then used to gently remove the liquid fat.
Because the Liposelection technique liquefies the fat before removal, it is gentler on the tissues and produces less postoperative pain. There is usually less swelling and bruising as well, resulting in a quicker recovery. Most importantly, Liposelection is more precise and yields more consistent, smoother results.
We use Liposelection for most liposuctions.
One of the advantages of VASER technology is that it is gentler on the tissues than conventional liposuction equipment. This results in milder postoperative pain that is usually well-controlled with oral analgesics.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to re-contour specific areas of the body by vacuuming out excess fat through minimal incisions.
The best candidates for liposuction are men or women who have areas with persistent fatty deposits despite a reasonable diet and exercise program. Liposuction can be performed on overweight individuals, as well. In these cases, the goal is to optimize the patient’s appearance at whatever weight they are comfortable maintaining. It is always best to maintain a stable weight after the procedure. Significant weight fluctuations will compromise the long-term results.
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure and therefore, not covered by health insurance.
Most types of exercise can be restarted 3-4 weeks after liposuction. Performing physically strenuous activities earlier than this can impair healing.
Most patients can resume driving seven days after liposuction.
Liposuction is performed via multiple small incisions through which the suction cannulas are introduced. Because we use advanced VASER microcannula instrumentation, our incisions are generally ¼ inch or less. Incisions this small are usually difficult to discern when fully healed.
Most liposuctions are performed under general anesthesia (i.e. you will be asleep). We use only board-certified physician anesthesiologists. Some minor liposuctions can be performed under local tumescent anesthesia.
When can I return to work after liposuction? Most patients with desk jobs can return to work in 4-7 days. Patients with more physically demanding jobs will require a longer recuperation.
Liposuction and tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are both excellent contouring procedures for the abdomen. But they serve different and complementary purposes:
So if your abdomen is relatively lean but protrudes outward, you probably need a tummy tuck. Likewise, if you have loose, hanging abdominal skin, a tummy tuck is probably right.
On the other hand, if your skin is relatively smooth and elastic but there is a fat layer you can't get rid of, liposuction is probably the procedure for you.
Of course, sometimes the problem is fat, skin and/or muscle. In that case, both liposuction and a tummy tuck may be needed.
During your consultation, we examine your abdomen carefully and assess you goals to determine which procedure better meets your needs.
Fat removed with the Vaser (Liposelection) has been used for reinjection successfully. It has mainly been used for buttock augmentation.
Sore throat can happen after surgery. It is usually caused by the endotracheal tube the anesthesiologist uses to help you breath. It is somewhat more common in women than in men. The soreness is usually mild and goes away within a few days. A severe sore throat or one that lasts for more than a few days should be reported to Dr. Schwartz.
Donating blood causes a temporary anemia. This usually corrects within 1-2 weeks. Nonetheless, we recommend that patients do not donate blood for at least one month before cosmetic surgery.
Some patients have expressed interest in donating blood for their own use, if needed. Since most cosmetic procedures are designed to produce minimal to moderate blood loss, transfusion is almost never needed. While you are, of course, free to self-donate blood, this would almost always be unnecessary.
