Liposuction,
either traditional tumescent, ultrasonic, or power
assisted liposuction is one of the most common
procedures that I perform. Liposuction is performed
at the hospital outpatient surgery center under
either local anesthesia with IV sedation or under
general anesthesia- both administered by an MD
anesthesiologist. Liposuction can be done on any part
of the body where there is excess fat.
First, tumescent fluid is injected through small
cuts placed near the area to be treated. Then,
various cannulas, or tubes with holes at the ends,
are used to separate and remove the fat. The actual
improvement is seen at surgery. I try and take
as much fat as possible from the different areas.
Sometimes, I use an ultrasonic machine or power
machine in areas like the back or upper abdomen
where the fat does not separate easily. This tends
to liquefy the fat and then the usual cannulas
are used to remove it.
After the surgery which usually takes about one
hour, I place the patient into a supportive type
girdle/elastic binder or dressing for about one
week. I see the patient the following day and
change the dressings. The patient is allowed to
shower then. The swelling is still minimal but
increases until about the seventh day by which
time most of the black and blue has appeared.
When it goes away at about three or four weeks,
about 60% of the swelling is gone. The remaining
swelling goes over the following months. There
really are almost no restrictions as to activity
but I usually recommend no exercising for about
one week for more black and blue may result. Complications
are usually minimal and are things like unevenness,
waviness which usually can be treated with a touch-up
or fluid collection which is treated by aspiration.
Severe problems like pulmonary embolism can occur
but are extremely rare.
The actual cost of the procedure varies but what
areas are treated and how much is there. It could
vary from $3000 to well over $8000 with the average
about $6000. Also, liposuction can be combined
with other procedures.