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Facial And Body Contouring
For generations, people have used various techniques to improve their
physical appearance. Although diet, exercise and flattering clothing
styles help many look better, others remain dissatisfied because of
stubborn, unsightly bulges. In women, those fat deposits occur most
frequently from the waist down, on hips, buttocks and outer thighs
(saddlebags). Fat deposits on men tend to accumulate above the waist,
on the abdomen and sides of the waist (love handles).
Now with a procedure called liposuction surgery, both men and women
can improve the contours of their bodies through a relatively simple
and safe technique. Liposuction surgery involves the removal of fat
cells from the body and may be used alone or in conjunction with other
procedures, such as a facelift or "tummy tuck". It is designed
for those who have specific areas of localized fat deposits and who
have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate them through diet, exercise
and weight loss. While the procedure is not designed to correct general
obesity, any area where excess fat deposits have accumulated can be
treated. These include the chin, neck, jowls, cheeks, arms, inner
and outer thighs, buttocks, knees, hips and abdomen. Men with enlarged
breasts called gynecomastia can also benefit from this technique.
Men and women in good physical condition with good skin elasticity
are the best candidates for this surgery. When the procedure was first
introduced, only younger people were considered to be good candidates.
However, recent improvements in the technique have made it possible
to treat patients of all ages. Each person seeking this treatment,
regardless of age, must be personally assessed by the physician to
determine if he or she is a suitable candidate for liposuction surgery.
Before Surgery
Prior
to surgery a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate
the general health of the patient. A thorough examination is
also conducted. The physician describes the type of anesthesia
to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically
be expected, and possible risks and complications.
Preoperative directions may include the elimination of certain
drugs which contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility
of excess bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to surgery
to prevent infection. Photographs are often taken before and
after surgery in order to evaluate the final results. The areas
to be contoured are marked with a special marking pen. |
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The Procedure
Liposuction surgery can be performed in the physician's office, an
outpatient surgical facility or a hospital, depending on the physician's
and patient's preference. It can be done under general anesthesia
with the patient asleep or under local anesthesia in which the area
is numbed and the patient remains awake. Premedication is administered
to help the patient relax. When performed what is known as the "tumescent"
procedure, the physician injects a large amount of diluted local anesthetic
solution into the area. This procedure has the advantage of reducing
pain and bruising in the area.
The physician then makes a small incision in the skin and inserts
a tube (cannula) either attached to a high pressure vacuum suction
or to a syringe system. The fat is loosened from surrounding tissue
by moving the tube back and forth and is then removed or vacuumed
from the body with the suction device. The physician determines the
amount of fat to remove by feeling the skin and pinching the tissue.
Some physicians are now using ultrasound- assisted lipoplasty (UAL)
which significantly differs from traditional liposuction.
In UAL, mechanical sound waves are transmitted via a generator to
the tip of a suction cannula. When this cannula comes in contact with
fat cells, it causes them to emulsify or to become fluid. The liquefied
fat is then removed from the body by suction. UAL has the additional
risk of causing burns to the area and it's long term effects are unknown
at this time.
After the incisions are closed, a compression dressing or bandage
is applied to the area to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support
the affected area. The procedure can last from thirty minutes to several
hours depending upon the amount of fat removed.
The dressing remains in place for seven to ten days depending upon
the extent of the surgery and the individual's healing process. A
surgical compression garment may also be worn. Because liposuction
surgery does not involve large incisions and extensive cutting, pain
is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Antibiotics
may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Most patients are completely ambulatory immediately following surgery,
but it is recommended for the initial postoperative period. Patients
are usually able to return to normal activities within a week although
vigorous physical activity is discouraged for several weeks.
Some swelling and discoloration can occur but usually disappears within
a month. Scars, which fade significantly with time, are for the most
part inconspicuous because they are made within the natural creases
of the body whenever possible. Complications connected with this surgery
are rare. However, an uneven skin surface, bleeding, infection, numbness
and discoloration can occur. Some of these conditions correct themselves
in time; others respond to medications. There are certain inherent
risks connected with every surgical procedure which should be discussed
with the physician. Patients can minimize complications by carefully
following directions given by the physician.
It is important to remember that liposuction surgery, while not a
cure for generalized obesity is an excellent procedure than can benefit
those who want to remove unsightly fat from localized areas. Patients
who choose this type of surgery, however, must have realistic expectations
about the outcome and understand that final results may not be apparent
for up to one year.
If you would like more information about Liposuction, please contact
our office for an appointment.
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