Liposuction is a surgical procedure. All liposuction techniques require incisions in or near the area to be suctioned for an appropriately sized cannula. In some cases incisions may be so small, that no stitches are required for closure.

Once the cannula tip has loosened excess fat, the fat is removed using a surgical vacuum or powered suction device. an alternative method uses a syringe attached to the cannula to manually suction away fat.

Manual suctioning with a syringe is more commonly used when areas of fat removal are small and very isolated, or when it is planned that fat will be processed and reinjected in other areas of the body. This procedure is called fat grafting and may be used to fill-in wrinkles or hollow areas of the face or depressions appearing anywhere on the face or body.

Where large amounts are suctioned from one area, compression garments may assist during the healing process to help skin conform to the reduced body contours. Secondary procedures may sometimes be recommended to reduce excess skin. Special considerations are needed hwne large amounts, usually more than 5 liters, or 5000ccs, of fat are suctioned.

Your plastic surgeon will carefully explain the liposuction procedure you will undergo. You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications.
• Day of surgery instructions and medications.
• Specific information related to the use of anesthesia.
• Postoperative care and follow-up.

You will also be asked to sign consent forms to assure your plastic surgeon that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of liposuction include uneven contours, rippling or loose skin, skin or nerve damage, irregular pigmentation, infection at the surgical site, fat clots, blood clots, excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation. In addition there is risk of thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the UAL technique. All surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. These and other risks will be fully discussed prior to your procedure and consent.

It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. Discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

Liposuction may be performed in your plastic surgeons accredited office-based facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital under local anesthesia with or without sedation, or general anesthesia. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and surgeon preference. your plastic surgeon and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.

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