Liposuction in the Atlanta Area
What is liposuction?
Liposuction, also referred to as liposculpture, lipoplasty, or suction-assisted lipectomy, is the removal of unwanted fat with a thin tube (called a cannula) attached to a vacuum source. The cannula is placed through a small incision (approximately ¼ inch) in an area that is carefully selected along skin contours to avoid visible scarring.
"I have heard about complications due to liposuction. Have there been improvements in liposuction techniques since it was invented?"
Liposuction was first invented in the 1970's and quickly gained popularity. However, the complications associated with early liposuction techniques caused the procedure to fall out of favor. The tumescent technique was invented in 1985, which involves injection of fluid containing a combination of saline (salt water), lidocaine (a local anesthetic commonly used by dentists), and epinephrine (adrenalin) into the fatty area before the fat deposits are removed. The tumescent technique improved both the quality and safety of liposuction. First, the tumescent technique allows the insertion of smaller cannula resulting in more precise results and a smoother appearance in the area where liposuction was performed. The use of local anesthetic allows the procedure to be performed with no general anesthesia thus avoiding the side affects such as nausea and headaches and the cardiovascular and respiratory risks associated with general anesthetics. The use of epinephrine shrinks the blood vessels in the injected area reducing blood loss and preventing the quick absorption of the local anesthetic into the bloodstream. Finally, the injection of saline replaces the need for intravenous fluid administration. The invention of the tumescent technique resulted in improved safety, faster recovery times, and a more precise, smoother appearance in the affected area. Another new liposuction technique is Ultrasound-Assisted lipoplasty. This technique uses ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat making it easier to remove through the cannula. Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty is particularly useful in fibrous areas of the body, such as the upper back or the enlarged male breast that are difficult to treat with the tumescent technique alone. Is liposuction safe?
According to a study by the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, of 15,000 that underwent liposuction using the tumescent technique (with less than 50 mg/kg body weight lidocaine) no deaths or major life-threatening complications occurred. The rate of minor complications including infection, skin irregularities, hematomas and seromas, unacceptable scarring, sensory nerve impairments, and contact dermatitis was between 0.02 to 2 % depending on the complication. Thus, advances in liposuction techniques have vastly improved the quality and safety of liposuction. Who should have liposuction?
Liposuction is not a replacement for healthy eating habits and exercise. However, liposuction can remove undesirable fat deposits that are resistant to exercise and dieting resulting in a smoother, more sculpted appearance. You should be normal weight with fat deposits in problem areas and healthy with no recent surgeries. Importantly, you should have realistic expectations about what liposuction can do for you. How do I have liposuction? What should I expect?
Selecting a doctor in the Atlanta area to do your liposuction is the first step to successful results. Liposuction can be performed by dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, and plastic surgeons; however, the doctor should be trained and experienced in current liposuction techniques. Choosing a doctor with the proper credentials, training, and experience in current liposuction techniques is crucial to a successful outcome. Fortunately, there are experienced doctors in the Atlanta area to serve you. Communicating with your doctor about your general health, medications, and desires and expectations about the results is the next key step in the process. Your physician will make the crucial decisions on whether liposuction is right for you, which techniques to use, how much fat to remove and, importantly, communicate to you the risks and limitations of the procedure. Your physician will then give you specific instructions that you should follow to prepare for surgery. Liposuction is often performed in outpatient clinics depending on the extensiveness of the procedure and the health of the patient. How long will it take me to recover from liposuction? When can I return to work?
The time required for liposuction depends on the area of the procedure, the amount of fat being removed, and the technique being used. After surgery, you may experience some pain and burning in the affected area. However, newer techniques have reduced patient discomfort due to liposuction. Recovery time varies with health of the patient, amount of fat removed and area of procedure. With the advancements in liposuction techniques, patients can generally return to work within a few days. When will I be able to see the results of my liposuction?
Although you will see noticeable results immediately after the surgery, you will not see the final results until 2-3 months after surgery. There will be some local swelling in the affected area that should resolve within a few months. Then you should see a smooth more sculpted look. Article contributed by Dr. Karen Uray, Houston, Texas
Liposuction ATL
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