Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction (Tumescent Technique)

Liposuction, technically known as suction-assisted lipectomy, is a technique to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body, including the chin, neck, and cheeks; the upper arms and above the breasts; the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs; and the knees, calves, and ankles. These procedures are meant for body contouring. The result is a sculpting of bulging areas into more attractive contours. These procedures permanently remove fat cells to improve your body's contour. Should you gain weight after the procedure, it goes to the fat cells that remain in your body. Thereby, you gain weight more evenly. The localized fatty deposits that existed prior to the procedure can no longer balloon up out of proportion to the surrounding areas. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure.

The Best Candidates For Liposuction
Those who are of relatively normal weight but have pockets of excess fat in particular areas are the best candidate for liposuction. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations. Most important, having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour.

The Procedure For Liposuction
Suction assisted lipectomy usually takes an hour to four hours, but the time required may vary depending on the area and amount being suctioned. To begin the procedure, the doctor makes a small incision, just large enough to allow the insertion of a hollow tube called a cannula. The opposite end of the cannula is attached to a machine that creates a strong vacuum. The doctor manipulates the cannula deep within the fat layers under the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out. Sometimes additional incisions are needed to remove all areas of fat. 

Before and After Photo's (performed by Dr. Harvey and Dr. Hardy)

After Your Liposuction Surgery
A snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking must be worn over the treated area to control swelling and bleeding, and to help your skin shrink to fit your new contour. You will need to wear this garment for six weeks.

You'll even be heavier for a while, because the extra fluids you've been given. The suctioned areas will be swollen and bruised, and you may feel a burning sensation. The pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days. You may temporarily lose all feeling in the suctioned area; don't worry-it will return.

Getting Back to Normal After Liposuction
Dr. Harvey and Dr. Hardy advises that you to start walking around as soon as possible (to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs), but to avoid more strenuous activity for two to four weeks. Any stitches will be removed in five to ten days, and you should be back at work in 2 - 3 days, or as much as two weeks after your surgery. While most swelling and discoloration will be gone a month or two after surgery, some swelling can remain for six months or more. 

If you have any questions, or wish to schedule a Liposuction consultation, please call 
Ponte Vedra Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery at (904) 285-7546 or email consultation@pvderm.com.