LIPOSUCTION

General Information

DEFINITION--A surgical technique using suction equipment to permanently remove fat deposits. Surgery requires 1 to 2 hours.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Thighs and hips; buttocks; fat cells of the abdominal wall; chin or other small areas.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Cosmetic improvement of fat areas that won't go away without extreme dieting that may leave the rest of the body too thin.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Extreme obesity.
• Smoking.
• Chronic illness or disease, such as diabetes.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• History of phlebitis.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Plastic surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Outpatient surgical facility or hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood and urine studies.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia and sedation for small areas.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The plastic surgeon marks areas to be operated on.
• Incisions (about 1-inch each) are made in suction areas.
• A suction tube, with one end attached to suction equipment, is pushed through the incision into the excess fat and moved back and forth repeatedly (20 to 30 times at each site).
• Each incision is stitched.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Resuctioning in some areas may be necessary.
• Phlebitis.
• Surgical infection.
• Excess bleeding; anemia.
• Blotchy brown areas at surgical site.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 2 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Improved appearance.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• No smoking.
• A hard ridge should form along the incision. As it heals, the ridge will recede gradually.
• Don't be concerned about small amounts of oozing at the surgical sites.
• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.
• Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain.

† You may use non--

prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

• Avoid aspirin.

ACTIVITY

• Resume driving 1 week after the surgical scar heals.
• Avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks after surgery. Learn proper body mechanics to reduce strain.
• Don't strain with bowel movements or urination.

DIET

• No special diet required.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements (sometimes).

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding occurs in the surgical area.

• Your temperature rises to 101F (38.3C).
• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You become constipated.
• Leg becomes swollen or painful.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.