Liposuction FAQs

Liposuction FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we recieve about Liposuction:

Q. How will my skin look after surgery?

A. Because the fat is removed by suctioning small "tunnels" through the fat, the skin remains completely connected to the muscles underneath it. So, as healing occurs, the fibrous strands which connect to the skin will contract and pull the skin closer to the muscles.

This process does not leave the skin hanging in loose folds after liposuction.

If done correctly, the surgeon should leave a thin blanket of fat attached to the skin which will let the skin have the a soft and natural feel after surgery.

Although the results of liposuction are often excellent, it's not realistic to expect perfection. For instance liposuction of the thighs will improve the silhouette, but won't necessarily remove subtle puckering of the skin or "cellulite."

Stretch marks, dimples, and ripples remain unchanged following surgery. The changes following liposuction are similar to what you would expect if you could lose fat in a concentrated area just by dieting.

Usually within two to four weeks you'll be able to see dramatic effects, however the ultimate results will be seen twelve to sixteen weeks after the procedure.

Q. Are there large scars after liposuction?

A. No...

Not when using the UAL. The incisions made are less than 3/8". Often these tiny incisions will become almost invisible since they are placed in "hidden places." If no ultrasonic liposuction is performed but only tumescent liposuction with microcannulas, the scars are barely detectable.

Q. Will the fat ever come back to the sculpted areas?

A. The fat cells that are removed will never return. As long as there is no excessive weight gains, the new sculpted silhouette will be permanent. If you were to gain weight, the areas treated by liposuction are less likely to accumulate deposits of fat. Any new fatty tissue will be concentrated mostly in areas not treated. Liposuction cannot be a substitute for abusing diets after surgery.

Q. I've heard most liposuction patients must have second surgeries or touch-up procedures, is this true?

A. Only about 5% of patients have secondary surgeries to correct uneven contouring. Such things like, on saddlebags with tiny remaining bulges. A full 50% of second surgeries are done because patients were pleased with the results and wanted additional areas done, or more fat removed.

Q. Does it hurt?

A. Using the UAL technique, the procedure is almost completely painless. All patients are given prescriptions for pain medication. Most if not all elect not to take any after the first day. The basic complaints are about soreness and feeling achy not of pain.

Q. What complications and risks are possible?

A. Just like any surgical procedure there are certain risks involved. However serious surgical complications of liposuction (especially tumescent) are quite rare.

More severe complications such as infection, blood clots, skin loss and even cardiac arrest can occur. These are very rare, particularly if a well-qualified surgeon performs your procedure. In our facility a BOARD CERTIFIED ANESTHESIA DOCTOR performs the anesthesia. Our patients are all medically cleared by their internist or medical doctor prior to the surgery.

Using the UAL involves less blood loss due to the capillary constriction from the epinephrine in the anesthetic solution. Because of the minimal blood loss, there is no need or risk involved with blood transfusions.

Minor side effects such as swelling, numbness, and bruising are somewhat common. Although irregularities of the skin are possible following liposuction, this side-effect is greatly minimized using the UAL especially since a custom fit surgical garment is worn post surgery for between 3 and 5 weeks.

Any facility you choose should have emergency and life-saving equipment readily available. The staff and surgeon should be trained in ACLS (Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support). My facility is accredited by the AAAASF (American Association For Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities, INC.) and has been so since 1997.

Q. How soon can I return to my normal activities?

A. Since absorbable sutures are used to close the incisions, you'll have the benefit of a quicker healing process.

This process allows you to return quickly to normal activities soon after surgery, usually within a day or two. Normal physical activity immediately following surgery should be limited only by your common sense. Most patients are surprised how quickly they are out doing anything they like. High stress physical activities are not encouraged for the first 2-3 weeks following UAL.

Q. With all the advantages of UAL, why don't more surgeons use this technique?

A. Hopefully, your surgeon will decide what the safest and best treatment plan for you. Unfortunately, the surgeons' time and money commitment are probably the most significant factors in determining which technique the surgeon will use. I find that the UAL is the safest and best way to perform liposuction for the majority of my patients who request liposuction. Many surgeons are not trained in the techniques of UAL. Many do not have the ultrasonic liposuction machine in their practice. Many find that the UAL takes longer than traditional techniques. In my hands, UAL is faster and safer than the traditional techniques. Most of my patients want liposuction in a lot of areas---legs, arms, tummies, love handles, lateral thighs, knees, and medial thighs. It is a tall task for a patient to comfortably have all these regions done at the same time under local anesthesia. I perform UAL on these patients under general anesthesia. This surgery is safe if performed by a competent and experienced surgeon. I have performed this procedure more than 1000 times.

Almost all dermatologic surgeons, who perform liposuction, use local anesthesia with the tumescent technique. Most cosmetic and plastic surgeons will usually decide to use general anesthesia; more areas are being operated on and greater volumes of fat are needed to be removed.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Liposuction costs are based upon the areas performed. The larger the area, the greater the cost. Most patients consider the cost an investment in themselves, for life.

Q. Which specialists do liposuction?

A. Liposuction can be performed either by dermatologic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, or plastic surgeons. In fact, dermatologic surgeons and plastic surgeons are taught liposuction during their residency training programs. UAL techniques are relatively new (from the past 3 years). Many have not learned nor mastered these techniques.

Q. How do you choose a qualified doctor or surgeon?

A. When choosing a doctor or surgeon look for someone who has completed additional, specialized training in liposuction. Find out how much experience they have with the liposuction, especially more specialized techniques like the UAL procedure.

This is important because once a doctor has earned a general medical degree, he/she may practice any specialty they desire (regardless of whether they have achieved advanced training).

Choose a surgeon whom you have a comfortable chemistry with. Someone who listens to your concerns and is easy to talk with. The only way to find this out is by scheduling a consultation.

The decision to have liposuction is a personal one. No one can decide for you.

Many people worry about what others will think or say after your procedure is done. Or whether or not you should tell anyone. Keep in mind your procedure or consultation will always be completely confidential, so your decision to tell anyone is up to you.

Liposuction can make you feel more confident about yourself and your body. It can help you see results you've wished you could get from diet and exercise. But it's not a magic formula or surgery for happiness.