Liposuction is a surgical technique that improves
the body's contour by removing excess fat from the
area between the skin and muscle. Liposuction uses
instruments called cannulas which are tube-like
metallic instruments with holes or ports on the
sides. When the cannulas are connected to a suction
machine via tubing, tunnels form in the fatty layer
and allow suctioning out any fat dislodged in the
process. The cannula is connected to a powerful
suction pump and inserted into the fat through small
incisions in the skin. After surgery, these tiny
tunnels collapse and thus result in an improved body
contour. Prior to passing the canulas, a tumescent
solution consisting of a very dilute lidocaine is
infiltrated into the target liposuction areas.
Liposculpture is similar to liposuction, but uses
smaller cannulas, with mostly just local anesthesia.
Post operatively one can expect blood tinged
drainage from the very small stab incision that were
made to allow entry of the canulas. It is important
to wear a compression garment given to you, and to
avoid aspirin products for five days after the
procedure. One can expect to be very sore and to
get big before finally getting smaller, with final
results seen at around six months, but the majority
of the swelling will be gone in 6-8 weeks.
