Liposuction

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.