Liposuction

1. What’s the correct age for liposuction?

There is no correct age but correct opportunity for this type of surgery and that depends of when the defect first appeared and whether there are favorable clinical conditions for this surgery. Liposuction removes localized fat, that is, that type of fat that resists weight loss and is usually located in the thighs and belly although it can also appear in other areas. The ideal patient has a balance between height and weight but shows localized fat nevertheless. Patients under 16 years of age are discouraged to undergo this procedure for fat tends to be redistributed in this phase.

2. Are the scars visible? Where are they?

The scars are very small (2 to 5 ml) and are located around the areas treated. Many incisions are necessary so as to remove all accumulated fat in a cardinal direction. Special care is taken to reduce the chance of these scars being visible and they tend to become imperceptible with time.

3. How long is the surgery and what kind of anesthesia is used?

The whole procedure lasts between 2 to 3 hours depending on the extension of the areas to be treated. Most of the time the anesthesia used is peridural (only from waist down) and a previous sedation is done by an anestheologist. In smaller interventions local anesthesia with sedation can be used successfully. General anesthesia is reserved only for special cases where there is association of other surgeries.

4) What happens in the post surgery phase?

Patients usually complain of some pain and sensitivity to touch in the first days. In case the patients feels much discomfort, painkillers can be used to alleviate pain. There is swelling in the first 15 days when relative rest is fundamental. Red or purple spots usually appear around the areas operated on for about two weeks. The stitches are removed between the 5th and 8th day after surgery and the healing should be more evident after the 1st month, after which there should still be a residual swelling with some areas showing irregularities and hardening which can persistent after a couple of months, during which the patient can undergo normal activities. Massage and external ultra-sound can be useful in this phase. Physical exercices must be avoided in the initial period as well as sun tanning or sun bathing. Results can only be considered definite after 6 to 9 months and until then you should be patient and wait for the complete healing of the inflammatory process.

5) How long do I have to stay in hospital and what kind of bandages are used?

Usually patients leave hospital on the same day. During the first week patients must use a special light bandage with external pressure made of lycra which can be extended to the first 3 months after surgery. Thisgarment aims at keeping the area at rest with a discreet pressure without traumatism or manipulation enabling a faster and calmer healing.

6) What are the risks involved in this surgery?

This surgery offers all the risks of any invasive medical procedure but special care should be taken so as to minimize them through an adequate pre-surgery consultation and a cautious surgery planning by professionals who are both legally and ethically able to do so. The limits to Liposuction security have been amply discussed and were the focus of a specific resolution of the Federal Board of Medicine which states that for this surgery to be done the doctor should discuss all risks and aspects involved in the surgery so as to stablish priorities in an adequate program.

7) How much fat can I lose and how will my skin look like?

Many research centers are trying to determine the exact quantity of fat that can be removed through liposuction. Although there is no absolute consensus in the scientific community, the total volume shouldn’t be more than 5 to 7% of the patient’s weight or more than 40% of his total body area. Although there is a tendency for skin retraction after liposuction, it is known that the more fat removed, the more chance for residual flabbiness. This is also related to the patient’s age and previous skin condition. You should discuss this possibility with your doctor during a consultation since in some cases it is possible to use more or less invasive techniques so as to alleviate flabbiness.

8) Does liposuction correct cellulite?

No, this is related to the metabolism deficit in the superficial layer of fat and not with the deep fat which is removed. So as to correct cellulite other measures involving massage and special diet associated with physical exercise are called for. (click for details)

9) What’s the difference between liposuction and liposculpture?

Liposculpture is the removal of fat (liposuction) to be injected somewhere else in the body (lipoenxertia). Although some areas can benefit from this procedure, there are limits and this procedure can not be seen as a “take out here and put there” magic potion.

10) Is the result worth it?

If you are aware of what you want and your doctor told you it can be done than, no doubt, yes. Remember that you won’t get thin through liposuction, your body contour is going to look better and the pre and post photos can prove that. Look for a qualified professional to clarify any doubts you may have about this procedure.

11) Some recommendations for liposuction

A) Before surgery
1. show up on time at the hospital fasting for 8 hours
2. tell your doctor if you have any changes in your normal health state one day before the surgery
3. shave hairs as requested by doctor
4. avoid taking medicine without your doctor’s consent
5. bring somebody with you to hospital and you cannot return home driving

B) After surgery
1. Rest for a few days so as to reduce bruising
2. Have a light diet on the day of surgery. Fluids, meat, milk and eggs (protein) are recommended as well as smoothies with fruit.
3. Avoid sun, wind and cold for a few days.
4. Follow doctor’s prescriptions.
5. Return to clinic as oriented by doctor.
6. Wear lycra vest as prescribed by doctor.
7. Depending on healing, return to normal activity after a few days.