Liposuction (Suction assisted lipectomy)

LIPOSUCTION IS THE RESHAPE OF THE BODY BY REMOVAL OF ADIPOSE TISSUE.
It’s a safe surgical procedure of sculpturing the fat under the skin.
In 1976, Illouz of Paris developed a technique to remove localized subcutaneous deposits of adipose tissue by blunt cannula through a small incision with the aid of suction.

INDICATIONS:
This surgery will benefit those with the following conditions:

1. Men or women who have localized fat that does not disappear with dieting or vigorous exercise.
2. Older than 18 years of age, with normal weight and good skin turgor.
3. Excess of fat in the face (cheeks) and neck (submental area, jowles).
4. Excess of fat in the back (Dowager’s hump).
5. Excess of fat in the axillary breast and breasts.
6. Excess of fat in the abdomen and waist; upper abdomen, peri-umbilical and lower abdomen.
7. Excess of fat in the suprapubic – Mons pubis.
8. Excess of fat in the hips, buttocks (gluteal fold enhacement), thighs (lateral and medial).
9. Excess of fat in the knee, calf, and ankle.

LIPOSUCTION IS NOT A WEIGHT LOSS METHOD.
IT’S A COMPLEMENT TO THE TRADITIONAL METHODS OF DIET AND PHYSICAL EXERCISES
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
We will not operate if we believe that your objective is not realistic. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE ON PEOPLE WITH EXAGERATED OR FANTASY EXPECTATIONS. I recommend you read the chapter “Psychological Aspects of Plastic Surgery” of this website.
- If you  have poor health, above all cardiovascular and mental disorders we cannot operate.
- Those patients who smoke should stop completely at least one month before the operation because this operation may produce the loss of tissues.
- Patients who are  addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- Patients who worry too much about small defects that in reality are very minute.
PLANNING:
Before the operation and after the first consultation, we will be able to propose in writing the possible modifications.
We need to know the following in order to plan the surgery:

1. Tone and elasticity of the skin.
2. Excess and maldistribution of fat. THIS METHOD IS NOT UTILIZED FOR GENERAL OBESITY
3. Scars and Striae (stretch marks).
4. Hernias. We always request ultrasound scan, echography, to discard the same ones in the liposuction of abdomen..

We always do a photo session as a fundamental part of evaluating your case.
WITHOUT PHOTOS WE DO NOT OPERATE. IT IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU REMEMBER THAT ALL THE INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE IN WRITING, SHOW AN ESTIMATION OF THE FINAL RESULT.
Between you, the patient and me the Plastic Surgeon, we should agree on the results that we are able to achieve.

1. We ask for blood tests regularly.
2. If you have the flu or are menstruating, please communicate 3 days beforehand.
3. Do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before operating.
4. Do not take ASPIRIN 15 days before operating.
5. Organize your activities so that you are able to rest  after the operation.
6. This is an outpatient procedure.

ANESTHESIA:
Local Anesthesia without or with sedation is used.
PROCEDURES:

1. We use the tumescent technique where we infuse with a frozen saline solution containing a local anesthetic and adrenalin to decrease blood loss and allow an easier renoval of the fat.
2. We make little incisions, 8 mm; no scars are visible.
3. Then we introduce a very fine canula to remove fat by a tube and a vacuum device with syringe or a pressure controlled suction (TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUE)
4. THE GOAL FOR ALL METHODS ARE THE SAME

RECOVERY:

1. The patient will be in the hospital for a few hours and go home at the same day.
2. The first 24 hours must be spent resting in bed in a semi-lying position But it is important to move your legs regularly to prevent thrombophlebitis.
3. we can walk carefully.
4. You can return to normal activities after 48 hours.
5. Eat well with alimentation full of protein and lots of vitamin C. But do not eat excessively.
6. THE APPLICATION OF TAPE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT; AS IMPORTANT AS THE ENTIRE PROCEDURE. Its purpose is to support the tissues against gravity, to produce compression over the treated area.
7. Pressure support garments wich include abdominal binders, long-leg, side opening support girdles and the application of elastic strech bandages for lower extremities.

DO NOT WORRY IF IN THE FIRST DAYS YOU EXPERIENCE:

1. Swelling and bruising, which may be more noticeable on the second day.
2. Some discomfort.
3. If you have some pain, you can take analgesics, BUT NEVER TAKE ASPIRIN, IT CAUSES BLEEDING.
4. Showering and bathing are allowed after 1 day.
5. We give antibiotics for the first five days to prevent infection.
6. All sutures/stitches are removed 1 week after the operation.
7. During the first 45 days and elastic compression garment must be worn.
8. Physical activity can be begun 1 month after the operation.
9. You must keep out of the sun for the first 3 months.
10. Loss of sensitivity can take around 6 to 8 to fully recover.
11. If you have any doubts or worries do not hesitate in consulting your surgeon or doctor.

FINAL RESULTS:
Generally the planned results are obtained. But this is not an operation to lose weight, it is to obtain a well proportioned figure.
THE FINAL RESULTS WILL NOT BE SEEN 6 MONTHS AFTER THE OPERATION.
The effect is permanent and must be augmented with a sensible diet and consistent exercise.
Lymphatic drainage 3 times a week for at least two months.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:
They are uncommon. Complications are less than 0.5% when not combined with other procedures and about 1% in combined procedures. This is LESS than any other cosmetic procedure. But remember that plastic surgery without risks does not exist.

1. Hematoma and Seroma.
2. Infection (rare).
3. Permanent altered sensation (rare).
4. Chronic pain (rare).
5. Pulmonary embolism (very rare).
6. Fat embolism (very rare).
7. Thrombophlebitis (occasional).
8. Injury to major vessels and nerves (rare).
9. Perforation of the abdomen (very rare)
10. Chronic induration.
11. Redundancy of skin.
12. Permanent skin irregularities.
13. Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation