Liposuction — Cosmetic Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama

If diet and exercise have failed to reduce areas of unwanted fat, liposuction may provide the help that you are looking for. Liposuction is designed to improve body shape and remove unwanted fat from area such as upper arms, abdomen, thighs, hips, knees, ankles and male breasts. Liposuction is not a substitute for dieting and exercising and is not a weight loss procedure. It is extremely effective in removing fat in areas that just do not respond to traditional weight reduction methods.

What is liposuction?
What will I look and feel like afterward?
Who are the best candidates?
Will I have to be in the hospital?
What kinds of risks are involved?

Download liposuction Consent Forms and Postop Instructions (PDF)

What is liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as liposculpture, lipoplasty and suction lipectomy, is the removal of unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. Using a straw-like tube called a cannula, the fat is suctioned out of the body, removing localized deposits of fat cells. Incisions are strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, but rather a procedure meant for body contouring.

The tumescent technique is performed by injecting the treatment areas with a liquid solution, generally comprised of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine, prior to surgery. The combination makes the fat easier to remove, constricts the blood vessels and is used as an anesthetic.

What will I look and feel like afterward?

Every individual patient varies in degree of swelling, bruising, pain tolerance and healing. Here is a general outline of expectations:

The first day there will be some soreness, swelling, bruising and drainage from the port sites. You will be encouraged to get up and move around as soon as possible. You will be prescribed medication to control any discomfort.

During the first 5 to 10 days, the bruising will reach its highest point and begin to fade. Any stitches will be removed and you may resume light activities. You will be placed in a compression garment that you will be expected to wear at least 2 weeks.

After a couple of weeks, you may resume light exercise. Puffiness and swelling may still be present and you might experience numbness and itching as the nerves and tissue heal. You will notice a difference and see the effects of the liposuction, but understand that it can take as much as 6 months for the swelling to completely go away.

Most patients can return to work in 5 to 7 days depending of the type of work. If your job is more physically demanding you may need a few more days.

Who are the best candidates?

The best candidates for body sculpting:

Have firm elastic skin and are in good health.
Have tried to eliminate bulges through diet, exercise and weight loss.
Have distinct areas of localized fat that are disproportionate to the rest of their bodies.
Have realistic expectations and are only slightly to moderately overweight.
Understand that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss.

Will I have to be in the hospital?

Liposuction is considered an outpatient procedure. You will in most cases return to the comfort of your own home the same day. The procedure will be done in your surgeon's office based surgical suite, hospital or outpatient surgery center. Most commonly, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is used, although in some cases a surgeon may suggest general anesthesia. Both methods will ensure your comfort during the process and your physical condition will be constantly monitored both during the procedure and in the recovery room.

What kinds of risks are involved?

Liposuction is a safe procedure performed on thousands of men and women each year with no major complications. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks. Your surgeon can detail these for you during your personal consultation.

To find out more about liposuction, contact Hedden Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama today.