Liposuction

Liposuction is also known as “lipoplasty“, “suction assisted lipectomy“, “body sculpturing”, or liposculpture”.

Liposuction or “body sculpting” is one of the most common plastic/cosmetic surgery procedures performed in Fresno. Dr. Sian has been performing liposuction in the central valley since 2002.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted deposits of fat from specific areas of the body, including the face and neck, arms, trunk, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. This is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method for removing localized deposits of fatty tissue that do not respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction may be performed as a primary procedure for body contouring or may be combined with other surgical techniques such as facelift, abdominoplasty, or thigh lift procedures.

The best candidates for liposuction are individuals of relatively normal weight who have excess fat in particular body areas. Having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour after liposuction. Skin that has diminished tone due to stretch marks, weight loss, or natural aging will not reshape itself to the new contours and may require additional surgical techniques to remove and tighten excess skin. Body-contour irregularities due to structures other than fat cannot be improved by this technique. Liposuction by itself will not improve areas of dimpled skin known as “cellulite”.

Suction-assisted lipectomy surgery is performed by using a hollow metal surgical instrument known as a cannula that is inserted through small skin incision(s) and is passed back and forth through the area of fatty deposit. The cannula is attached to a vacuum source, which provides the suction needed to remove the fatty tissue.

Liposuction may be performed under local or general anesthesia. There are a variety of different techniques used by plastic surgeons for liposuction. Tumescent liposuction technique involves the infiltration of fluid containing dilute local anesthetic and epinephrine into areas of fatty deposits. This technique can reduce discomfort and post-operative bruising. The tumescent liposuction technique assisted by the Power X machine is the method Dr. Sian uses most frequently.

Support garments are worn (for approx. 4-6 weeks) to control swelling and promote healing. Time needed for the surgery depends on the number of anatomic areas being treated. Recovery time is approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

      1. Am I A Good Candidate For Liposuction?
      2. What are the expected liposuction results?
      3. How will Dr. Sian evaluate me for liposuction surgery?
      4. How is the liposuction surgery performed?
      5. What are the risks of liposuction surgery?
      6. How should I prepare for liposuction surgery?
      7. What will the day of surgery be like?
      8. How will I look and feel after liposuction surgery?
      9. How much will liposuction surgery cost?
      10. Maintaining a relationship with your plastic surgeon

Any one or combination of the following conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for liposuction surgery:

  • Areas of fat deposits that are out of proportion with the rest of your body and do not go away with diet and exercise – so called “diet resistant fat”
  • Areas with minimal amounts of excess skin (Liposuction removes fat not skin) and good skin elasticity

Liposuction surgery may be considered to treat areas of excess fat in the stomach, buttocks, hips, love handles, saddlebags, thighs, calves, ankles, breasts (including male breast enlargement), back, arms and neck Liposuction is equally effective in both men and women.

What are the expected liposuction results?

Liposuction surgery usually improves contours. In some instances, it may be used in a circumferential fashion, thinning an area. Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait at least several months to get an accurate picture of the results of your surgery. The small incisions used for access of the instrument known as a cannula, will fade over several months, usually becoming barely visible.

The results of liposuction surgery are usually long-lasting, but they may be affected by weight gain, aging, pregnancy and lifestyle factors.

Your Personal Consultation—How will Dr. Sian evaluate me for liposuction surgery?

During the initial consultation, you may be asked to point out exactly what areas of your body you would like to see improved. Pictures may be taken of you to help Dr. Sian understand your expectations and determine whether they can realistically be achieved. A determination of the elasticity of the skin will also occur.

A discussion concerning your ideal weight and realistic weight will most likely occur. If your body mass index (BMI) is well over 30 (Normal BMI is 20-25), Dr. Sian may request that you try to lose weight through diet and exercise to bring your BMI closer to 30 or less before undergoing liposuction.

Plans such as future pregnancies, etc. may also be discussed.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history including previous surgeries, past and present medical conditions, allergies and current medications. It is important for you to provide complete information. High blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, etc. should be reviewed as these medical conditions may increase some risks associated with surgery.

How is Liposuction Surgery Performed?

The basic technique of liposuction involves the removal of fat via a hollow metal tube (cannula) that is passed through the fatty tissue. One of the most common types of liposuction involves the aspiration of fat by attaching a pump that generates a vacuum. This is known as suction assisted liposuction (SAL). The decisions concerning the appropriate technique will best be determined by your plastic surgeon.

What are the risks of Liposuction surgery?

Fortunately, significant complications from liposuction surgery are infrequent. Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons in Fresno. Although complications with any surgical procedure are possible, they seldom occur in liposuction especially when this procedure is performed by a board certified plastic surgeon in an adequately equipped facility.

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Sian, or with his staff. The risks in most surgeries are similar. Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection, changes in sensation, scarring, allergic reactions, damage to underlying structures, need for revisions, unsatisfactory results possibly necessitating additional procedures and medical risks. Other risks more specific to liposuction may include indentations and irregularities.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of Dr. Sian, both before and after your liposuction surgery.

How should I prepare for liposuction surgery?

The goal of Dr. Sian and his entire staff is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

If you are a smoker, it is recommended to stop smoking well in advance of surgery since smoking can impair the healing process. Certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding such as Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and some vitamins/homeopathic regimens should be discontinued before undergoing liposuction surgery. Dr. Sian will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

Liposuction surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for the next 24 hours. If you are undergoing large volume liposuction (i.e. more than 5 liters of aspirate), it may be suggested that you stay at the hospital for at least one night.

What will the day of liposuction surgery be like?

Your liposuction surgery may be performed in the hospital or at the office (for local procedures only).

Medications are administered for your comfort prior to and during the surgical procedure. Frequently, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are used for patients undergoing liposuction surgery, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances.

When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. You will most likely be wearing a compression garment, usually used to help “shrink” the skin. Concerning postoperative pain, many patients state that the treated area feels sore, as if they underwent a vigorous workout the day before.

You will be permitted to go home after a short period of observation.

How will I look and feel after the liposuction surgery?

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.

The first few days after surgery, you should rest quietly. If you can elevate the body part, it is usually suggested that you do so. Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications. You most likely will wear a garment. If it is too tight you should promptly notify your surgeon.

During the first 48 hours following surgery, patients experience varying degrees of swelling and bruising. The swelling persists longer. Bruising typically disappears within seven to ten days. Stitches are usually removed within a week of surgery.

Straining, bending over and lifting should be avoided during the early postoperative period. In many instances, you will be able to resume most of your normal activities within ten days or less.

How Much Will Liposuction Cost?

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for liposuction vary widely, and are often dependent on the surgeon’s experience and the geographical location. You will be given a price quote for your procedure during your consultation with Dr. Sian.

Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon after Liposuction

You will return to Dr. Sian’s office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated.

Please remember that the relationship with Dr. Sian does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery from liposuction surgery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact his office.