What is Liposuction?
Liposuction, performed at our Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina cosmetic surgery office, is a procedure in which specific fat deposits are removed in order to improve the contours of the body.* We offer a number of different liposuction procedures – including tumescent liposuction and ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) – at our practice in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Although liposuction surgery is never a substitute for proper dieting and exercise, the procedure is sometimes the only thing that can remove pockets of fat that do not respond to traditional weight-loss methods. Liposuction can be performed on various parts of the body, including the hips, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks, and neck. At H/KB, liposuction surgery is one of the post-bariatric cosmetic surgery procedures we offer.
Liposuction Surgery
At our cosmetic surgery office in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina the time required for liposuction surgery depends on a number of factors, including the amount of fat to be removed, the size of the surgical area, the type of anesthesia required, and the type of liposuction performed.
Fluid Injection Liposuction
This common liposuction surgery technique involves a medicated solution injected into targeted areas before the fat is removed. The fluid is a mixture of lidocaine (a local anesthetic), epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels), and saline solution. This mixture provides an anesthetic to lessen pain, reduces blood loss, and helps remove fat more easily during liposuction surgery. We at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery will determine which liposuction surgery option best suits your needs.
Tumescent Injection Liposuction
Tumescent injection liposuction, performed at our Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina office, is another form of liposuction surgery that involves fluid injections. A large volume of fluid, which contains an anesthetic, as well as epinephrine, is injected into the treatment area. Due to the heavy volume of fluid involved, tumescent injection liposuction takes longer to perform than traditional liposuction.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL)
Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) is a form of liposuction surgery that requires the surgical insertion of a cannula (small tube) used to produce ultrasonic energy. As the cannula passes through layers of fatty tissue, the ultrasonic energy liquefies the fat, making it easier for suction and extraction. UAL is often used for areas of the body with high fiber content, including the upper back. It can also be used to treat enlarged male breasts during gynecomastia surgery. UAL is also often used in secondary cosmetic procedures at our Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina office for enhanced precision during liposuction surgery.
After Liposuction Surgery
After liposuction at our Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina cosmetic surgery practice, you may have a small drainage tube placed under the skin to remove excess fluids. To control swelling, you may also be fitted with an elastic post-surgical garment that you will wear for a few weeks. During the healing period after liposuction surgery, you may likely experience some swelling, bleeding, temporary numbness, burning, and pain.
Recovery
After your liposuction surgery, we at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery will be available to you for support and to monitor your recovery process. To prevent possible blood clots and reduce swelling following liposuction surgery, we suggest that you start walking as soon as you are able. While individual results may vary, many liposuction patients feel much better after a week or two of recovery time and return to work after a few days. Within the first week to 10 days, your stitches will either dissolve or will be removed. A majority of the post-surgical swelling and bruising disappears after three weeks, though some swelling may remain for several more months.
Potential Risks
Our plastic surgery office in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina performs liposuction surgery regularly and with an excellent record for success. As rare as complications following liposuction may be, they are still a possibility. If a greater number of areas are treated simultaneously or if the target areas are large in size, risks for post-surgical complications may increase. Risks following liposuction surgery include infection, slow healing, clotting of the blood or fat, fluid loss, friction burns, perforation injury, and adverse reactions to drugs.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary*
To speak with a representative of our cosmetic surgery office in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina about liposuction surgery, contact H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery today.
