Liposculpture
Description
Liposculpture, also known as liposuction or lipoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic body procedures performed today. While many people develop excess fat tissue from dieting, insufficient exercise, and genetics, liposuction may also improve areas on the body who have excess fat tissue despite proper care. Suction devices used as a surgical vacuum strip away fat cells and vacuum fat. Liposuction is commonly used to treat fat cells in the thighs, legs, buttocks, and stomach area. Often times liposuction is performed in conjunction with other procedures such as tummy tucks.
Procedure Length
Depending on the amount of work needed, liposculpture may take one to five hours to complete treatments.
Side Effects
Swelling, bruising, discomfort, minor pain, and reduced mobility.
Recovery
After the procedure, a girdle like compression garment is worn for two to six weeks to assist in recovery. Return to work in a few days and back to work in one to two weeks. May take three months after procedure for swelling to subside and fully recover from liposculpture.
Risks
Risks from liposculpture include rippling, bagginess, asymmetry, infection, skin injury, pigmentation changes, and fluid retention.
Results
Results are permanent but are sensitive to diet and health care.
Patient Status
Outpatient. Usually performed in doctor's office or hospital.
Anesthesia
Local or general.