Liposuction currently ranks as the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US, in part because the surgery is highly customizable. It can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other surgeries. However, the procedure steps will mostly remain same under various liposuction surgery options.
Dr. Bram Kaufman is a board certified plastic surgeon providing liposuction and other surgical and non-surgical procedures. During the pre-op consultation, Dr. Kaufman will discuss various steps involved in the liposuction procedure. He provides this surgery to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding locations.
Anesthesia
While liposuction cosmetic surgery may be performed using either general or local anesthesia, most surgeons prefer to use latest liposuction techniques that may avoid the need for general anesthesia. Mild sedation along with local anesthesia may be applied in many cases of liposuction today.
A common liposuction surgery technique nowadays is tumescent liposuction. This involves a less invasive approach with smaller incisions, and can be performed only using local anesthesia. However, each case is different and the surgeon will determine the appropriate anesthesia according to the amount of fat to be removed and other issues.
Placing the Incisions
After anesthesia, the surgeon will place small incisions in pre-determined locations where the excess fat tissue needs to be removed. The incision size can usually vary from a quarter to a third of an inch. Incisions should be placed in inconspicuous locations to minimize scarring visibility and produce optimal results in a less invasive way.
Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for liposuction and other surgical and non-surgical procedures related to the body, breast, and face.
Removing Stubborn Fats
Through the incisions, the surgeon will insert a slender vacuum tube called a cannula to remove stubborn, unwanted fat tissue. Once the cannula goes into the deeper fat layers, the surgeon will gently move it back and forth to manually dislodge the fat cells. Once the fats are displaced, the surgeon will use a syringe or pump attached to the other end of the cannula to suction out the fat.
In some cases, the surgeon may combine laser, ultrasound or radio frequency techniques to generate controlled heat and liquefy the stubborn fat. This will make it easier to suction out the fat and make the procedure less aggressive. The patient will receive replacement fluids during this process because some degree of blood and fluid loss will occur as the fat is removed.
Closing the Incisions
The surgeon will close the incisions carefully with sutures once the liposuction is completed. To prevent infection, the surgeon may place drain tubes below the skin to collect excess fluid. Drains and sutures may be removed in about 10 days after the surgery. If absorbable sutures have been used, they will dissolve on their own in a few days.
Sometimes liposuction surgery may be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as body lift, tummy tuck, or mommy makeover. Additional steps may be involved if a combined surgery is planned with liposuction.
To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.