Liposuction

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

Ideal candidates for liposuction are those who are relatively normal in weight but who have accumulations of fat in localized areas. It is important to remember that liposuction is not a cellulite treatment.

The liposuction operation

In many cases, liposuction can be performed without requiring hospital admission. In other cases, it may be necessary to stay overnight in the hospital.

Local anesthesia may be used in addition to sedation if liposuction is not very extensive. If it is a liposuction of large surfaces, general anesthesia can be used. A liposuction usually lasts between one and two hours, but the time is variable depending on the area and the amount.

Initially, a small incision is made to insert a hollow cannula. The other end of this cannula is attached to a machine that produces a vacuum. The surgeon moves the cannula between the fatty deposits under the skin, breaking the fat and sucking it out.

After liposuction

After liposuction, a girdle, stockings, or elastic bandage will be placed over the treated area to control swelling and to help the skin adapt to the new contour. You should wear it for 3 or 4 weeks. Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection.

The areas on which liposuction has been performed will be swollen and bruised and you may notice a burning sensation that will be alleviated with the prescribed medication. The swelling and bruises will disappear after the first or second month of liposuction. You may temporarily lose feeling in the treated area but it will gradually return.

Healing is a gradual process but it is advisable to start walking as soon as you can to prevent venous thrombosis in the legs. In any case, you will not be able to carry out intense activities for 2 to 4 weeks.

Your stitches will be removed 5-10 days after liposuction, and you can return to work in 2-3 days. If liposuction is very extensive, you may have to wait a week.

The results