Liposuction

Procedure: Body sculpture surgery using a small metal wand (cannula) and a vacuum device. Can be accomplished on nearly every area of the body to reduce unwanted fat. It is not a weight loss procedure, however, many patients are motivated to further reduce their overall size.

Length of surgery: Depending on the amount of area treated, usually 2 to 4 hours in our accredited office based outpatient surgery suite.

Anesthesia: Tumescent local anesthesia with monitored IV sedation.

Side effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, deep muscle soreness, and burning sensations. Compression of treated areas required for 4 to 5 weeks.

Risks/Complications: Infection, fluid accumulation, injury to skin, skin excess or rippling, asymmetry, skin color changes (sometimes permanent especially with sun exposure), excessive fluid loss leading to shock (rare), scarring.

Recovery: Return to most activities in 3 to 4 days, strenuous activity in 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling may take 3 to 6 months or more to totally resolve.

Permanence: Permanent with proper diet and exercise. Weight can be gained and lost but treated areas will be less affected. Weight fluctuations will be proportioned throughout the body.