Liposuction

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KEY POINTS

• Liposuction is surgery that uses suction to remove fat from a part of your body.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is liposuction?

Liposuction is cosmetic surgery to remove fat from a part of the body using suction. It may be done in many areas of the body, such as the belly, hips, thighs, face, or neck.

When is it used?

Liposuction may be done to take out fat that is hard to lose with exercise and diet. It can shape areas of your body, but it is not a substitute for weight loss. People who have the best results from this procedure are at or near a healthy weight.

Liposuction may help you feel better about the way you look. Removing fat cells may also lower your blood fat levels.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Tell your provider if you have any food or medicine allergies.
• Make plans for your care and recovery after you have the procedure. Find someone to give you a ride home after the procedure. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help with your day-to-day tasks while you recover.
• Follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure and heal more slowly. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow any instructions your healthcare provider may give you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

Liposuction can be done at your healthcare provider’s office or a surgery center.

You will be given a local or general anesthetic before the procedure to keep you from feeling pain. Local anesthesia numbs part of your body while you stay awake. You may be given medicine with a local anesthetic to help you relax. General anesthesia relaxes your muscles and you will be asleep.

Your healthcare provider will make small cuts in the area being treated and stick small tubes into the cuts to remove the fat. The surgery may last an hour or so, depending on how many areas are being treated.

What happens after the procedure?

By 24 hours after surgery you will be able to walk around. You will have swelling and bruising around the surgery site and some pain from the surgery.

Some results from the surgery can be seen in the first couple of weeks, but you may have some swelling at the surgery site for up to several months. You may not see the full effects until 6 months after the surgery.

If you had skin dimpling before the procedure, you will likely have it afterwards as well. There is a chance your skin will look rippled after the procedure. Your skin may sag permanently if it is unable to shrink to the new shape.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• You may have infection, bleeding, or blood clots.
• Nerves or other parts of the body may be injured during the surgery.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.