| Dr. Jugenburg performs Tumescent and Power-Assisted Liposuction. Power-assisted liposuction is one of the latest technologies created to maximize liposuction results, minimize recovery time, and do it all in the safest way possible. Unlike Laser-Assisted Liposuction, Power-Assisted Liposuction has a lower rate of severe complications.
Who is liposuction for?
Patients who may benefit from liposuction range widely from the thin patient desiring contouring of localized areas of stubborn adiposity to the obese patient in whom diet has failed to control weight. Fat can be removed from various areas of your body, including your:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Neckline and under-chin area
- The procedure can also treat excessive breast growth in men (gynecomastia).
The above patient had liposuction of the abdomen, flanks (love handles) and along the bra-line. A total of 2.2L of fat was removed in a 45 minute session. The right picture is 1 week after the surgery.
The above patient underwent liposuction sculpting of the abdomen, thighs, and flanks (love handles)
Liposuction is not limited only to large body parts. Fine liposuction of the neck area can create stunning results with minimal pain or discomfort.
Liposuction after Pregnancy
Liposuction is a very common procedure performed for women who have finished having children. It is a part of the Mommy Makeover, a group of surgical procedures that reverse the effects of childbearing and breast feeding.
If your your skin lacks the elasticity to tighten down over a smaller body area after the procedure, Dr. Jugenburg may point out that you may not be a good candidate. In such situation Dr. Jugenburg may recommend liposuction in addition to skin excision to deliver the most desirable aesthetic result.
How is liposuction done?
How your liposuction procedure is done depends on the technique that's used. A computer animation of liposuction, provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website provides a general idea of how a liposuction is performed. (note the exact details of the procedure vary, depending on your preferences and your anatomy)
Tumescent liposuction
During this most commonly used liposuction procedure, fluid is injected into the area of your body being operated on, causing it to swell and stiffen. The amount of fluid can vary, depending upon your size and the area being worked on; it may be up to three times the volume of fat that's being removed.
The injected fluid is a mixture of salt water, an anesthetic (lidocaine) and a drug that causes your blood vessels to constrict (epinephrine) so that you lose less blood during the procedure. The anesthetic helps relieve pain. The salt water helps to remove the fat and is suctioned out along with the fat. |
The surgeon then makes small cuts into your skin and inserts a tube called a cannula which is connected to a vacuum that sucks the fat and fluids from your body. The cannula is moved around under the skin, in some cases entering through several points to work an area from different angles.
Because you're losing fat and fluids from the suction, the doctor may replenish your body fluid through an intravenous line, also called an IV.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is sometimes used in conjunction with tumescent liposuction. Ultrasonic energy is used to rupture the fat cells and liquefies the fat for easier removal. UAL increases the possibility of surgical risks, such as skin burns and nerve damage. For this reason this type of liposuction is not performed at our facility.
Laser-assisted liposuction
Similar to Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, in this case a laser is used to break up fat cells to facilitate fat removal. This method of liposuction is also associated with increased risks of skin injury and tissue burn as compared to Tumescent or Power-Assisted Liposuction.
Power-assisted liposuction
Powered liposuction uses a cannula that moves in a rapid back-and-forth motion. This vibration allows to pull out tough fat more easily. Powered liposuction causes less pain and swelling and allows removal of fat with more precision, especially on smaller areas, such as the arm, knee or ankle.
The procedure may last up to several hours depending on the extent of the surgery. You generally spend at least a few hours in the clinic so that medical personnel can monitor your recovery. The more fat you have removed, the greater the potential risks of the procedure.
What are the results of liposuction?
After the procedure, you may need to wear tight compression garments, which help reduce swelling, for a few weeks.
Expect some pain, swelling and bruising after the procedure. You may need to wait a few days before returning to work, and a few weeks before resuming your normal activities and exercise. About four weeks after the procedure, when most of the swelling has subsided, the area in which fat was removed should look less bulky. Within three to six months, the area should have its new leaner, tighter appearance.
What are the risks of liposuction?
As with any major surgery, liposuction carries risks, such as bleeding, infection and an unwanted reaction to the anesthesia. And like all surgeries, complications vary depending on how large a procedure you're having. If you’re having work done on larger surfaces of your body or having other procedures during the same operation, the risk of complications increases. Please read our information page on potential risks. |
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