Liposuction Surgery
Facial and Body Contouring

For generations, people have used various techniques to improve their physical appearance. Although diet, exercise, and flattering clothes help many look better, some are frustrated with certain fat deposits on their body. In women, these fat deposits generally occur from the waist down, on the hips, buttocks, and outer thighs. Fat deposits on men tend to accumulate above the waist, on the abdomen, and on the sides of the waist.

With liposuction surgery, a relatively simple and safe technique, both men and women can improve the contours of their bodies. Liposuction surgery involves the removal of fat cells from the body. It is designed to minimize specific areas of localized fat deposits.

WHO CAN LIPOSUCTION HELP?
While the procedure is not designed to correct general obesity, it can treat any area where excess fat deposits have accumulated. These areas include the chin, neck, jowls, cheeks, arms, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees, hips, and abdomen. Men with enlarged breasts (called gynecomastia) can also benefit from this technique.

Men and women in good physical condition with good skin elasticity are the best candidates for this surgery. When the procedure was first introduced, only younger people were considered to be good candidates. However, recent improvements in this technique have made it possible to treat patients of all ages. Each person seeking this treatment, regardless of their age, must be assessed individually by Dr. Engen to determine if he or she is a suitable candidate for liposuction surgery.

BEFORE LIPOSUCTION:
Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A thorough examination is also conducted. Dr. Engen will describe the type of anesthesia to be used, the actual procedure, the results that one might realistically expect, and the possible risks and complications.

Preoperative directions may include the elimination of drugs that contain aspirin in order to minimize excess bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to surgery to prevent infection. Medication is administered prior to surgery to help the patient relax. The physician injects a large amount of diluted local anesthetic solution into the area to be treated (known as the “tumescent” procedure). This procedure helps to reduce pain and bruising. The areas to be contoured are marked with a special marking pen. Photographs are often taken before and after the procedure to evaluate the final results.

THE PROCEDURE:
Liposuction surgery can be performed in the physician’s office, an outpatient surgical facility, or a hospital, depending upon the preference of both the patient and the physician. It can be done under a general or local anesthesia.
The physician makes a small incision in the skin and inserts a small tube called a cannula that is either attached to a high pressure vacuum suction or to a syringe system. The fat is loosened from surrounding tissue by moving the tube back and forth and is then removed or vacuumed from the body with the suction device. The physician determines the amount of fat to remove by feeling the skin and pinching the tissue.

Some physicians are now using ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), which significantly differs from traditional liposuction. In UAL, mechanical sound waves are transmitted through a generator to the tip of a suction cannula. When this cannula comes in contact with fat cells, it causes them to emulsify, or to become fluid. The liquefied fat is then removed from the body by suction. UAL has an additional risk of causing burns to the area. Its long term effects are still being determined.

After the incisions are closed, a bandage is applied to the area to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area. The procedure can last from thirty minutes up to several hours depending upon the amount of fat removed.

RECOVERY:
The bandage remains in place for seven to ten days, depending upon the extent of the surgery and the individual’s healing process. A surgical compression garment may also be worn. Because liposuction surgery does not involve large incisions and extensive cutting, the pain is minimal and controlled with oral medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Most patients are completely functional following surgery, but rest is recommended. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities within a week although vigorous physical activity is discouraged for several weeks.
Some swelling and discoloration can occur, but usually disappears within a month. Scars, which fade significantly with time, are inconspicuous for the most part because they are made within the natural creases of the body whenever possible.

Complications connected with this surgery are rare. However, an uneven skin surface, bleeding, infection, numbness, and discoloration can occur. Some of these conditions correct themselves in time. Others respond to medication. There are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure that should be discussed with Dr. Engen. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by the physician.

It is important to remember that liposuction surgery is not a cure for generalized obesity. It is, however, an excellent procedure that can benefit those who want to remove unsightly fat from localized areas. Patients who choose this type of surgery must have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that final results may not be apparent for up to one year.

If you are interested in learning more about liposuction surgery, please contact Excel Cosmetic Surgery Center and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Excel Cosmetic Surgery Center `1735 N State St. Provo,UT ` (801)379-2900