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Inherited traits often prevent people from achieving their
desired body shape. Even years of exercise may not yield significant
or noticeable results in certain people. For many, the answer
is liposuction, a surgical procedure which extracts fat from
specific areas of the body. Following the procedure, patients
can expect a slimmer, more shapely figure.
The surgeon begins by inserting a cannula
(a slim, hollow tube) into small incisions near the area to
be recontoured. The cannula is moved through the layers of tissue
and extracts the necessary fat. Once the fat and tissue have
been removed, the surgeon stitches the incision and trims away
excess skin. Several techniques exist. The super-wet technique
injects fluid into the patient's body, roughly the same amount
as the fat to be extracted. The tumescent technique injects
double or even triple the amount of fluid. In UAL (Ultrasound-Assisted
Lipoplasty), a specially designed cannula liquefies the fat
and suctions it away. Except in the most extreme cases, procedures
are performed on an outpatient basis. Your surgeon will suggest
the most appropriate form of anesthesia (epidural block, intravenous
sedation or a local or general anesthesia).
Following surgery, an elastic bandage
is applied in order to reduce swelling and keep the skin in
place. In complex procedures, patients should be monitored
closely to make sure no complications occur. Stitches are
typically removed in a week's time and patients return to
work after several days.
As with any cosmetic surgical procedure,
complications are rare, but include infection, a reaction
to the anesthesia, blood clotting, and fluid loss. Less severe
risks include a numbing of the skin and moderate changes in
skin pigmentation. It is extremely important to choose a physician
who has proper and extensive training, with state-of-the-art
facilities and a good standing in their field. If you smoke,
your surgeon will advise that you stop both two weeks prior
to and following surgery. To maximize the success of surgery
and minimize the risk of complication, always follow your
doctor's instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative
care.
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32
year old male 3 months post op from liposculpturing
of the abdomen and flanks. A total of 3.8 liters were
removed.
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Liposuction
in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach California