Surgery liposuction can remove a significant amount of fat from a large area. It is a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia, which is usually administered through an intravenous sedation. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the area of fat deposits. These incisions range from about a quarter to a third of an inch. A sedative is also commonly given at the same time.
Before undergoing the surgery, patients should follow the surgeon’s instructions on alcohol and smoking. Smoking may increase the chance of complications and may make the healing time take longer. Smokers should not smoke six weeks prior to the procedure. Smoking can also result in an increased risk of infection, which can affect the results of the surgery. Smokers should also avoid contact sports and heavy lifting until the day of their surgery. Patients should avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least three weeks before surgery.
Depending on the technique used, liposuction recovery can be immediate or delayed. The recovery process is most likely to take about five to seven days, but can take up to six weeks. Patients should take time off from work before returning to their regular routine. Walking is also recommended during the recovery process. However, it is not recommended that patients return to their usual activities before six months. For best results, patients should follow instructions given by their surgeon.
Upon surgery, patients should rest for two days. Within a week, normal activities can be resumed. Five to seven days following surgery, patients should wear compression garments. These garments help the skin to adhere to the underlying tissue and control swelling in the area. Most patients experience temporary bruising and numbness in the area after surgery. Some areas may require several months to fully heal. If this is the case, it is important to contact your doctor to schedule a follow-up appointment.
During surgery liposuction, a small tube called a cannula is inserted into the fat layer beneath the skin. It is then connected to a vacuum that pulls fat from the area. The cannula is then removed from the body after the anesthesia has taken effect. After the procedure, patients are required to wear compression garments to reduce the chance of swelling and bruising.
While any licensed physician can perform surgery liposuction, not all of them are qualified for the procedure. Physicians who specialize in cosmetic surgery should be your first choice. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best option for a liposuction procedure, because they have completed specialized training and are continually updating their skills. Further, a board-certified plastic surgeon must meet strict qualifications. This means that they have completed three to five years of medical school, at least two of which are dedicated to plastic surgery. Additionally, they must have undergone continuing medical education.
Liposuction is an elective surgical procedure that removes fat from a specific area of the body. It can smooth irregular body shapes and improve contours. It can even improve the appearance of the neck and cheeks. Unfortunately, liposuction can have serious or even fatal complications. As with any surgical procedure, liposuction has its risks. It is best performed on people who have stable weight and are not trying to lose weight.