Frequent Questions About Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Below you will find a list of frequent questions about liposuction in Hawaii. Patients considering plastic surgery often have many questions about their procedure. If your question isn't answered here, contact us with your question, and be sure to include the name of the procedure that interests you.
How is this procedure performed?
In general, Hawaii liposuction procedures combine small incisions in the selected area with a high vacuum to remove fat cells. After the fat is removed, your Hawaii plastic surgeon will stitch (suture) the areas treated and apply a bandage or garment to help redrape the skin and contain the swelling.
The "tumescent technique" for liposuction in Hawaii involves injecting a saline solution and local anesthetic into the areas to be treated prior to suctioning. Injecting the fluids makes the area "tumescent," or swollen, to allow for easier separation of fat cells from other tissue. An incision is made near the area from which the fat is to be removed; and a specially designed surgical tube (cannula) is placed through the incision into the fat. The cannula is attached by flexible tubing to a vacuum pump that removes the fat by suction as the cannula is manipulated beneath the skin. Compared to other conventional liposculpture techniques, the tumescent technique is more precise and accurate; there is less blood loss; more fat can be removed and convalescence is shortened. This is an excellent method for adult individuals of all ages with excessive fat deposits, even if you have loose skin.
Ultrasonic Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) is a new method of Hawaii liposuction that uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat before it is suctioned. Because the fat is liquid at the time that it is removed, UAL is smoother and mechanically more efficient. In the United States, ultrasound has been used for surgical removal of tissues other than fat for more than twenty years. Ultrasound is a well-established method in general surgery, neurosurgery and cataract surgery. Ultrasound assisted liposculpture has been in use in Europe for more than ten years.
UAL may be particularly advantageous in Hawaii cosmetic surgery for suctioning large volumes of fat, for working in fibrous or scarred areas and for skin tightening. Ultrasonic Liposuction is best suited for the male chest, the upper abdomen and the "spare tire." It is important to note that UAL does have some disadvantages: The ultrasound probe is larger than the usual tube (cannula) used for liposculpture and requires a slightly larger access incision. Additionally, the ultrasonic vibrations can cause the cannula to heat along its length, this heat can result in thermal burns.
How do I prepare for my liposuction in Hawaii?
During your initial preoperative visit with your Hawaii plastic surgeon, be prepared to give a complete medical history including all your medications, allergies and previous surgeries. You will undergo a thorough physical examination and blood tests. If you are over age 50, an electrocardiogram may be taken. Photographs are important aids in planning and performing your liposuction in Hawaii. They become a
permanent part of your patient record and are taken before and several months after your procedure.
During your consultation, you will be given specific directions to help you prepare for your procedure. Instructions generally include taking vitamins, cautions about taking certain medication and drinking alcohol, the shaving process and use of antibacterial soap.
You must not eat or drink anything eight hours before your Hawaii liposuction procedure. If you take daily medication, ask your surgeon if it is safe to take before your procedure. If you have any sores on your body, if you have a cold, sore throat or allergic condition, inform your Hawaii plastic surgeon so you may be examined prior to your procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
Liposculpture generally takes between one to four hours depending on how many areas are treated.
What form of anesthesia is used?
When only one or two small areas are treated, particularly on the face and neck, you will be given local anesthesia. When multiple or large areas are treated, general anesthesia, intravenous sedation or epidermal anesthesia is used and an expert anesthesiologist M.D. (medical doctor) is in attendance.
Can I return home the day of my Hawaii liposuction?
Generally, yes. If you are having small amounts of liposculpture, you must make arrangements for someone to pick you up, take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. When larger amounts of fat are removed, your Hawaii plastic surgeon may suggest that you stay overnight for observation. Your surgeon will help you decide what is the best option for your particular situation.
How long before I can return to normal activity?
Most people return to work and their usual activity within a week, depending on the extent of the areas treated.
Does liposuction also remove cellulite?
No. Liposuction only removes deposited fat. However, cellulite can now be treated with a procedure called
Endermologie that involves a series of roller-like massage session.
Will my fat come back after liposuction?
The body produces fat cells when you are young and this production stops at puberty. When you gain or lose weight the cells get bigger or smaller; the number of cells does not change. Your Hawaii liposuction permanently removes fat cells. They do not come back and new fat cells are not produced. You can, however, gain weight in the remaining fat cells. But you will gain it proportionately over your entire body; it will not be disproportionately added to your "problem" area anymore.
If you're ready to learn more about liposuction, request a Free Liposuction Consultation with Hawaii plastic surgeon Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger at his plastic surgery offices in Honolulu, Maui and Kona.
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