Liposuction: What is liposuction?
The Operation
Except for removing small amounts of fat, liposuction is performed under general anesthesia in the Surgery Center of Cedar Rapids. However, if a large volume of fat will be removed, or if the liposuction is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, a stay in a hospital may be required.
- “I could not exercise those love handles away.”
The length of the operation varies considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique used. There are several liposuction techniques that can be used to improve the ease of the procedure and to enhance outcome. Dr. Grado will discuss the advantages of the method he suggests as the best for your situation.
Liposuction is a procedure in which localized deposits of fat are removed to recontour one or more areas of the body. Through a small incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. If many sites are being treated, your surgeon will then move on to the next area, working to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.
Fluid is lost along with the fat, and it's crucial that this fluid be replaced during the procedure to prevent shock. For this reason, patients need to be carefully monitored and receive intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery.
If a large amount of fat is to be removed, Dr. Grado may suggest using a technique that involves the injection of fluid into the area to be reduced. The fluid -- a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels) -- helps the fat be removed more easily, reduces blood loss and provides anesthesia during and after surgery. Fluid injection also helps to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery.