Liposuction is second-most popular cosmetic surgery procedure after breast augmentation. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will explain all aspects of the liposuction procedure in detail. While the approach and technique will vary from one patient to another, most liposuction surgeries will have the same basic outline.
Double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon McLain provides liposuction and various other procedures to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.
Anesthesia
Liposuction cosmetic surgery can be performed using general or local anesthesia. General anesthesia will be administered either in gaseous or injection form, and will place the patient under sleep throughout the procedure. Local anesthesia, on the other hand, will only numb the specific area of the body to be treated, and the patient will remain conscious during the surgery.
Tumescent liposuction is a popular technique nowadays, which only involves the use of local anesthesia. This makes the procedure less invasive and involves a faster recovery. However, the choice of technique and use of anesthesia will be determined according to the extent of fat to be removed and considering several other factors.
Making the Incisions
Once the patient has been placed under anesthesia, the surgeon will create small incisions in targeted areas of the body to remove excess fat tissue. The incisions are usually minor, ranging from a quarter to a third of an inch. An experienced surgeon will ensure that the placement of incisions is such that the subsequent scarring remains discreet as far as possible.
Double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for liposuction surgery.
Removing the Fat Tissue
Through the incisions, the surgeon will insert a slender vacuum tube called a cannula. It will go into the deeper fat layers. The surgeon will manually dislodge the fat cells by moving the cannula back and forth. Once the fat cells are disintegrated, these will be suctioned out with the help of an attached vacuum pump or syringe.
Laser, ultrasound, radio frequency, or other technologies may be combined at this stage to make the fat removal easier and less invasive. The patient will receive replacement fluids intravenously during and after liposuction because fat removal will lead to some amount of blood and bodily fluid to be removed along with the fat.
Closing the Incisions
Following the procedure, the surgeon will close the incisions with removable or dissolvable sutures. Drainage tubes may be placed beneath the skin for a few days to collect excess fluid and minimize the risk of infection. Sutures and drains will usually be removed in about a week to 10 days. In a few cases, the surgeon may keep the incisions open to minimize bruising and swelling.
Liposuction with Other Procedures
Liposuction is a highly customizable procedure that can be performed along with other surgeries for more comprehensive outcomes. Tummy tuck, body lift, breast reduction, and mommy makeover surgery are some of the procedures that are commonly combined with liposuction.
McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here. Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.
