Suction lipectomy is a procedure used to reshape various parts of the body by removing excess, unwanted fat deposits.  The success of liposuction is influenced by your age, size, shape, or tone of the skin in the area(s) to be treated. It is important to understand that liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise, nor a cure for obesity. To get the most from this procedure, you should be of average weight with extra fat localized in specific areas. It is also important that you have healthy, elastic skin with the ability to shrink or “snap back” after surgery. Since liposuction removes only fat, it cannot eliminate dimpling or correct skin laxity.

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The Procedure
Liposuction can slim and contour the body by suctioning out localized collections of fat with minimal scarring.  A vacuum device is inserted through short, small incisions near the fatty areas and deeper fat is removed. The patient leaves in a compression garment to decrease the swelling and bruising and to allow the skin to heal.

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Operating Time
Operating time depends on the area and amount of fat to be removed (1 – 3 hours).

Recovery Room
1 hour in the recovery room.

After the Procedure
Following surgery, you will wear a snug, tight fitting “girdle” for several weeks. This is to reduce swelling and to help the skin shrink to your new body frame. The area that has been suctioned may also feel numb to the touch for a short time as well.

• Day 1: Surgery.  If a large volume of fat is removed then an overnight stay is required.
• Day 3:  Shower and replace garments.  Expect bruising.
• Day 7:  Follow up office visit.  Bruising improving.
• Day 10: Return to work.
• Week 3:  Resume exercise.
• 3 Months: Early result.
• 6 Months: Final result.