Liposuction Questions

Q - What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure which can improve the body’s shape through the removal of localized fat deposits. Liposuction may be performed on many areas of the body including the cheeks, chin, neck, upper arms, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves and ankles.

Q - Is liposuction right for me?
If you are healthy and have realistic expectations for improvement, liposuction may be right for you. Patients who are of normal body weight but are bothered by diet- and exercise-resistant areas of fat tend to achieve the best results.

Q - What is tumescent liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction is a newer liposuction technique in which the treatment area is first injected with large volumes of a fluid solution containing lidocaine. The fatty tissues become swollen and firm, or ‘tumesced’, making removal through traditional liposuction techniques easier. Though the procedure takes longer to perform than traditional liposuction, bruising and swelling are minimized.

Q - What is ultrasound assisted liposuction?
Ultrasound assisted liposuction, or UAL, is a newer liposuction technique which liquefies the fat using ultrasound energy. The fat is then removed with traditional liposuction techniques. The procedure takes longer to perform than traditional liposuction, but bruising and swelling are minimized.

Q - What does a consultation for liposuction entail?
During a consultation for liposuction, Dr. Berman will determine the location of your fat deposits, asses your skin condition, take a thorough medical history, and discuss your goals. All aspects of the procedure will be explained including the technique, the anesthesia, the facility, the recovery, the risks, the costs and so on.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for liposuction?
Local anesthesia, an epidural, or general anesthesia may be used for liposuction.

Q - How is liposuction performed?
A tiny incision is made in the treatment area and then a thin tube known as a cannula is inserted into the fat layer deep beneath the skin. The fat cells are disrupted by manipulating the cannula and are then suctioned out.

Q - How long does liposuction take to perform?
The length of the procedure will depend upon the size and number of treatment areas, but liposuction generally takes one to two hours to complete. Tumescent liposuction and UAL typically take longer.

Q - Does liposuction leave scars?
The scars that result from liposuction are very small and strategically placed so as to be imperceptible.

Q - Does liposuction involve much pain?
Patients may experience some discomfort after liposuction but medication can help to control this.

Q - What is the recovery like after liposuction?
Recovery after liposuction generally takes one to two weeks. Some bruising, swelling and numbness may occur. Patients will be required to wear a special compression garment for several weeks after the procedure. The recovery after tumescent liposuction and UAL tends to be less extensive and involves less bruising and swelling.

Q - When will I be able to return to work after undergoing liposuction?
Patients can return to work in about one to two weeks after undergoing liposuction.

Q - How soon will I be able to exercise after undergoing liposuction?
Patients will need to wait about two to four weeks before partaking in strenuous activities and exercise.

Q - What are the risks or complications associated with liposuction?
All surgery carries potential risks. Those associated with liposuction may include infection, asymmetry, fluid collection and skin rippling. There is an additional risk of thermal burn injury associated with UAL and of lidocaine toxicity with the tumescent technique.

Q - Is liposuction covered by insurance?
Insurance typically does not cover liposuction that is performed for purely cosmetic purposes, though patients should check with their own insurance companies.

Q - Can I finance my liposuction procedure?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

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