Body
Contouring Procedures: Liposuction
Dr.
Monteiro uses the newest tumescent and ultrasonic techniques
to sculpture body features by removing diet and exercise-resisitant
fat in all areas of the body, including the neck, arms,
abdomen, back, hips, thighs, knees, and calves. This
procedure is widely popular among women and men alike.
Please ask Dr. Monteiro about
anything you don't understand in the information contained below.
What
is liposuction?
Liposuction, a very common procedure for both women and men, is the surgical
vacuuming of fat from beneath the surface of the skin. It is used to reduce fullness
in any area of the body. It is an excellent method of spot reduction but is not
an effective method of weight loss. Very
small incisions are made in the skin at strageic areas
to insert instruments that will remove fat.
Who
is a candidate for liposuction?
Generally people who have localized
areas of protruding fat achieve the most dramatic results. Patients who
are slightly overweight can benefit from liposuction. It is best to be
at or near your normal weight. Good skin elasticity permits the skin to
shrink easily to the reduced contour. There are no absolute age limits
for liposuction.
What
is the tumescent technique?
The tumescent technique involves
injection beneath the skin of large volumes of salt water containing lidocaine,
a local anesthetic and small amounts of adrenaline, a naturally occurring
hormone which shrinks blood vessels. By injecting this solution to the
fat prior to performing liposuction, Dr. Monteiro numbs the tissues and
shrinks the blood vessels, thereby eliminating pain and reducing and minimizing
bleeding, bruising, and swelling. The tumescent technique permits some
patients who were previously treated under general anesthesia to be treated
under local anesthesia with sedation.
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What
areas are most frequently treated?
In women, the single
most frequently treated areas are the outer thighs,
followed by the stomach. In men, the flank area or "love
handles" are treated most frequently. Other areas
commonly treated include the male pectoral (breat)
area, under arms in women, and removal of fat undr
the chin and around the jawline. Sometimes a patient
wiill request a faclift or neck lift to gain the
results they desire.
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Can liposuction tighten up a loose neck?
If there is excess fat in the area under the chin and the skin is taut, liposuction
alone can produce a more sculpted, angular, and youthful jaw line. If, however,
the skin of the neck is loose, hanging, or crepey, even if there is excess fat,
liposuction alone will not produce the desired result. Patients with loose skin
usually require a face and
neck lift in addition to or instead of liposuction. In general, most patients
who benefit from liposuction of the neck are under 40. Most patients over 40
will require some surgical skin tightening.
Planning your surgery
Although liposuction is very safe and effective, it is a surgical procedure
and can cause complications such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
In addition,
aesthetic complications such as skin irregularity or waviness can occur if
too much fat has been removed. Fortunately, complications are uncommon
and most patients
are satisfied with their results. Dr.
Monteiro will
describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making
sure you understand the procedure. He will also explain the anesthesia to be
used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs
involved. Don't hesitate to ask him any questions you may have, especially those
regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
Preparing for your surgery
Dr. Monteiro will
give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating
and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you
home after your surgery and to assist you for a few days.
Types of anesthesia
Liposuction
may be performed under general anesthesia, which means you'll sleep through
the operation. In selected patients - particularly when smaller amounts
of fat are being removed - Dr.
Monteiro may
use local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy.
Where your surgery will be performed
Your liposuction may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center,
or possibly in an office-based facility. It's usually done on an outpatient basis,
for cost containment and convenience. If you're admitted to the hospital as an
inpatient, you can expect to stay one or two days.
After
your surgery
You're likely to feel tired and sore for several days, and look bruised following
your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort
can be controlled by medication prescribed by Dr. Monteiro. You may experience
pain for some time after the surgery, depending on the extent of the fat removal,
but this will subside, as will the bruising. Dr.
Monteiro will ask you to return in a week or so to remove any non-dissolving
stitches he may have used. Scarring
from the very small insertion-points of the instruments used to remove the fat
will be minimal and will eventually become faint or disappear.
Getting
back to normal
Healing is a gradual process. Although you
may be up and about in a day or two, don't plan on returning to work for
a week or more, depending on how you feel. Avoid exercise for a week. If
you have any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to call the doctor. Dr.
Monteiro will give you detailed
instructions for resuming your normal activities. After that, you can resume
these activities slowly.
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Your
new look...!
You should also keep in mind that liposuction won't keep you firm forever -
the effects of diet, lack of exercise, gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight
fluctuations will eventually take their toll again. Your satisfaction with
liposuction is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly
and if your expectations are realistic.
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