How is liposuction performed?

To perform liposuction, one or more small incisions are made near the area to be suctioned. Whenever possible, incisions are placed within the natural folds or contour lines of the skin so that they are inconspicuous. The surgeon then places a slim, hollow tube called a cannula through the incision so that its tip penetrates the underlying fat. After the cannula is connected by flexible tubing to a suction pump, the surgeon moves the cannula back and forth through the fat, which is vacuumed into the tube. Several variations to the basic liposuction technique have been introduced. The fat-removal technique that best meets your needs depends on a number of individual factors that Dr. Barnthouse will discuss with you:

• Dr. Barnthouse may use the tumescent technique, in which the fat is pre-injected with a salt-water solution containing small amounts of adrenaline and sometimes local anesthetic.
• Dr. Barnthouse may also use ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty or UAL, a two-step technique that uses that energy from sound waves to liquefy that fat before it is suctioned.
• The type of instrumentation used may also vary. For some areas, a hand-held syringe may be used to provide the vacuum instead of a suction pump.

What can I do to prepare for my surgery?

When the date for your surgery has been set, Dr. Barnthouse will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after your surgery. A number of points may be covered, including:

• avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery
• stopping smoking for a period of time before and after surgery
• arranging for help or special care following surgery
  

How will I be cared for the day of my surgery?

Liposuction may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or an office-based surgical suite.

Various types of anesthesia can be used for liposuction. Dr. Barnthouse will select the type of anesthesia that provides that safest and most effective level of comfort for your procedure. For some patients, local anesthesia is used (usually with sedation) which numbs only the affected areas. For others, regional anesthesia, such as an epidural block (the kind of anesthesia commonly used in childbirth) or general anesthesia may be the best choice.

Your physical status will be closely monitored throughout the procedure and during your recovery.