Liposuction

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, liposculpture suction lipectomy or simply lipo ("suction-assisted fat removal") is the most common cosmetic surgery operation that removes pockets of fats from many different sites on the human body. It can remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight loss method but remember it is not a substitute for dieting and exercise. It also involves the use of a stainless steel suction tube called a cannula. The cannula is pushed and pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suction them out by a powerful suction pump, thus improving body contour and enhancing self image. Areas of the body where liposuction is performed are: abdomen, hips, outer and inner thighs, flanks, love handles, back, knees, arms, submental (chin), Gynecomastia.

The ideal candidates for liposuction are those who are physically fit, who exercise regularly and are not more than 20 pounds overweight. They may have bulging and flabby areas of the body from fat deposits, especially the abdomen, arms, thighs, and neck. Individuals with certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for liposuction.

In all types of liposuction methods, there are certain things that should be considered when having the surgery. It maybe performed as an outpatient procedure or the procedure that will be done in a hospital and may require an overnight stay.

The procedure is performed using a suction devise attached to a small, stainless steel tube called cannula. Through a small incision, the small bore cannula is inserted into fat layer between skin and muscle by alternately pushing and pulling it through the fat layer then suction it out by the use of a vacuum pump or a large syringe. The duration of the surgery will vary according to the amount of fat to be removed.

Duration of the operation:

The duration of liposuction Thailand depends on the number of areas, the size of the area and the amount of fat to be removed.

Post operation care:

1. A compression garment must be worn for two to four weeks.
2. If patient had liposuction by local anesthesia, he/she may resume usual diet immediately.
3. Drink adequate amount of water at least 8- 10 glasses a day or fruit juices to prevent dehydration.
4. Bed rest is recommended for the first few hours after surgery.
5. If non-absorbable sutures are placed, the surgeon will remove sutures after 5 to 10 days.
6. Pain killers will be prescribed to control pain that may last as long as 2 weeks depending on the extent of procedure.
7. Keep incision clean. Take a shower once or twice daily. Wound dressings need to be changed often. After one to three days, small self-adhesive bandages are sufficient.
8. Do not apply ice-packs or a heating pad to skin overlying the areas treated by liposuction.
9. Do not apply hydrogen peroxide or plastic Band-Aids to incision sites. Liposuction incision sites heal faster and better without topical antibiotics.
10. Do not soak in a bath, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, or the ocean for at least 7 days after surgery in order to minimize the risk of infection.
11. Patient taking Aspirin and Ibuprofen for at least 3 days after surgery. NSAIDs promote increase the risk of bleeding by impairing platelet function and depress immune response to infection.
12. Drainage is placed for about 3-7 days depending upon the extent of surgery.
13. Patient must maintain a proper diet and exercise regimen because the remaining fat cells could still enlarge and form cellulite thus creating irregularities.

Recovery period:

Depending on the extent of liposuction, patients are generally able to return to work between 2 days-2 weeks. Bruising will fade after 1-2 weeks. Swelling will occur and increase 5-10 days after surgery and should subside gradually over 2 weeks- 2 months while numbness persists for several weeks.

Results:

We guarantee quality service and satisfying results of the operation but in cases of surgical corrections, patient can assure a free of charge revision.

Please see before and after photos of Dr.Juta’s patients in the Photo Gallery (photographs showed are with patient’s consent).

Possible risk and complications:

With any type of liposuction procedure, complications may arise beyond the minor side effects but they are rare. Some possible complications include infection, allergic reaction to medication or material used during surgery, excessive fluid loss, thromboembolism, injury to the abdominal organs, and excessive loss of body heat (hypothermia), excessive intravenous fluids, aspiration pneumonia and cardiac arrest.

It is the surgeon’s responsibility to give the written list of signs and symptoms to watch for, along with instructions for post-op self-care.

Anesthesia use:

The procedure uses local or general anesthesia

Hospital admission:

This procedure may be performed in the cosmetic surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or at a hospital. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis

Preparation before the surgery:

1. Patient and the surgeon will agree ahead of time on exactly which area(s) will be treated and both will discuss what outcome to expect. Assessment of the medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests will be performed during the consultation as well as the explanation of the course of surgery, recovery period, risk and complications.

2. Eat a well balance diet several weeks prior to surgery. Over eating and crash dieting can greatly affect overall health status and well being of the patient.

3. Daily exercises are an important factor to help enhance posture and strength at least 3-4 weeks prior to surgery.

4. Smoking must be avoided for about 3-4 weeks prior to surgery, as nicotine interferes with circulation and will greatly affect healing process. Patient must be free of nicotine patch or nicotine based products for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to surgery.

5.  Patient should avoid taking any medications such as hormones, anticoagulants, anabolic steroids and supplements at least 4-6 weeks to prevent complicating medical factors prior to surgery.

6. Maintain the best of health and hygiene in the weeks prior to surgery. Colds, virus, throat infection or other illness can result to rescheduling of surgery.

7. If general anesthesia or sedation will be used, and the surgery will be in the morning, fasting from midnight the night before is required. If only local anesthesia will be used, fasting is not required.

Side effects:

·        Bruising: Can be painful in the short term, and should fade after a few weeks.

·        Swelling: is due to an inflammatory reaction to surgical trauma. This will occur and increase 5 to 10 days after surgery and should subside gradually over a month or two.

·        Scars: will vary in size depending on the particular procedure, and should fade over the weeks. Scarring is an individual thing, partly dependent on heredity. For some, scar healing may take as long as a year.

·        Pain: should be temporary and controlled by either over-the-counter medication, or by a prescription.

·        Numbness: sometimes persists for a few weeks.

·        Limited mobility: will depend on the exact procedure.

·        Nausea and vomiting: are among the side effects that may be associated with liposuction. Nausea can be caused by antibiotics, lorazepam, or local anesthesia.

·        Slight temperature elevation during the first 48 hours after surgery is a natural consequence of the body's reaction to surgical trauma.

·        Itching: may occur as part of a normal healing process. To help relieve itching, patient may try taking Benadryl as directed by the doctor

• Assessment of the medical history (any allergies, serious medical condition and all medications taken both prescribed and non-prescribed), physical examination, and laboratory tests will be performed during consultation.
• Blood and urine samples will be collected for routine preoperative laboratory tests. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the individual's bone structure.
• Smoking must be avoided for about 3-4 weeks prior to surgery, as nicotine interferes with circulation and will greatly affect healing process.
• You will likely to be asked to stop drinking alcohol, a week before the surgery and throughout your recovery period.
• Avoid taking any medications such as hormones, anticoagulants, anabolic steroids and supplements at least 4-6 weeks to prevent complicating medical factors prior to surgery. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.