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Liposuction
Procedure
Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure designed to improve overall body appearance and shape via the removal of fat deposits with a vacuum device. This procedure can be performed through use of the tumescent technique, designed to infuse the targeted fat cells with a saline solution in order to reduce swelling and bruising once the procedure has been completed. The most common locations for liposuction include the abdomen, buttocks, calves, ankles, upper arms, and thighs.
Another type of liposuction, designed for fibrous body areas or for removing larger amounts of body fat is known as ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty. With UAL, an ultrasound probe, inserted into the skin, breaks down or “liquefies” the fat prior to the liposuction procedure.
Length
1 to 2 hours or more.
UAL: 20-40% longer than traditional liposuction.
Anesthesia
Local, epidural, or general
In/Outpatient
Usually outpatient. Extensive procedures may require short inpatient stay. Most cases can be performed here at Bangor Plastic & Hand Surgery’s in-house Operating Suite but some may be performed at local hospitals.
Side Effects
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation.
Tumescent: Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites.
UAL: Larger incisions for cannula
Risks
Asymmetry, rippling or bagginess of skin, pigmentation changes, skin injury, fluid retention, excessive fluid loss leading to shock, infection.
UAL: Thermal burn injury caused by the heat from the ultrasound device.
Recovery
Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks.
More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks
Full recovery from swelling and bruising: 1 to 6 months or more
Use of tumescent technique or UAL may decrease post-operative brusing and swelling.
Duration of Results
Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise.
To learn more about liposuction and other types of cosmetic surgery procedures in the Bangor, Portland, and Augusta area, contact Bangor Plastic & Hand Surgery today.
