Liposuction (Tumescent & Ultrasonic)

Liposuction performed by our plastic surgeon is a procedure that safely removes stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Common areas that benefit from liposuction are the chin, neck, jowls, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, knees, and thighs. The two most common liposuction techniques are tumescent and ultrasonic-assisted liposuction.

Using the tumescent technique, fat cells are infused with a solution containing saline and adrenaline prior to suctioning. This solution provides a more gentle removal of the fat and reduces post-operative bruising and swelling. In ultrasonic-assisted, or UAL, ultrasound energy liquefies the fat before it is removed by suction. UAL is ideal for removing large volumes of fat, for fibrous body areas, and for areas where skin tone is less elastic.

• Liposuction Candidates
• Liposuction Consultation
• Liposuction Procedure
• Liposuction Recovery
• Liposuction Results
• Longevity of Liposuction Results
• Liposuction Side Effects
• Liposuction Safety

Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is ideal for normal to slightly overweight men and women, 20’s to 50’s, who have a sensible diet and exercise regimen but still have persistent fat accumulations in specific areas. Since liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, it is not recommended for obese or greatly overweight individuals. It should also be noted that liposuction does not improve or correct the appearance of cellulite (dimpled or rippled areas of fat). For patients with loose or excess skin in addition to fat deposits, an additional procedure such as tummy tuck may be recommended.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

At your initial consultation, Dr. James Matas will discuss your goals and motivations for having liposuction, along with assessing your physical and emotional health and reviewing information you provide about previous surgeries, past and current medical conditions, as well as nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and pharmaceutical medications you take.

He will examine each area, assessing the quantity of fat to be removed, the density or type of fat and skin tone. He will recommend tumescent liposuction, ultrasonic-assisted liposuction or a combination of the two techniques. He will explain factors that may affect outcome, along with the risks and benefits of the procedure.

He may require you to take certain steps before surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and taking certain medications and vitamins. He may also ask you to lose weight before the procedure is performed in order to obtain best results.

How is Liposuction Performed?

Before surgery, Dr. Matas uses a surgical marking pen to draw a diagram of the areas to be treated and those to be avoided. Small incisions (less than ½”) are made near the areas to be suctioned. When possible, these incisions are placed in discreet locations so they won’t be easily seen.

An instrument known as a cannula is inserted into the fat, and this is connected through tubing into a suction pump. With the tumescent technique, the area is injected with a saline/epinephrine solution prior to beginning the suctioning process. Then, using a back and forth motion, Dr. Matas guides the cannula through the underlying fat until the desired contour is achieved. With the ultrasonic technique, energy from sound waves is used to liquefy the fat prior and during the suctioning process.

Once the incisions are sutured, a compression garment applies pressure to the areas treated.

Surgery is performed outpatient under general anesthesia and takes 1-3 hours, depending on technique and number of areas treated.

What Is the Recovery from Liposuction Like?

You will be discharged wearing a compression garment, and this will be worn for the first several weeks to create a gentle pressure over the areas treated. Although liposuction has some mild pain and discomfort, you may also experience burning, swelling, itching, bleeding, and temporary numbness.

You can expect to feel the most discomfort in the first day or two after surgery, and Dr. Matas will prescribe medication to relieve your discomfort. Within the first week, swelling will reach its peak and begin to subside. You may feel heavier at this time, since you will be retaining excess fluids.

Over several weeks, our licensed massage therapist will use a special lymphatic drainage massage technique to reduce your swelling and increase your mobility.

I wanted to take a minute to express my sincere appreciation for the great surgery you did for me. I cannot express to you the confidence I now have in my appearance – the results were far better than I ever imagined. I will continue to recommend you as the expert in plastic surgery. You have me as a lifetime patient and I look forward to other procedures down the road.
J.G.

What Liposuction Results Can I Expect?

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How Long Do Liposuction Results Last?

Liposuction destroys and removes fat cells from the body, and once they are removed they will not grow back; however, your remaining fat cells can grow if you consume more calories than you burn on a daily basis. That being said, as long as you maintain your weight after surgery, your slimmer contour will be permanent. Should you gain weight after liposuction, many patients find that it distributes more evenly and does not collect in the same problem areas as before.

What Are the Side Effects of Liposuction?

The main side effects of liposuction include bruising, swelling, itching, bleeding, and changes in skin sensitivity, which subside during the healing process. Since Dr. Matas carefully evaluates patients for liposuction candidacy, uses the latest technology, performs the procedure carefully, and provides outstanding post-operative care, the risk of more serious side effects—such as infection, irregular results, blood clots, and fluid accumulation—are typically minimized. After your procedure, Dr. Matas recommends closely adhering to the post-operative care instructions he provides and attending all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Is Liposuction Safe?

When liposuction is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who prioritizes your health, safety, and comfort, the procedure is considered to be safe. As with all procedures he performs, Dr. Matas focuses on providing aesthetic enhancement that is safe and effective. Our onsite surgical facility at the Advanced Centre for Plastic Surgery is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF), which means we adhere to the highest standards of safety and have a record of providing consistently outstanding care to the patients we treat. Additionally, Dr. Matas is highly trained and experienced, which helps keep our patients safe and satisfied at all phases of care.