Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove fat accumulations for specific sites of the body. Liposuction is also called liposculpture or suction-assisted lipectomy.
Liposuction is not a way of losing weight. However, it may be an option for men and women who want to reduce bulges or fat that has resisted dieting and exercise.
During liposuction, fat deposits are removed.
Dr. Breidahl moves the cannula in a specific pattern through the deep fat or superficial fat, depending on which area of the body is being treated. The intention is to decrease the bulk of fat in the area, but not to remove all the fat.
An area of Special Expertise for Dr. Breidahl
Dr. Breidahl particularly enjoys liposuction as a very creative art-form. By paying attention to not only removing fat, but sculpturing it, minimizing skin stretching and controlling the direction of skin shrinkage, he has provided many patients with very pleasing transformations.
Common Reasons for Liposuction
To improve the shape of the following areas:
Legs (including ankles, calves, knees, inner thighs and outer thighs).
Buttocks and hips.
Waist and abdomen.
Breasts, chest and back.
Overdeveloped male breasts.
Back of the upper arms.
Neck and chin.
To reduce bulk and produce a more natural skin contour at the site of previous surgery or trauma.
To remove large fatty tumours known as "lipomas".
As part of other plastic surgery procedures, such as abdominoplasty (abdominal reduction) or reduction mammaplastry (breast reduction).
Realistic Expectations
Liposuction is suitable for healthy people who have realistic expectations of the outcomes of surgery.
Older people with less elastic skin may not obtain the cosmetic results that can be achieved in those with younger, suppler skin.
Other plastic surgery procedures that remove excess fat and surplus skin may be more suitable for some people.
The Limitations of Liposuction
Individuals are poor candidates for liposuction if they weigh more than 15 kilograms above their medically defined "ideal body weight".
If food intake is not controlled following liposuction, fat tissue at other sites in the body may increase in site, creating new unwanted bulges.
Liposuction may not be appropriate for people with large hanging folds of skin that may need to be surgically removed, for example, as in a "tummy tuck", breast reduction, breast lift or face lift.
Liposuction does not improve muscle tone.
A good diet and adequate exercise after liposuction are very important.
Surgical Methods
The three main methods of liposuction are as follows:
1. Dry Technique
Dr. Breidahl inserts the cannula through a small incision about one-half to one centimeter long. Dr. Breidahl moves the cannula backwards and forwards through the fat layer to remove the fat tissue and create a series of tunnels at different depths and in different directions.
After surgery, compression of the treated areas using an elastic compression garment causes the tunnels to collapse, reducing the thickness of the fat layer and reducing swelling caused by the procedure.
2. Tumescent Technique
This technique involves the injection of large quantities of fluid into the fat layer. The fluid contains a salt solutions, local anaesthetic and medicines to reduce localised bleeding.
However the injection of large amounts of fluid is likely to stretch the skin, hide the
contours to be sculpted and adds other risks, so it is not favoured by Dr. Breidahl.
3. Ultrasound-assisted Lipoplasty (UAL).
This is not favoured by Dr Breidahl as he believes the benefits are outweighed by the extra risks involved with the technique.
Recovery after Surgery
If you are a day surgery patient, you may be ready to go home after a few hours. Most people report that pain, discomfort or stiffness for the first few days after surgery are minor. Paracetamol is usually sufficient to relieve pain. Gradually, pain and discomfort should fade during the first week.
Wearing a tight fitting elastic garment will reduce swelling in the treated area. This may be needed for several weeks.
Swelling and bruising are common. It may be several weeks before skin discoloration fades. It may be several months before the treated areas completely heal and acquire their final shape and contour: Dr. Breidahl recommends massage to ease swelling. It is recommended that a stable weight be maintained after surgery to achieve longer-lasting results.
RESUMING NORMAL ACTIVITIES
Most people can return to work any where between a few days and two weeks after surgery. Normal activity can usually be resumed after six weeks
