A Liposuction or so-called Tumescent Assisted Liposuction (TAL) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to remove localized areas of fat from the body through a small thin tube called a cannula. The fat from the targeted area is suctioned from the body through this tube to help patients achieve a slimmer, well-contoured and a rather balanced appearance.
While the conventional/traditional liposuction procedure was effective in removing excessive fat deposits, it was a painful procedure that involved suctioning out large areas of solid fat under general anesthesia. This technique, equally as effective, is associated with risks of general anesthesia, significant pain in post-procedure recovery followed by months of recovery time. Today, liposuction is usually performed via the tumescent technique, under local anesthesia with or without power assisted devices and lasers. These new technologies have transformed liposuction into a much safer and least invasive procedure with a couple of days of recovery time.
Candidates for Liposuction
The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who is in good overall health, within 20 lbs of their ideal body weight and maintains a healthy life, but has one or more problem areas with unresponsive fat deposits and realistic expectations. Liposuction is not a procedure for weight loss. It is instead used to remove localized areas of stubborn fat that are unresponsive to weight loss measures. Liposuction can be performed on:
- Thighs
- Abdomen
- Waist
- Arms
- Back
- Axillae
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Chest/Male Breast
- Face
- Neck
- Calves
- Ankles
Dr Misbah Khan performs liposuction procedure alone, or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as skin tightening with fractionated radiofrequency, power assisted liposuction and laser devices, to achieve maximum results.
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Procedure
There are several different techniques currently available for patients seeking liposuction treatment. Liposuction is performed through a tumescent technique, and may also include a power assisted system as well as lasers (SmartLipo) and ultrasound (VASER).
Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Dr Khan will make a few tiny incisions and inject a local anesthetic into the area to help expand and firm the fat, making it easier to remove. The cannula is then inserted through the incisions to suction out the fat.
In laser-assisted (SmartLipo) tumescent liposuction, a laser is used to liquefy the targeted fat before it is removed, allowing for an easier and less painful removal. The laser may also be used to tighten skin in the treated area after fat is removed. Dr Khan uses traditional as well as power assisted liposuction systems in combination with lasers and ultrasound. Power assisted liposuction system uses specialized vibrational cannulas that assist in the breakdown of fat and makes it easier and much faster for the fat to be suctioned out with a cannula. Liposuction when combined with laser-lipolysis provides the best possible outcome. Additionally, this system provides skin tightening as part of the healing.
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Recovery and Results
Patients may experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area. Compression garments or elastic bandages may be used to help reduce these symptoms while the area heals. Patients can return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable which is usually within the next 3-4 days.
Dr Khan will give you special instructions on how to care for your treated area and reduce any complications after the procedure. The results of the liposuction procedure may not be visible until after swelling and bruising subside. This may take several weeks, and results will appear gradually throughout this time.
The results of liposuction can be permanent, as long as patients maintain a healthy and active life. Dr Khan recommends all her patients to follow a certain diet and exercise routine immediately following the liposuction procedure to speed up the recovery time. This enables patients to help them maintain a body they’ve always desired.
Risks
Although liposuction is considered safe, there are certain risks associated with any type of procedure. Some of these risks may include infection, scarring, allergic reactions, hematoma or unsatisfactory results. Liposuction is the second most commonly performed cosmetic procedure and is the safest of all with no serious complications. You can minimize potential risks by choosing an experienced doctor and by following his/her instructions before and after your procedure. To learn more about the liposuction procedure, we encourage you to call Dr Khan’s office today and schedule a consultation.
