A Popular Surgical Procedure!

Liposuction can help get rid of tummy fat when dieting and exercise aren't enough to do the trick.

Liposuction involves having a suction device inserted into fatty areas between skin and muscle -- resulting in a smoother, improved body contour.

The Procedure:

Liposuction typically is done as an outpatient procedure; however, if a large volume of fat is being removed, hospitalization may be necessary.

Anesthesia usually requires a general application where surgery is done while you are sleeping.

The Plastic Surgeon will first inject a solution of saline, a mild painkiller, and epinephrine, a drug that contracts blood vessels. It helps the surgeon remove the fat more easily, helps reduce blood loss, and provides pain relief during and after surgery.

After small incisions are made, the suction device is inserted into fatty areas between skin and muscle and fat is gently removed. The length of the procedure will vary with the amount of fat removed.

In ultrasound-assisted liposuction, you get an injection that contains a local anesthetic as well as a solution that causes the fatty area to swell slightly. A thin, tube-like ultrasonic probe is inserted beneath the skin through a small incision. The probe is maneuvered under the skin, emitting sound waves that cause fat cells to collapse and liquefy. The liquefied fat and anesthetic fluid are removed using gentle suction.

Common Side Effects:

You should expect bruising, swelling, and soreness for at least a few weeks. However, every person's outcome will vary based on the volume of fat cells removed and body area involved.

Complications:

Although rare, risks include infection and skin discoloration.

Recovery:

Under most circumstances, when liposuction is an outpatient procedure, recovery is fairly quick. Most people can return to work within a few days and to normal activities within about two weeks.