Liposuction

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a thin, hollow tube ― cannula — to break up and remove unwanted fat from under your skin. The Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island team performs liposuction on many areas of the body, including:

• Ankles
• Arms
• Abdomen
• Back
• Buttocks
• Calves
• Chest
• Face
• Hips
• Knees
• Thighs
• Waist

The goal of liposuction is to improve body contours and proportion. The team may perform liposuction on its own or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as a tummy tuck, thighplasty, or mommy makeover.

What are the types of liposuction?

The team at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island may use various surgical techniques when performing liposuction. These types of liposuction techniques include:

Tumescent liposuction

Tumescent liposuction, or lunchtime lipo, is the most common technique. During this outpatient procedure, your plastic surgeon injects a solution containing saline, lidocaine (local anesthetic), and epinephrine (constrict blood vessels to reduce bleeding) into the treatment area. 

This solution causes the tissue to swell and firm up, making it easier for your surgeon to remove the fat with the cannula. There’s also no need for anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation, which is why the team calls it the lunchtime lipo.

Because they only use a local anesthetic to remove the fat, patients can drive themselves home after their procedure.

Laser-assisted tumescent liposuction

For laser-assisted tumescent liposuction, your surgeon uses a laser tool that liquifies the fat, making it easier to remove with the cannula. Laser treatment also tightens the skin. 

Ultrasound-assisted tumescent liposuction

Ultrasound-assisted tumescent liposuction is similar to laser-assisted liposuction. However, the team uses sound waves to liquefy the fat. 

Full-body liposuction

Following bariatric surgery, the team uses general anesthesia for full-body liposuction so you’re asleep during the procedure. A full-body liposuction may take several hours and you need to have someone drive you home after the procedure.

Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island also offers nonsurgical body contouring, which uses freezing technology that destroys unwanted fat under your skin if you have concerns about surgery. Your body then removes the fat from the area, creating a slimmer look.

What can I expect during recovery from liposuction?

You can expect swelling, bruising, and pain following liposuction. The Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island team gives you compression garments or elastic bandages that you wear around the treated area to reduce pain and support healing.

Most patients go back to work within a few days, but the team recommends avoiding strenuous activity for a few weeks. 

To find out more about liposuction at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island, call or schedule an appointment online today.