LIPOSUCTION

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Orange County liposuction surgeon Dr. Jazayeri routinely uses tumescent technique for liposuction. The Benefits of this technique are more even removal of fat and less bruising. Common areas of liposuction include the abdomen and flanks (love handles), inner and outer thighs and medial knees, neck, and the male breast.

Liposuction was originally invented in the 1970’s by a French gynecologist. Since it was found to be an effective method, it was brought to the United States immediately and, with time, the instrumentation and method of liposuction was refined. Liposuction is a very safe and effective procedure, if the right candidate is chosen. The ideal patient for liposuction is at or within 10 pounds of their ideal weight. Typically, the patient exercises and watches their diet, yet is unable to lose fat in certain parts of the body.

Liposuction involves making small stab incisions close to the area of surgery. Then a small metallic tube with holes at the end is connected to a solution containing pain medication and adrenaline. The adrenaline is added to reduce the amount of bleeding. The solution is then infiltrated in the areas which are going to be liposuctioned. The solution minimizes pain, bleeding, and bruising. This is called the tumescent technique, and is the standard for performing liposuction. After several minutes, different size metallic cannulas with holes at the end are used to remove the fat. The cannula is attached to a special liposuction machine, which allows the fat to be suctioned.

For liposuction to be effective, the skin must have normal elasticity so it can retract after the excess fat is removed. If the skin is loose, liposuction will worsen the problem.

Typical areas of liposuction include the neck, arms, male breast (gynecomastia), abdomen, flanks (love handles), inner and outer thighs and inner knees.

It is important to realize liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, and should not be used in lieu of controlled dieting or weight-reduction surgery. Fat is similar to cotton, it occupies a lot of space but does not weigh as much as muscle or bone. Large volume liposuction will reduce the volume but not necessary result in significant weight loss.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has defined large volume liposuction as any liposuction which removes more than 5 liters (1.3 gallons) of fat and tumescent solution. For these procedures, the recommendation is for the patient to remain over-night in the hospital or surgery center, for proper fluid management. Our recommendation is to break the surgeries into stages, to minimize the risk of complications.

After liposuction, the patient must wear a snug-fitting garment over the area of liposuction in order to minimize swelling and allow the skin to retract properly. The garments can be discontinued 4 weeks after the procedure. During the healing period, no excessive physical activity or exercise is recommended.

In certain cases, such as small areas of liposuction, the procedure can be performed in the office setting with local anesthesia and oral medication.