Liposuction

What Can I Expect During My Liposuction Procedure?

The techniques involved in your liposuction procedure will depend upon your unique needs and the specifics of your surgical plan. Dr. Zemmel performs all liposuction procedures in accredited facilities with certified anesthesiologists to maximize patient safety. Smaller-volume liposuction is usually done on an outpatient basis. However, if a large volume of fat (greater than 4 liters) will be removed, or if liposuction is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or breast lift, an overnight stay in the hospital or a nursing facility may be required.

Step 1: Local or General Anesthesia

On the day of your liposuction procedure, you may be given sedation with local anesthesia. This is appropriate if only a small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved. If your surgery is combined with additional procedures, a general anesthetic may be necessary. 

Step 2: Tumescent Injections & Ultrasound Energy

Dr. Zemmel performs tumescent and ultrasound-assisted liposuction to help patients achieve optimal results from their procedure. These techniques help prepare the fat for removal via traditional liposuction methods. Dr. Zemmel will begin by performing the tumescent process, injecting a medicated fluid solution to the areas undergoing treatment. This fluid helps to maximize fat removal, reduce blood loss, and improve comfort during and after liposuction. After this solution takes effect, Dr. Zemmel will utilize low energy ultrasound to break up the fat, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. 

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction targets the fat tissue only, leaving nerves, blood vessels, and skin in place. By breaking up only the fat, Dr. Zemmel is able to sculpt areas much more precisely. Treated areas tend to be smoother and blend in with the surrounding areas better than with traditional liposuction. The overlying loosened skin also tends to tighten to a greater extent than with traditional liposuction. This may eliminate the need for a skin removing procedure (tummy tuck, for example) in the future. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous areas of the body, such as the upper back and flanks or the enlarged male breast.

Step 3: The Fat Removal Process 

Once the fat has been prepared via tumescent injections and ultrasound energy, small incisions (about 2mm to 4mm long) will be placed strategically around the treatment area. A narrow surgical tool known as a cannula is then inserted through these tiny incisions to suction out the excess fat cells. The cannulas are passed back and forth and the fatty tissue is removed. Each area is meticulously checked for symmetry and smoothness. Dr. Zemmel will take great care in making sure all areas blend in together.

As the fat is removed, fluid is also lost, so it’s crucial that this fluid be replaced during the procedure to prevent dehydration. For this reason, Dr. Zemmel and the anesthetist will carefully monitor you throughout and immediately after surgery.

How Long Does Liposuction Take?

In general, liposuction takes about 1 to 3 hours, but this will vary based on the size of the target area, amount of fat removed, type of anesthesia, and technique being employed.

What Risks Are Associated with Liposuction?

Liposuction is considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon. Dr. Zemmel has over 20 years of experience and selects patients very carefully to ensure they have a low risk of complications. You will undergo a thorough pre-operative evaluation to determine if you are healthy enough for the procedure. Dr. Zemmel cannot stress enough that safety is his primary concern.

Although complications from liposuction are rare, you will be informed of the possible risks ahead of time to help you know what to expect. The more areas being treated at once, and the larger these areas are, the higher your risk during surgery. Possible side effects from liposuction surgery include infection, poor healing, blood clots, excess loss of fluid, and skin or nerve damage. While these are rare, Dr. Zemmel takes every precaution to optimize your safety during your surgery. He will go over these risks with you beforehand, and if you have any questions or concerns, you are encouraged to voice them at any point during your liposuction journey.

What Will My Liposuction Scars Look Like?

The incisions made for liposuction are typically very small. Dr. Zemmel will always make these incisions in the most inconspicuous areas to help naturally hide post-operative scarring. This involves placing the incisions under underwear lines and in natural creases. Over the course of the first year, these scars should gradually lighten, become softer, and flatten.

When Will I See My Liposuction Results?

You should begin to see your liposuction results soon after surgery, but more noticeable improvement is typically seen after 4 to 6 weeks, at which point most of the post-operative swelling will have faded. As residual swelling continues to fade, you should see your final liposuction results around 3 months. To prolong your new contouring results, Dr. Zemmel recommends following a healthy lifestyle by eating a nutritious diet and regularly exercising.