Ask about your medical history, illnesses, medications, drug allergies, and previous surgeries
You may be asked to stop taking some medications (including herbal supplements) up to 1 week before the procedure
Discuss previous weight losses/gains and how they affected your body
Have you identify the areas you would like to have suctioned
Test your skin's elasticity (ability of the skin to stretch and return to normal)
Estimate the amount of fat needed to be removed for best results
Discuss your ideal surgical outcome and body image versus realistic expectations
Determine your emotional stability—after surgery, some patients tend to become temporarily
depressed
Discuss the different types of liposuction available
Prepare you for the procedure by:
Discussing surgical techniques and anesthesia options
Determining if the procedure should be conducted in a surgical center, at an outpatient clinic, or in a hospital—The location will depend on the amount of fat to be removed. When large amounts of fat are removed, it is safest to do the surgery in a hospital.
Giving you instructions
Addressing your questions and concerns
Leading up to your procedure:
Refrain from smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding diet.
Arrange for a ride and for help at home.
The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
If advised by your doctor, take a shower in the morning or the night before the procedure. You may need to use special antibacterial soap.
Anesthesia
There are 2 anesthesia options for liposuction. Your doctor will help you to decide which is best for you.
Local anesthesia—This numbs the area. You will be awake during the procedure.
A special fluid containing saline (salt water), additional anesthetic, adrenalin (to minimize bleeding), and bicarbonate (to minimize pain from injection) will be injected into the fatty areas. You may have an incision for the fluid injection. One of the following 3 extraction techniques will be used:
Wet technique—The amount of fluid injected is less than the amount of fat to be removed.
Super wet technique—The amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat removed.
Tumescent technique—Two or 3 times as much fluid is injected into the body as fat removed.
After the fluid is added, a small incision will be made near the area to be suctioned. In traditional liposuction, the doctor will use an instrument called a cannula to suction the fat. A cannula is a hollow tube, like a drinking straw. A vacuum pressure unit, which is attached by a hose to the cannula, will provide the suction for the procedure. Once fat has been removed, the incisions may be sutured closed or left open to drain.
The following are different types of liposuction available:
Power-assisted liposuction—This involves the use of a vibrating cannula that disrupts the fat cells prior to their removal. The technique is especially useful in areas where the fat is more difficult to remove or in areas previously liposuctioned.
Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL)—This involves the use of ultrasound energy provided via a probe under the skin. The fat cells are disrupted and the fat is then removed by traditional liposuction. There may be a reduction in bleeding and swelling and an increase in skin tightening with this procedure.
Laser-assisted lipolysis—This involves the use of a laser fiber placed under the skin. Heat is used to liquefy fat prior to removal by traditional liposuction. The laser coagulates blood vessels to minimize bleeding and swelling, and it also causes the skin to tighten.
Water-assisted liposuction—This involves the use of a special cannula that sprays water to gently disrupt fat cells prior to their removal. This is a newer procedure.
You will be taken to a recovery room for monitoring.
IV fluids may be given to aid in hydration.
You may be asked to take short walks to improve blood circulation.
Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage discomfort.
An elastic garment to help speed recovery will be given with instructions for usage.
When 5 liters of fat or more is removed, an overnight stay will be required.
Preventing Infection
During your stay, the care center staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:
Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:
Washing your hands often and reminding healthcare providers to do the same
Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks while you are at the care center
Not allowing others to touch your incision
At Home
Results of the liposuction will not be seen right away. Depending on the amount of fat removed and the body’s ability to heal, visible results may take weeks or months to appear. Typically, swelling begins to decrease within a few weeks of surgery. However, it may take months to fully subside. Bruising may last 3 or more weeks. Numbness may persist for several weeks before it begins to fade. After the swelling and bruising disappear, the true result of the procedure is seen. If postoperative weight is maintained, the results of the liposuction can be permanent.
If desired results are not achieved, or if the skin remains loose, additional surgery may be needed.
It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Persistent high temperature
Oozing or discharge from incisions
Bleeding
Redness or increased swelling
Increased pain or tenderness
Coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe nausea, or vomiting
Signs of shock (pale clammy skin, confusion or weakness, rapid pulse)
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Last reviewed September 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Donald W. Buck II, MD Last Updated: 9/25/2020
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