Is the procedure painful and will I have pain after surgery?
It is completely natural to be concerned when having any type of surgery performed. However, the Tumescent Technique has changed the way liposuction is executed. The large volume of local anesthetic that is injected is completely effective in diminishing any pain associated with liposuction and rules out the need for any other forms such as general anesthesia or IV sedation (which poses greater risks).
Once the injection has been made, your surgeon will insert a tool called a cannula which vacuums out fat deposits. You may feel a bit of pressure, but it is very mild and non-bothersome. This cosmetic surgery is one of the most painless, during and post, that a patient can undergo.
Will I have scars and bruising after surgery?
Bruising after Tumescent Liposuction is very minimal and subsides within days post-procedure. With the use of a diluted solution that is injected to shrink the capillaries, there is very little blood loss. This means that there is virtually no excess blood remaining beneath the skin to cause any significant bruising. Another reason for the lack of bruising, is that the incisions made during the surgery are so small that they do not require stitches after the procedure. Because these are allowed to remain open for a few days after surgery, the blood-tinged solution is allowed to drain and not stay trapped inside the skin. This helps to reduce swelling, bruising, and rapidly accelerates the healing process.
The incisions made are approximately around 1.5mm in size. They are tiny and often not very visible. Should you see any form of scarring, it will be insignificant and should fade within weeks of surgery.
What to expect after surgery and what is the recovery time?
Tumescent Liposuction is a minimally invasive, virtually painless cosmetic procedure. Because of this, post-surgery recovery time is fairly quick. Immediately after surgery, the majority of patients are allowed to go home within 30 minutes. The quick discharge time is due to the use of a local anesthetic as oppose to general anesthesia. The use of local anesthetic typically has no post-op effects and therefore a patient does not have to be monitored as extensively before being allowed to go home.
Most patients are allowed to return to work with light physical activity (i.e. desk job) within 1-3 days after surgery.
As for exercising, it is highly recommended the patient resume a form of physical activity, with most patients taking walks within days of surgery. Refraining from strenuous forms of exercise is recommended, and it is best if you begin with doing 25% of your normal exercise routine, and gradually working your way back up until you feel comfortable to do so.
If your surgeon does not implement stitches on the incision site (common) this allows for open drainage of the solution. With this technique, 90% of all swelling is gone within 4 weeks.
Do I have to wear a compression garment, if so for how long?
If you have had this procedure performed on your abdomen, hips, thighs, or flanks, the use of a compression garment is absolutely necessary to ensure results are of the highest quality and to ensure your overall satisfaction.
During liposuction, the cannula vacuums out fat and creates small pockets. A compression garment works to lift and tighten the skin to close up these pockets and makes sure that your skin is healing in place. The garment also helps facilitate faster healing time and reduces swelling and bruising that you may be experiencing.
Typically, you should wear a compression garment 24 hours a day for the first few days post-surgery. Compression garments should be worn 2-6 weeks after, but this should be discussed with your surgeon to see what is best for you.
Will I need transportation after the surgery?
Although with Tumescent Liposuction you are discharged within 30 minutes post-procedure, it is always a good idea to have a form of transportation to take you home. You want to give your body the time to relax and heal.
Good news is that you can expect to drive again 24-48 hours after your surgery.
Am I a candidate for liposuction?
Not everyone is a candidate for liposuction. Here are some factors that determine if Tumescent Liposuction is something you should be considering:
- You are relatively healthy and active with no pre-existing medical conditions that would hinder you undergoing a cosmetic procedure.
- You have tried losing weight by diet and exercise, but these are no longer producing any results.
- You are within 15-30% of your ideal weight.
- Your skin is healthy in the sense that elasticity is in top form, so it can bounce back post-procedure.
- You have realistic expectations and are aware that liposuction is not a permanent weight loss solution.
- You are mentally and emotionally stable. Surgery sometimes can trigger depression or deeper issues during the healing process.
- You are not taking any medications that are known to interact with lidocaine (the local anesthetic used during Tumescent Liposuction).
As with any cosmetic procedure, you need to talk with a board-certified surgeon to see if you are physically and emotionally adept at undergoing this surgery, and whether this surgery is the right choice for your specific situation.