Liposuction
About Liposuction Surgery in New York
What does the operation involve?
The following is a description of the classic liposuction method utilizing the tumescent technique.
To begin the operation a number of tiny incisions (about 3-4mm) are made in the skin in the areas to be treated. These slit incisions are made, when possible in inconspicuous places. Subsequently the areas are injected with the tumescent solution mentioned previously. The solution is then allowed to diffuse and take effect (about 10-15mins) throughout the target fat. As mentioned the solution will numb the areas as well as reduce bleeding by temporarily closing down the capillaries. The appropriate cannulas are inserted into the fat, then through backward and forward stroking motions the fat is loosened and drawn off by a strong vacuum pump. It is at this point that Power Assisted Lipoplasty (PAL) differs from the conventional. The back and forth motions mentioned, are much gentler and smoother because of the mechanical drive mechanism within the power handle. Since the fat is removed by suctioning small "tunnels" through the fat, the skin remains intimately connected to the underlying muscles by multiple attachments called fibrous septa. These can be described as being the body's "Velcro". It is this process and these structures which assures that the skin will not hang in loose folds after liposuction. The fat is removed by doing as little damage to the septa, which also contain blood vessels, nerves and lymph vessels. For this fat to be removed without serious damage requires an excellent knowledge of the anatomy, an appreciation of body proportions and of course, surgical and mental stamina.
Throughout this procedure Dr. Klapper is always conscious of leaving a smooth layered thin blanket of fat attached to the underside of the skin, in order to minimize the possibility of any irregularities or rippling of the skin.
Because you'll also lose some fluid along with the fat during liposuction, it is normal practice for the anesthesiologist to give intravenous fluids to replace those lost in the procedure.
What type of anesthetic is used?
Liposuction can be performed successfully either with a local anesthetic alone, local anesthesia with mild sedation (twilight anesthesia) or with a General anesthetic (completely asleep). If you decide to have it done with a local anesthetic, you will probably feel some vibration and friction during the procedure. You may also occasionally feel a stinging sensation as the cannula moves closer to the muscle. Obviously if you are put to sleep then you will not be aware of anything.
The decision very much depends on: the number of areas treated, the amount of fat to be removed, any pre-existing medical conditions or unique circumstances and of course the individual patients desires.
Such decisions are best made after a thorough consultation and discussion with Dr. Klapper.
How long does the surgery take?
This depends on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat which will be removed. Therefore this can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Do I need to stay in overnight?
This very much depends on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat that is removed. It also depends on the individual’s preference and circumstances. Some people prefer day surgery so that they can recover at home whilst others prefer the reassurance of a hospital environment on the first night following surgery. Certainly when small areas, with less that 1.5 liters of fat are removed, day surgery can comfortably be undertaken. When the amount of fat exceeds this, it may then be preferable to decide on an overnight stay.
The decision for this can be made at the time of the consultation visit.
How much fat can you extract?
It is important to understand that there is a maximum safe limit to the amount of fat that can be extracted during any one operation. It is important to understand that Dr. Klapper will not compromise your safety to remove more than what is safe.
How much weight will I lose?
The answer is very little. In fact in the first few weeks after surgery you may notice a slight increase in weight due to water retention. The reason that you don't lose much weight is because taking out up to 2.5 or even 3 liters of fat is not enough for you to see a significant drop in your weight. This is because fat cells don't actually weigh that much. On the other hand however, depending on the treated area of course, you will notice a significant decrease in girth measurements!
Is it Painful?
There are very few forms of surgery that are completely painless. Discomfort is a euphemism for pain and many doctors use these interchangeably. In the case of liposuction, the degrees of pain vary from patient to patient but this can be controlled by analgesics, which will be prescribed. The initial pain lasts around 1 week however there may be residual soreness in the treated area, mainly upon palpation, for up to 4-5 weeks. Along with the soreness you may experience some stiffness which usually abates as your mobility increases.
Will the Fat come back?
The short answer to this is no. As fat cells have achieved their set number in any given part of the body by puberty, increased caloric intake will not lead to volume gains in the treated site. It is important nonetheless to maintain your weight afterwards by sensible eating and regular exercise. You must understand that if you do take in excess calories after surgery, you will then notice other areas of your body increasing in size.