WE ASK OUR SURGEONS ...What liposuction technique do you use,
and what do you think of any new technologies out there or coming
in the future (i.e. laser lipo)? view their answers >

  Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of
fat from beneath the surface of the skin. It is designed to remove
pockets of fat that have not responded to diet or exercise, so is not an
effective method of weight loss. Good candiates for this procedures are
near their ideal weight and are active and healthy. It also helps to have
good skin elasticity so that the skin shrinks to the reduced contour.

  There are a few techniques used in liposuction surgery used by
Canadian plastic surgeons:

Tumescent liposuction

  The tumescent technique involves injecting large volumes of a saline
solution beneath the skin and around the fat of the areas needing
liposuction. The solution is salt water containing a local anesthetic and
small amounts of adrenaline, a naturally occurring hormone that shrinks
blood vessels. The solution numbs the tissues and shrinks the blood
vessels which numbs the area, eliminates pain and helps to minimizing
bleeding, bruising and swelling. The fat expands a little from the nerves
and blood vessels reducing thechance of any damage.

  Once the solution has been injected a canula is put through small
incisions on the skin to remove the fat. This canula is connected to a
vacuum machine and the surgeon moves his hand back and forth
removing the fat. The fat travels into the canula and through a tube
into a jar.

  After the surgery you are wrapped up in a compression garment to
help the skin contract to the new contour. You will be given pain
medication to take as needed. Your surgeon will instruct you
how long you wear this for (usually 4-6 weeks). You will find that the
solution will drain from the incisions for a few days, it might be clear
or lightly blood tinged.

Ultrasonic liposuction

  Ultrasonic liposuction involves the use of high frequency sound waves
to liquefy the fat cells under the skin. These waves have no effect on
surrounding tissues. It is thought the Ultrasonic technique is better
for larger amounts of liposuction or stubborn deposits. Some surgeons
feel there is less blood loss, swelling and pain with this technique,
others disagree. It is important you find out which technique is best for
you with the Canadian plastic surgeon you consult with.

Power assisted liposuction (PAL)

  Power assisted liposuction (PAL) liposuction involves the use of a powered cannula, usually supplied by an electric motor and is often combined with the tumescent technique. PAL can make liposuction easier for the surgeon and is thought to reduce trauma to the body, but again some surgeons disagree.

Newer liposuction techniques

  Newer technologies in liposuction include 'laser lipo' which uses a
laser to melt the fat. It is important you find out which technique is best
for you with the Canadian plastic surgeon you consult with.

  Most liposuction surgeries can be performed in a few hours under
local anesthetic, and you will be home the same day. For larger
volumes general anesthetic might be used. You will be asked to
rest at home for 5-10 days, and it is good to move around regularly to
keep your circulation going. Your skin might be bruised from the
surgery, and the small incisions might be red, but should heal quickly.

  You will probably notice the results soon after surgery, but the true
improvement will not be evident until approximately 6 months, when all
the swelling has subsided. The fat cells removed will not grow back,
but it is important to follow a healthy diet and regular exercise as it is
possible for the remaining cells to grow. If you gain weight after the
surgery you should find that the areas that were problematic before
will not accumulate fat, but other areas will so you can look uneven.

  Common locations for liposuction include chin, cheeks, neck, upper
arms, back, above breasts, upper and lower abdomen, upper buttocks,
hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles.

To view before and after photos of liposuction from Canadian
Plastic Surgeons and Patients in Canada click here >>