LIPOSCULPTURING
(liposuction)

INTRODUCTION

Liposculpturing is not a medical decision, but a personal option. The way people see themselves will define them as persons, helping them obtain social recognition and approval. Some women do not consider that the so-called cellulitis puts them at any disadvantage, but many who have the condition in various areas of the body will find personal satisfaction after the performance of the surgery.

Your friends and the members of your family may tell you their opinion regarding this procedure, the plastic surgeon may offer you medical advice, but it is only you who decides what is the most appropriate solution for you.

This type of surgery has been practiced since the 80s and a large number of women have reaped benefits from this surgical intervention.

Liposculpturing, also known as lipoaspiration or liposuction is the adequate solution for women and men who have fat deposits that do not respond to diet or physical exercise.
In the US this operation is considered the most common and popular plastic surgery procedure.

SURGICAL INTERVENTION

The surgical intervention consists in the removal of fat from lipoid deposits by means of small incisions and lipoaspiration cannula that is connected to an aspirator.

The number of fat cells in the human body is fixed, so by eliminating fat cells, their number is decreased. The removal of fat is a permanent process, but if an increase in volume of the cells results owing to a fattening process, the volume increases in the aspirated area, but the distribution will be more uniform.

A lipoaspirated area cannot become as large as it was before the operation.
The scars left after the operation are minimal and do not create any problems from an aesthetic point of view.

Modern techniques of liposculpturing consist in injecting a liquid containing a diluted anesthetic in the area to be aspired, in order to eliminate postoperative discomfort and adrenaline to minimize bleeding. These techniques are called "Tumescent techniques".

The operation is performed under general anesthesia, because it is safer and provides the necessary comfort to the surgical team. The risks of general anesthesia are low but they cannot be completely eliminated. Please provide the anesthetist with your case history in order to establish the course and conduct of the surgery.

The time required for the operation of lipoaspiration depends on several factors, including the number of areas to be aspired, quantity of fat to be removed, patient anatomy, type of anesthesia.
Generally, the procedure lasts for 1 to 2 hours for each area.
Most operations require 2-3 days of postoperative hospitalization. In this way the patient is being monitored by the medical and surgical staff.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Some of the complications that may occur are: infection, hematoma, seroma (that requires elimination),changes in the sensitivity of the tegument in the aspired areas, tegumental unevenness, especially in patients with low skin elasticity. Follow the plastic surgeon's counsel to avoid the appearance of such complications.

POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS

After the operation you must wear a special garment (compressive bandage) especially for the aspired areas. This garment must be work for 24 hours, for 3 to 6 weeks postoperatively in order to obtain the best results.
Postoperative pain and discomfort is minimal and may be controlled using analgesics.

Usually, current activities may be resumed 2-3 days after the operation. Office work can be done within this period. Avoidance of strenuous and intense activities is recommended.
Complete and normal activity may be resumed 6 weeks after the surgery.
The results become visible 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively, but the overall effect of the operation shall be obvious after a longer period of time.

Lipoaspiration is an operation for the removal of fat deposits, reshaping the body; that is why it is also called liposculpturing. This will lead to increased confidence, as the new look will be pleasing to the eye.
The emotional and psychic benefits of the procedure are an increased self-assurance, enhanced aspect of the body and great personal satisfaction.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

· Wash thoroughly before the procedure;
· Exclude aspirin and aspirin-related medication two weeks before the operation;
· Try to schedule the operation outside your menstrual period;
· You need a garment to wear after the operation;
· Do not eat or drink anything, not even water after midnight before the procedure is performed;
· Do not expose yourself to sunlight for two weeks before the operation;
· Wear only glasses, do not use contact lenses;
· Do not use make-up or nail varnish; remove any varnish off your nails before the operation;
· On the day of the operation leave your jewelry at home;
· Please let the anesthetist know if you wear dentures.

This presentation is only made for information purposes.
For customized data and for further details please contact us at:

Radu Voicu, MD
Specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Teaching Hospital CF2, 63 Marasti Blvd, Sector 1, Bucharest
Tel: 021-224 50 02
Mobile: 0722 684 735
Fax : 021-413 06 69
e-mail: office@drvoicu.ro
Internet: www.drvoicu.ro