Blood tests are sometimes performed and photographs are taken to assess post-operative effectiveness.

       No aspirin, ibuprofen, or similar drugs should be taken within two weeks of surgery. These medications can cause serious excess bleeding during, and after, the operation. If you have any questions about drugs you are taking, including over the counter preparations and natural herbs, please call the office.

       Liposuction operations differ widely in their scope and management. Smaller procedures can be performed in the office under the effects of oral pain medication and local tumescent fluid placement. Tumescent fluid is a mixture of saline (salt water), epinephrine (to control bleeding), and lidocaine (to numb the area). Larger operations are usually done in the hospital under general anesthesia which makes the operation more comfortable and introduces an added safety factor by having an anesthesiologist and trained operating room staff available at all times for added patient monitoring.

       Before the surgery you will be marked in a standing position and areas of excess fat will be identified. After the proper anesthesia has been given, several small (¼ inch) incisions will be made and the tumescent fluid introduced. Fat removal will then take place utilizing an array of cannulas (tubes) a various diameter and length.

       Two additional modalities that can be used during liposuction are ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) and power-assisted liposuction (PAL). UAL utilizes ultrasonic frequencies to liquefy fat cells prior to their being removed. It is a very good tool in fibrous and difficult to suction areas such as the back and the male breast. It does carry some added risk since the incision to insert it is slightly larger (½ inch) and the ultrasonic energy can burn the patient's skin if not carefully monitored.

       PAL utilizes a motorized cannula which moves back and forth rapidly to remove fat more quickly and provide increased abilities to etch the tissues.

       At the conclusion of the liposuction, small dissolvable stitches are placed along the incisions and dressings are positioned to absorb any leaking tumescent fluid. It is completely normal and expected to have a significant leakage of tumescent fluid for the first 24 hours after the procedure. This fluid is often tinted with some blood and may appear to represent a significant blood loss. It is important to realize that this leakage is normal and harmless. Should significant dark red blood or clots appear after surgery, call the office immediately.