Liposculpture or Liposuction
What is the Liposculpture?
Liposculpture is currently one of the most commonly requested aesthetical surgical treatments. Unlike the formerly called liposuction, the liposculpture involves the use of new technology that makes it possible to mold the body in a more precise and efficient way. The liposculpture is a surgical procedure aimed to remove the fat deposits of different areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and neck. Best results are obtained from moderate overweight patients. Those patients with excess fat around the waistline and stomach may benefit from liposculpture.
If you are an overweight patient, your surgeon may motive you to lose weight through traditional methods of diet and exercise before undergoing liposculpture. Liposculpture is a treatment aimed to reshape different areas of the body, not to lose weight.
Many patients may find that if they do not maintain their figure, and they do not observe a healthy diet and exercise routine after liposuction, the may gain weight in those areas that were previously treated.
Tumescent liposuction
Unlike traditional liposuction, which is a dry method (that does not use any fluid injection to prepare the treated area), the tumescent liposuction use a large dose of liquids to ease the fat removal. In the tumescent liposuction a large dose of liquid containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and epinephrine is injected in the treated area.
This method allows the surgeon to easily remove fat deposits with less damage to the tissues.
The tumescent liposuction can significantly reduce the postoperative pain, swelling, and bruising.
The solution not only provides anesthesia to the area, but also minimizes blood loss during surgery, allows the access of the liposuction cannula through the fat tissue, and minimizes the fluid requirements during and after surgery. When done properly, this procedure is simple and effective.
The ideal candidate for liposculpture is a healthy normal weight patient with good skin elasticity, firm skin with isolated fatty areas, and realistic expectations about the surgery. Liposculpture is not recommended for patients who suffer from cardiac or lung disease, bad blood circulation or diabetes.
Some obese patients who have tried in vain to lose weight may consider liposuction as an alternative to their problems. However, the obese patient should try to lose weight through the traditional treatment methods before consider liposuction. Obesity increases risk during surgery and the recovery from perioperative complications, in these conditions, may become particularly complicated. In these cases, the surgeon should consider if liposculpture is the adequate treatment.
The obese patient should observe that although liposculpture may remove the fat deposits, a massive weight loss may generate skin laxity. The incidence of this complication increases in elderly patients. Because of this the surgeon may recommend to perform another procedure to improve the treatment results.
Liposculpture is frequently performed in conjunction with breast reduction surgery. For many overweight women, liposculpture may not be enough to achieve a more defined figure. Therefore, some women consider liposculpture in conjunction with breast reduction to eliminate unwanted fat and create a healthier and more attractive appearance.
Liposculpture can also be performed in combination with lipectomy, tummy tuck, and other procedures.
Liposuction may improve body contour in the obese patient, but it will not result in a perfect body. Normal weight patients, who only need to reshape their body, should expect better results from liposculpture than obese patients. Also, the harvested fat from liposculpture can be treated and reinjected in other areas, such as the buttocks or other areas to provide projection. However, the body tends to reabsorb the injected fat, and volume may slightly diminish within time.
Preoperative evaluation
The preoperative evaluation is essential for the patient seeking liposculpture. During examination you must speak candidly about your expectations from liposuction. Your doctor will listen to you carefully and discuss with you your expectations. In the same manner, the physician will consider the techniques to use in your case. The surgical planning will be discussed in detail with you, and the procedure will be scheduled. Then you will be informed about the treatment, the risks and potential complications. Also, you will be instructed on how to prepare for surgery and what you can expect from surgery.
In this consultation the physician will evaluate your overall health status, the body sites to be treated, skin tone and elasticity. As a rule, stature, body measurements and body weight are evaluated before surgery. Please inform you physician if you smoke. Also, let your surgeon know if you are taking any medication or vitamin supplement.
Dr. Nieto may take photos of different angles of your body to analyze them through the computer, document the procedure and evaluate the postoperative results. Since the results of aesthetic surgery may from patient to patient, the photos taken are not intended to represent results that every patient can expect.
Patients undergoing liposculpture usually are in a treatment, diet, or they are taking medications to lose weight. Please inform your physician if you are taking any diet or diuretic medication in order to avoid any perioperative complications.
Faqs - Liposculpture
What is the Liposculpture?
Liposculpture is currently one of the most commonly requested aesthetical surgical treatments. Unlike the formerly called liposuction, the liposculpture involves the use of new technology that makes it possible to mold the body in a more precise and efficient way. The liposculpture is a surgical procedure aimed to remove the fat deposits of different areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and neck. Best results are obtained from moderate overweight patients. Those patients with excess fat around the waistline and stomach may benefit from liposculpture.
Will I require hospitalization?
Most patients do not require hospitalization. However, if a great deal of fat is removed, you might need a stay in the hospital in order to observe your postoperative recovery.
The technology developed to improve the procedures in liposculpture seeks to minimize the potential risks and complications providing security to the patient. However, with any type of surgical procedure, including liposculpture, complications may appear. Our section about RISK FACTORS IN PLASTIC SURGERY provides complete information about this subject along with recommendations and instructions.
Each patient receives the appropriate method of prophylaxis before, during and after the procedure. Besides adequate position and early deambulation, Dr. Nieto routinely uses elastic and pneumatic compression devices, as well as anticoagulant medications to prevent venous thromboembolism. Dr. Nieto´s Antiembolic prophylaxis includes:
1. Use of compression stockings during and after surgery.
2. Clexane 20 mg the night of the surgery.
3. Clexane 20 mg first day after surgery.
4. Use of a pneumatic compression device during and right after surgery.
5. Patient early deambulation.
Liposculpture may be performed with local anesthesia. However, when large areas are going to be treated it is better to use general anesthesia with intravenous sedation and inhalation anesthesia. You will sleep through the entire operation, feeling no pain and remaining absolutely relaxed. The section about Anesthesia provides complete information on this medical practice along with recommendations and instructions.
Liposuction may or may not require hospitalization. When large-volume liposculpture is performed, hospital stay may be recommended.
- Nausea and vomiting following liposculpture are treated prophylactically with oral medication.
- Early deambulation following liposculpture is recommended to avoid venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism.
- A light diet for the first day after surgery is recommended. Jelly, thin soup or a consommé may be an adequate diet.
- A compressive bandage will be place around your abdomen. You should wear it for the first 3 days. You will be instructed on how to use it.
- Your physician may recommend wearing an elastic compression garment after liposuction to help promote the healing process.
- Please do not use a bath tub for the first week following the procedure or as indicated by the physician.
Tumescent liposuction
Unlike traditional liposuction, which is a dry method (that does not use any fluid injection to prepare the treated area), the tumescent liposuction use a large dose of liquids to ease the fat removal. In the tumescent liposuction a large dose of liquid containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and epinephrine is injected in the treated area.
Liposculpture Preparation
It is considered you are in surgery from the moment you arrive to the surgical area until the moment you have sufficiently recovered from anesthesia. Before surgery, your surgeon, anesthesiologist and the nursing staff will meet you in the pre-operative area to discuss your medical condition and answer any question. You may receive pain and anti-inflammatory medication right before surgery.
The anesthesia
What kind of anesthesia is used for liposculpture?
Liposculpture may be performed with local anesthesia. However, when large areas are going to be treated it is better to use general anesthesia with intravenous sedation and inhalation anesthesia. You will sleep through the entire operation, feeling no pain and remaining absolutely relaxed.
The section about Anesthesia provides complete information on this medical practice along with recommendations and instructions.
Hospitalization
Will I require hospitalization?
Liposuction may or may not require hospitalization. When large-volume liposculpture is performed, hospital stay may be recommended.
The procedure
Preoperatively the surgeon marks the areas of liposuction and fat injection. This is a very important step, as patient positioning on the operating table may modify the form of some depressions and prominences of the body. The procedure techniques may vary according to the individual conditions of the patient. Most of the procedures are performed with the patient in the supine position (lying down with face up) or with patient in the prone position (lying with face down). The circulating nurse will ensure that all body pressure points as well as breasts and nipples are padded. You will be covered with a warm blanket to keep you warm during surgery. Also, the intravenous therapy is initiated to give you liquid substances and medications directly into a vein.
The liposculpture technique involves the use of a small tube called a cannula, which is inserted through tiny incisions under the skin to remove fat. The latest technique of liposculpture/liposuction employs ultrasound energy to liquify fat cells, which are removed by the cannula. Because of its better quality, most surgeons prefer fat from conventional liposuction to be used for lipoinjection.
Fat obtained for lipoinjection is decanted to separate fat from tumescent fluid and other fluids. To maintain normal body fluid balance, the surgeon maintains during the procedure the administration of intravenous fluids. A large dose of liquid containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and epinephrine is injected in the treated area. In the liposculpture type UAL (Ultrasound assisted lipo) the fat is liquefied by the solution to ease the extraction. Incisions are made within skin folds.
This method allows the surgeon to easily remove fat deposits with less damage to the tissues. Drainage tubes are placed to diminish the risk of seroma. Incisions are closed with sutures, an antibiotic dressing is placed over the incision and a surgical tape is applied.
After the procedure a compression bandage is applied. There are a wide variety of bandages with many different applications. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate compression garment for you.
Hospitalization
Will I require hospitalization?
Most patients do not require hospitalization. However, if a great deal of fat is removed, you might need a stay in the hospital in order to observe your postoperative recovery.
Liposculpture considerations
* Once the fat deposits have been removed, the skin around the treated area become loose. Because of the liposuction the skin tends to swell. After some days, when the edema subsides the skin tightens and retracts. This process can be improved through massage and ultrasound therapy.
- Liposculpture may temporary improve the appearance of the skin with cellulite. But there is no cure for cellulite. Exercise, diet, and liposculpture may improve the appearance of this condition.
- The tiny incisions for liposculpture are placed in such a way that they are hidden in the natural folds of the skin, in areas where the scars can be camouflaged.
- Skin excess resulting from liposculpture may be surgically removed.
Postoperative care
What can I expect after surgery?
- Nausea and vomiting following liposculpture are treated prophylactically with oral medication.
- Early deambulation following liposculpture is recommended to avoid venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism.
- If the treated area is the abdomen, drainage tubes will be placed to remove blood and other fluids from the wound.
- Once the procedure is complete your abdomen is wrapped in a compressive bandage to help reduce postoperative swelling and bruising. Bandages will help the underlying skin to bond together and to improve the healing process.
- You may experience some discomfort which will be minimized with pain and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Many patients experience feelings of sadness or anxiety during recovery after surgery. This may be caused by the use of some medications that may affect you, and the fact that for now bruising and swelling do not let you see the results. In fact, this is quite normal. Your feelings of sadness and depression will subside as you heal.
- You should gradually increase your physical activity as tolerated. After a week you will feel and look better.
- Sutures will be removed within the following 10 days.
- Some patients experience muscular discomfort after surgery. Pain medication may alleviate this side-effect. It is recommended to take your medications along with jelly and crackers to avoid damage to the stomach.
- Please avoid any strenuous activity. Swelling and bruising may persist for some time. These conditions will fade within months after surgery
You should perceive immediate results after surgery. However, you should wait until swelling fades completely to see final results. This may happen after 3 weeks. As you resume your daily activities, you will feel better and you will find that you are more comfortable with your clothes. Liposuction results take at least 3-4 months to be finalized. Final results of liposculpture may define in 3-4 months. Remember that if you do not observe a healthy diet and exercise routine after liposuction, you may gain weight in the areas previously treated. Most patients feel motivated to change their diet, exercise routines, and lifestyle after liposculpture.
Complications in liposculpture
What are the possible complications of liposculpture?
The technology developed to improve the procedures in liposculpture seeks to minimize the potential risks and complications providing security to the patient. However, with any type of surgical procedure, including liposculpture, complications may appear. Our section about RISK FACTORS IN PLASTIC SURGERY provides complete information about this subject along with recommendations and instructions.
Some complications associated with liposculpture include:
Damage to the skin:
Plastic surgery utilizes various surgical and medical techniques to prevent damage to the skin. However, it is impossible for the surgeon to predict the reaction of the skin. Some patients are more sensitive than others to tissue manipulation. Depending on the skin reaction contour irregularities, areas or variable pigmentation, lumps and asymmetry may occur. Adequate massage therapy may help to prevent skin irregularities resulting from liposculpture.
Seroma:
A Seroma is a formation of clear serous fluid that develops in the body after surgery. Incidence of seroma formation has significantly diminished due to the implementation of new techniques and new technology. Drainage tubes placement may diminish the risk of seroma formation, especially when a great deal of fat has been removed.
Hypoesthesia:
Reduced sense of touch or sensation, or a partial loss of sensitivity to sensory stimuli. This condition will gradually recede after surgery.
Infection:
Despite all preventing measurements, as with any surgery, risk of infection may occur. The use of perioperative prophylactic antibiotics may prevent surgical site infections. Patient must take an active part on his/her treatment to make surgery as successful as possible. Patient must contact her physician immediately if develops symptoms or signs such as fever, sensitivity in the surgical site, or if the area around the wound becomes red or if it feels swollen. Remember that a rapid reaction may be highly effective to solve a complication.
Thromboembolism:
Venous thromboembolism is one of the risks in plastic surgery procedures. However, thromboprophylaxis prevention may decrease complications in patients who undergo surgery. Dr. Nieto`s patients receive the most appropriate methods of prophylaxis for his or her individual condition to prevent thromboembolism. Some mechanical devices and chemical regimens are a good option for preventing blood clots and may reduce but no eliminate the risk of venous thromboembolism.
Hemostasis is a complex defense mechanism that prevents excessive blood loss (hemorrhage). Part of the response to injury, e.g. as part of a surgical procedure, is the stimulation of the hemostatic system. The hemostatic system generates an insoluble form that is deposited at the site of injury. However, in this natural process an unwanted blood clot or thrombus may form decreasing blood flow. If the thrombus dislodges and migrates from one part of the body may cause a blockage of a blood vessel in another part of the body, it is termed as an embolus. Even though signs and symptoms are nonspecific to detect this disease, the surgeon may develop a treatment to prevent the risk of thromboembolism.
Antiembolic prophylaxis
What is the Antiembolic prophylaxis?
Each patient receives the appropriate method of prophylaxis before, during and after the procedure. Besides adequate position and early deambulation, Dr. Nieto routinely uses elastic and pneumatic compression devices, as well as anticoagulant medications to prevent venous thromboembolism. Dr. Nieto´s Antiembolic prophylaxis includes:
1. Use of compression stockings during and after surgery.
2. Clexane 20 mg the night of the surgery.
3. Clexane 20 mg first day after surgery.
4. Use of a pneumatic compression device during and right after surgery.
5. Patient early deambulation.
Women, Liposculpture Surgery and Scars Surgery
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Women, Tummy Tuck Surgery and Liposculpture Surgery
When Dr. Claudia and Dr. Espinosa did my assessment I was told I could do surgery body and face time, feel free at any time to fulfill myself liposuction, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, they had the experience gave me much security. Today I give thanks that improved my image and I feel pretty good, the results exceeded my expectations was better than I expected. I feel very happy more sure of myself. Thanks to these two wonderful doctors as God put in my way. THANKS
Women, Mastopexy Breast Lift Surgery and Liposculpture Surgery
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Men, Liposculpture Surgery
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