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What you can expect
By Mayo Clinic staff
Before liposuction, the surgeon may mark circles and lines on the areas of your body to be treated. Photos also may be taken, so that before-and-after images can be compared.
How your liposuction procedure is done depends on the specific technique that's used:
- Tumescent liposuction. This is the most common type of liposuction. The surgeon injects a sterile solution — a mixture of salt water, which aids fat removal, an anesthetic (lidocaine) to relieve pain and a drug that causes the blood vessels to constrict (epinephrine) — into the area that's being treated. The fluid mixture causes the affected area to swell and stiffen. The surgeon then makes small cuts into your skin and inserts a thin tube called a cannula under your skin. The cannula is connected to a vacuum that suctions fat and fluids from your body. Your body fluid may be replenished through an intravenous (IV) line.
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL). This type of liposuction is sometimes used in conjunction with tumescent liposuction. During UAL, the surgeon inserts a metal rod that emits ultrasonic energy under your skin. This ruptures the fat cell walls and liquefies the fat for easier removal.
- Powered liposuction. This type of liposuction uses a cannula that moves in a rapid back-and-forth motion. This vibration allows the surgeon to pull out tough fat more easily. Powered liposuction may sometimes cause less pain and swelling and can allow the surgeon to remove fat with more precision, especially on smaller areas, such as the arm, knee or ankle.
During the procedure
Some liposuction procedures may require only local or regional anesthesia — anesthesia limited to a specific area of your body. Other procedures may require general anesthesia, which induces a temporary state of unconsciousness. You may be given a sedative, typically through an IV injection, to help you remain calm and relaxed.
The surgical team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen level throughout the procedure. If you feel pain, tell your surgeon. The medication or motions may need adjustment.
The procedure may last up to several hours, depending on the extent of fat removal. After the procedure, the surgeon may leave your incisions open to promote fluid drainage. If you've had general anesthesia, you'll wake in a recovery room. You'll typically spend at least a few hours in the hospital or clinic so that medical personnel can monitor your recovery. If you're in a hospital, you may stay overnight to make sure that you're not dehydrated or in shock from fluid loss.
After the procedure
Expect some pain, swelling and bruising after the procedure. You may need to wait a few days before returning to work, and a few weeks before resuming your normal activities — including exercise.
Your surgeon may prescribe medication to help control pain and antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. You also may need to wear tight compression garments, which help reduce swelling, for a few weeks. During this time, expect some contour irregularities as the remaining fat settles into position.
- Mun ED, et al. Surgical management of severe obesity. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
- Liposuction. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www1.plasticsurgery.org/ebusiness4/ProductCatalog/pdf/brochures/Liposuction.pdf. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- What are the risks or complications associated with liposuction? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/ucm070191.htm. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- What can I expect before, during, and after liposuction? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/ucm070194.htm. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- Coldiron B, et al. ASDS Guidelines of care for tumescent liposuction. Dermatologic Surgery. 2006;32:709.
- Habbema L. Breast reduction using liposuction with tumescent local anesthesia and powered cannulas. Dermatologic Surgery. 2009;35:41.
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