Liposuction also known as liposculpture is a procedure that helps sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas.  Liposuction should not be considered as a substitute for dieting and exercising, and it is not a weight-loss procedure.  However, it is a successful way to remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

Risks Involved
As with any surgical procedures, there are some risks involved. With liposuction complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, each patient varies greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.  Some of the complications that may occur include infection, fluid retention, and reactions to the anesthesia.

Pre-operative Preparation
Specific instruction will be give to you by Dr. DiTredici on how you should prepare for your surgery.  Dr. DiTredici recommends using our rapid recovery cream, from our prescribed solutions skin care line. This cream contains special ingredients which will help reduce the inflammation and bruising that occur after surgery.  For your safety on the day of your surgery you should make arrangements for someone to escort you home. 

Surgical Procedure
Liposuction is performed using what is called a canula.  This is a hollow tube with holes distal at the end.  They range in different thicknesses and lengths, as well as different “hole” configurations.  These canulas are connected to a sterile hose, which is connected to a suction machine.  The fat is then collected in a canister and discarded.  To begin, small incisions are made in the designated areas to be suctioned.  It is important to keep the amount of incisions to a minimal, as well as placing them in inconspicuous sites.  Tumescent solution is infiltrated first.  This is a technique that utilizes a solution made up of Ringers Lactate fluid, anesthetic and epinephrine.  By utilizing this technique, a surgeon is able to remove the fat with a small amount of blood loss.  It also enables a surgeon to perform a liposuction procedure without the use of general anesthesia in certain patients.  After waiting approximately ten minutes, so as to allow the solution to take effect, suction assisted liposuction (S.A.L.) is performed.  The procedure is best performed with a succession of canulas beginning with a larger canula and ending with a smaller canula.  This helps to avoid the possibility of contour irregularities.  At the end of the procedure a compression garment is applied to the patient and the surgery is complete.  The approximate length of time for the procedure is one to two hours.

Post-Operative
After the procedure you may experience some minor discomfort, in which, Dr. DiTredici will prescribe some medication to help alleviate.  There is a surgical compression garment that will be provided to you in order to reduce swelling and prevent fluid build-up. It will be placed right after surgery, and you are expected to wear it for at least 2-3 weeks after the procedure.  You will experience some drainage, pinkish in color; this is expected and will resolve within 24-48 hours. You are advised to shower the next day.  The doctor will see you within several days after your surgery to check on your progress.  Most of our patients return to work within 1-2 weeks after surgery, but some may need additional time to heal and recuperate.