Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, back, thighs, arms or neck. The amount of fat removed depends on the appearance of the area and the volume of fat.  After liposuction, the skin contracts and molds itself to the new contours of the fat reduction areas. If you have good skin tone and elasticity, the skin is likely to appear smooth. If your skin is thin with poor elasticity, however, the skin in the treated areas may appear loose which will limit the amount of fat that can be removed.  Liposuction doesn’t improve cellulite, dimpling, stretch marks or other skin surface irregularities. Introduced by Illouz in the early 1980s, liposuction technique has advanced considerably, with improved safety and outcomes for the patient.  While there are many different techniques, including ultrasonic and laser-assisted liposuction, Dr. Adelyn Ho uses the SAFELipo Technique, described by Dr. Simeon Wall Jr. from Louisiana.

SAFELipos’s 3-step process uses a gentler technique called power-assisted liposuction (PAL) that doesn’t use thermal (heat) energy. This loosens and emulsifies the targeted fat, which is then removed using a smaller cannula.

This technique includes:

Separation:  use of a Becker cannula without suction to separate targeted fat surrounding attachments in a way that leaves blood vessels and other important structures intact. This non-thermal technique does not have the risks associated with heat to separate and emulsify fat cells and globules, which

Aspiration: This refers to the removal of fat cells using suction—a process common to almost all liposuction procedures. Because the fat was carefully separated at step one, removal of fat can occur using smaller cannulas which leaves behind a thin, healthy fat layer with minimal swelling and bruising.

Fat Equalization: This technique is one of the key reasons SAFELipo is unlike any other body contouring procedure. The Becker cannula is used to even the layer of subcutaneous fat to create a blanket of localized fat grafts that prevent skin from attaching to the underlying muscle layer. This reduces the risk of contour irregularities—the primary complication associated with other liposuction techniques.

It is important that patients are realistic with their outcomes with liposuction.  In general, to be a good candidate for liposuction, the following must be bet:

• Average weight or slightly above-average weight, and close to their ideal body weight that is stable
• Good skin elasticity that will recoil and contract after fat is removed
• Have localized fat pockets that are resistant to healthy eating and exercise

Common areas for liposuction include:

• Upper and/or lower abdomen
• Flanks
• Back rolls
• Thighs
• Saddlebags
• Legs
• Knees
• Under chin
• Side of breast
• Arms

In the preoperative area, surgical markings are designed so that they are well concealed. The length of the procedure depends on the amount of fat to be removed and the numbers of regions treated. You can expect swelling and moderate discomfort in the treated areas, which will gradually improve over time.  Your incisions will have sutures that will be removed at 10-14 days, and will be covered with absorbent dressings that can be changed depending on the amount of fluid that drain from the incisions. The amount of drainage can vary, and will be a watery red colour. Compression garments will be worn over the treated areas for 6 weeks, and can be removed as needed for showering. The compression helps to minimize swelling and helps your fat removal areas to adapt to their new contours.  Bruising will like progress over the week, and may persist for up to 4 weeks. Most of the swelling usually subsides in 6-8 weeks, but it will take 6 months for the new contour to settle.

Some of the potential risks associated with liposuction include:  numbness, pain, bleeding, infection, delayed healing, seroma, contour irregularities, further surgery, deep vein thrombosis, and fat embolism, and although unlikely, death.