Surgical procedures

Liposuction

Liposuction is a technique to remove fat through short incisions. The goal of the surgery is to change the shape of the body, but not necessarily to produce weight loss. The most common types of liposuction are suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL), ultrasonic-assisted lipectomy (UAL) and power-assisted lipectomy (PAL).

In SAL a hollow metal probe is connected to a suction machine, and is passed through the tissues to remove small fragments of fat. In UAL the probe emits ultrasonic energy, and the fat is removed in liquid form. PAL resembles SAL except that the probe is oscillated by an electric motor. Dr. Pugash will recommend the technique that is best for you. Dr. Pugash always uses a tumescent technique, in which fluid is injected into the areas to be suctioned. This decreases blood loss, promotes smooth fat removal, and improves patient comfort following surgery.

Liposuction can be used to treat excess fat under the chin as well as in the arms, breasts (in both males and females), abdomen, hips, love handles, saddlebags, thighs, and knees. Liposuction cannot be expected to improve cellulite.

The success of liposuction surgery depends in part on the shrinkage of the skin after the underlying fat is removed. Dr. Pugash will assess the elasticity of your skin, and discuss with you the results you can expect in different areas of your body.

The surgery is carried out on an outpatient basis, unless an unusually extensive procedure is planned. You can expect to wear a liposuction compression garment for about a month after surgery. This helps to reduce swelling and prevent the appearance of irregularities.

Discomfort is generally mild to moderate, depending on the areas treated. Most of the swelling and bruising clear within 2 weeks or so. Patients can usually return to most daily activities by that time; strenuous work and sports activities may require a longer recovery period. The final result may not be visible for 4 to 6 months.

Liposuction is often combined with other procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and some types of breast contouring surgery. The potential complications of liposuction include reactions to the anesthetic, infection, bleeding, fluid collections, burns from the UAL probe, numbness, changes in skin colour, and an unsatisfactory aesthetic result. A disappointing outcome may be a result of removing too much fat, or not enough, or the development of ripples or other irregularities.

Patients often ask how long they can expect their result to last. Generally, results will last longest in patients who keep their weight stable and who remain fit and healthy.

The ideal candidate for liposuction surgery is a person of normal weight who is genetically inclined to store fat in certain locations such as the saddlebags on an otherwise slim woman. Increasingly, we are carrying out larger volume liposuctions in heavier patients. However, such candidates must understand that there are limits to the results that can be obtained in a single operation, or even in several.

Touchup procedures must occasionally be carried some months later to obtain the desired result.

Dr. Pugash will provide complete care following your surgery so you remain comfortable, return quickly to all your usual activities, and obtain the best possible result.