Patrick Hudson MD, FACS

Liposuction

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Indications: Liposuction is done to remove localized areas of fat from many areas of the body. If you have tried diet and exercise therei s probably no good alternative to liposuction or a surgical approach to fat removal and it is often hard for the patient to decide between an abdominoplasty and liposuction.

Liposuction does not tighten skin although sometimes the underlying tissue seems pulled tighter by a thin layer of scar tissue (adhesions). It  is used to sculpt areas and is not designed to remove large amounts of fat or to treat obesity. Several newer techniques include ultrasonic liposuction, smart liposuction, laser liposuction and so on.  Dr.Hudson feels the technique called ultrasonic liposuction is well established and may be able to remove larger amounts of fat. Dr. Hudson was the first surgeon in Albuquerque, and one of the first in the United States, to use this newer technique.  He has performed thousands of areas of liposuction using ultrasonic liposuction.As with much in medicine the decision may rest on what method provides the most benefit with the least complications.

Cellulite is not usually improved by traditional liposuction and in some cases may be made worse.

Method: The method of surgery is to make small incisions through which the fat is removed in individual tubes.

Different sized cannulae, or suction tubes, are used to remove the fat and the pattern crisscrosses to reduce the risks of irregularity.

Liposuction is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). Most patients are are more comfortable asleep. Almost always the area is distended with saline and this is called tumescence or superwet technique.

Usually liposuction is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.

Problems: All operations have some risk.The risks of liposuction are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for liposuction.

In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling.

The main problems which are special or unique for liposuction are surface irregularity and the need for secondary surgery.

Ultrasonic liposuction also has complications such as nerve damage but probably causes less bleeding and irregularity.

It is important to remember that no surgeon can give a guarantee about the final outcome, including appearance, shape, size and so on.  You should have a realistic attitude about the outcome, and remember that all surgery has good and bad aspects. That there is no such thing as ‘perfect surgery’. 

The satisfaction rate for cosmetic surgery is around 90%  and although a satisfactory outcome is anticipated this means that 10% of people do not achieve the result that either the patient or the surgeon would like.  

If things do not go well you may need revision or secondary surgery. Although many surgeons do not charge for this, there is often a charge for anesthesia and operating room costs.

Postoperative care: The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week. 

There is some evidence that large volume liposuction may have beneficial effects in people with metabolic problems, and may help diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Other studies have not confirmed this.

For more information see the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Liposuction or check with Dr. Hudson. The cost of liposuction will vary and depends on what area of the body is treated. Most surgeons calculate liposuction costs on the amount removed and location.