What is Body Contouring by Suction-Assisted Lipectomy?

Body Contouring by Suction Assisted Lipectomy, commonly known as “liposuction”, is a surgical procedure developed by a plastic surgeon during the 1980s which reshapes parts of the body while minimizing scars. Improvements in anesthesia, equipment and techniques have made it a safer procedure over the years. While exercise and a healthy diet may improve a patient’s body shape, some people may be genetically prone to fat deposits or have exercise resistant fat deposits for which suction-assisted lipectomy may be indicated.

What happens before the procedure?

Prior to the procedure, the patient will be asked about the following:

-       Current medication

-       Past medical history

-       Family history (illnesses present in the family)

-       Diet and exercise habits

-       Risk factors like smoking, intake of blood thinners and herbal medicines

The aesthetic surgeon then conducts a physical examination during which the patient points out the areas of concern which are then mapped out and recorded. Multiple minimal access incision sites are also marked.

The patient is referred for evaluation and undergoes the necessary laboratory exams in preparation for safe anesthesia and surgery.

How is the procedure done?

In the Aesthetic Surgery Operating Room, the patient is given anesthesia and prepared for the surgery. Through multiple minimal access incisions, diluted local anesthesia with a vasoconstrictor (medications which narrow the space in blood vessels) is given to the patient to minimize bleeding during the surgery. With the use of small hollow tubes with openings at the tip (cannulae), subcutaneous fat deposits (deposits of fat under the skin) are suctioned out while checking the contour of the remaining fat and skin. The procedure may take several hours depending on the location, amount of fat suctioned, and number of areas to be treated.

What happens after the procedure?

After the surgery, the plastic will be encouraged to wear elastic bandages or pressure garments to promote skin shrinkage, minimize swelling and skin discoloration. Most suction-assisted lipectomy is done using a combination of general and local anesthesia (producing no pain during the procedure). Intravenous or oral pain killers may be used for post-operative discomfort.

Most patients will be asked to sit up or ambulate on the first post-operative day. The surgical sites will be swollen for around three to six weeks after which the swelling subsides and the new contours are revealed.

What are the benefits of the procedure?

The big advantage of suction-assisted lipectomy is the minimal scars in liposuction.

What are the possible risks and complications of the procedure?

No surgical procedure (operation) is without risks. For suction-assisted lipectomy, risks may include contour irregularities, sagging skin, skin injury, bruising, infection and scarring. Uncommon risks are thromboembolism, abdominal perforation and rarely, death.

How can The Medical City help you?

At The Medical City, we have a complete roster of well-trained and experienced aesthetic surgeons who can perform the procedure in a special operating room, the Aesthetic Surgery Suite, which caters to well patients for surgery.

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

For more information, you may contact:

AESTHETIC SURGERY SUITE

Center for Wellness and Aesthetics

7^th Floor Center, Podium Bldg., The Medical City

Tel. No.: (+632) 988-1000 / (+632) 988-7000 Ext. 6600

References:

Fundamentals of Aesthetic Surgery

Editor: Stephen Sohn M.D.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Editor: Paule Regnault M.D., Rollin Daniel M.D.